Another option for using the travel credit is booking flights during peak seasons. The $500 can cover most or all of a transcontinental flight from the U.S. West Coast to New York City during winter holidays—a period when airfare tends to be higher due to increased demand.
The travel credit may also be used toward cruise bookings through Chase Travel. For instance, it could offset most of the cost of a short Caribbean cruise, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for travelers.
Cardholders interested in tours or experiences can use the promo credit for activities such as snorkeling trips at Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In this case, while some activities might not reach exactly $500—resulting in some unused value—choosing higher-priced options ensures full utilization of the benefit.
The promo credit can also go toward car rentals arranged via Chase Travel’s portal. Flexible cancellation policies are generally offered with car rentals; however, canceling after redeeming the promo will result in loss of the one-time-use travel credit.
For those wondering about expiration dates and how credits interact: purchases totaling $5,000 must be made within three months of account opening to qualify for both bonuses; once awarded, the travel promo is valid for one year from its issue date. It can be combined with Sapphire Reserve’s annual $300 travel statement credit on eligible purchases booked through Chase Travel—the promotional amount applies at checkout while statement credits post after charges are processed.
More information on maximizing these offers and details about redemption options are available on The Points Guy’s review page.
"To receive the promotional credit, new cardholders must make purchases totaling $5,000 or more within the first three months of opening an account. The promotional credit is valid for one year from the date it's made available in Chase Travel."
"The $500 Chase Travel Promo credit and the annual $300 Chase Sapphire Reserve travel credit can be combined. The $500 Chase Travel promo credit is added automatically at checkout for any Chase Travel purchase, whereas the $300 travel credit is applied as a statement credit when any travel purchase is made."
"For example, an $800 airline ticket booked via Chase Travel would be reduced to $300 thanks to the $500 Chase Travel promo credit at checkout. After the charge has posted to your card, the $300 Chase Travel credit would reduce your out of pocket cost to $0."
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