Chase adds new hotel credits and improves perks on Sapphire Reserve cards

"When you look at the way we structured the program, when you look at the entire package of Sapphire Reserve, it is in response to what our clients are asking for as opposed to matching whatever else the market is doing," said Sam Palmer, Chase Sapphire General Manager.

The new $250 hotel credit can be used through December 31, 2026. Cardholders can also earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points on spending beyond the credited amount. In addition to earning rewards points on eligible purchases, cardholders will continue to earn hotel loyalty program points and elite night credits with all participating brands for these bookings.

The structure of The Edit credit is also changing. From January 1, 2026 onward, cardholders will receive up to $250 for each prepaid booking of two nights or longer with The Edit (up to a maximum of $500 annually). Previously divided biannually into two credits of $250 each every six months, this adjustment allows greater flexibility by applying the credit to any qualifying booking throughout the year.

"We plan to continuously invest in the product," Palmer said. "Not one big refresh and then done. You will see this ongoing refresh of adding, removing, tweaking, based on how clients respond. ... We want to make sure these credits are as easy to use as possible."

These changes follow a recent update made in June that introduced the up-to-$500 Edit hotel booking credit for both cards. Cardholders may maximize value by combining the new $250 hotel credit with The Edit credit and an existing annual travel credit of $300 offered by the card.

The combined value from these credits can exceed the annual fee of $795 if used strategically on eligible properties such as Pendry Park City in Utah.

The updates come as part of Chase's effort to maintain competitiveness among premium travel cards. For those considering applying for either card product: Sapphire Reserve currently offers a welcome bonus of 125,000 points after spending $6,000 within three months from account opening; Sapphire Reserve for Business offers new cardholders 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 within six months from account opening.

Palmer emphasized that updates like these are part of an ongoing process: "We plan to continuously invest in the product," he said.

More information about these benefits can be found on Chase’s official site or through reviews comparing these products with competitors such as The Platinum Card from American Express.