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Chase Sapphire Reserve’s high fee offset by robust travel perks and statement credits

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Chase Sapphire Reserve’s high fee offset by robust travel perks and statement credits
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Zach Griff Senior reporter | The Points Guy

As credit card annual fees increase, many consumers are reevaluating the value offered by premium cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The card now carries a $795 annual fee, which is the highest among major travel rewards credit cards. However, this cost is offset by several perks and statement credits.

New applicants for the Chase Sapphire Reserve can receive a welcome bonus of 100,000 points plus a $500 Chase Travel promo credit after spending $5,000 in the first three months. According to The Points Guy's August 2025 valuation, these points are worth up to $2,550. "This is more than triple the $795 annual fee," states The Points Guy.

The card offers airport lounge access for cardholders and up to two guests at over 1,700 locations worldwide through Priority Pass Select membership and eight Chase lounges. Access to Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges is also included when flying with Star Alliance airlines. Authorized users can get similar access for an additional $195 per year.

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A notable benefit is the annual $300 travel credit that applies automatically to various travel expenses such as flights, hotels, parking, bus tickets, campgrounds, and ferries. This effectively reduces the net annual fee to about $495.

Cardholders also have access to The Edit hotel booking platform from Chase. Bookings made through The Edit come with elite-style benefits like free daily breakfast for two people and potential room upgrades. Additionally, two biannual credits of $250 each (up to $500 annually) are available when booking eligible properties with prepaid stays of at least two nights.

For car rentals and hotel stays, members receive Hertz Five Star status and IHG One Platinum Elite status until December 31, 2027. Those who spend at least $75,000 on the card in a calendar year can earn higher tiers with IHG and Southwest Airlines A-List status.

Dining benefits include two biannual credits of $150 (up to $300 annually) toward OpenTable reservations via Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables in over 25 U.S. cities. Cardholders also receive monthly DoorDash promotions totaling up to $300 per year and a complimentary DashPass membership if activated by December 31, 2027.

Lifestyle credits available include up to $250 annually for Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions through June 22, 2027; up to $120 every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees; monthly Lyft credits totaling up to $120 annually through September 30, 2027; Peloton membership credits totaling up to $120 annually through December 31, 2027; and StubHub or Viagogo event ticket credits totaling up to $300 annually through December 31, 2027.

When combined fully each year these lifestyle credits could provide up to an additional value of approximately $910 — surpassing the card’s annual fee — though some may find it difficult to maximize all benefits due to their distribution across monthly or biannual increments.

The Sapphire Reserve provides strong travel insurance coverage as part of its Visa Infinite benefits package: emergency evacuation coverage; emergency medical/dental coverage; extended warranty protection; lost luggage reimbursement; primary rental car insurance; purchase/return protection; trip cancellation/delay coverage apply even if only taxes or fees on award bookings are paid using the card.

Alternative options exist for those who do not frequently use premium perks or prefer simpler rewards structures — including other cards from Chase like the Sapphire Preferred ($95 annual fee) or Ink Business Preferred ($95), as well as competing products such as Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee) which offers lounge access without extensive statement credits management requirements.

"If you maximize the perks," notes The Points Guy in their review summary section about overall value versus cost calculations regarding this product category: "the math works out." Otherwise simpler lower-fee alternatives may be preferable depending on usage patterns.

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