Chase has officially reshaped its most premium credit card. The new Chase Sapphire Reserve now comes with a $795 annual fee, marking its most significant overhaul since its launch. However, the higher price brings a wave of added value, including over $2,700 in annual benefits. These benefits comprise $300 in dining credits, $300 for StubHub or Viagogo, $500 in luxury hotel credits, and perks for streaming, fitness, and rideshares. The traditional $300 travel credit remains, but the card’s Points Boost program now offers up to 2¢ per point on select travel bookings through Chase Travel.
With upgraded earning rates—8× on Chase Travel and 10× on Peloton purchases—and continued access to airport lounges, elite hotel status, and trip protections, Chase is betting that high-spending travelers will still see strong value.
The real question is: Does your lifestyle match the new structure? Let’s find out.
The Basics of the NEW Chase Sapphire Reserve
The new Chase Sapphire Reserve arrives with a $795 annual fee. At first glance, that figure may appear ambitious, especially in a crowded travel card market. However, starting October 26, 2025, Chase adds over $1,500 in new annual value. As a result, total yearly benefits reach approximately $2,700.
This shift repositions the card as a complete travel and lifestyle solution. In particular, it targets cardholders who want flexibility. They seek meaningful experiences and solid returns on both everyday and premium spending.
Beginning October 26, the revised fee structure will take effect on each member’s anniversary date. Additionally, authorized user fees will increase to $195 per person. In exchange, the new Chase Sapphire Reserve offers expanded benefits. These include hotel credits, lounge access, subscriptions, and travel protections.
According to Rachel Liu, a financial travel strategist and points analyst, “This is not a fee hike disguised as a perk. Rather, it reflects a realignment of the card’s identity around utility, access, and premium loyalty.”
Every swipe under the new structure delivers value. From flights to food delivery, rewards apply across the most-used spending categories.
💡 Related – 12 Chase Sapphire Premium Benefits That Turn Every Swipe Into a Luxe Retreat
Travel Credits Take the Lead for New Chase Sapphire Reserve Cardholders
Chase keeps its $300 annual travel credit. It still applies across airlines, hotels, transit, and rideshare services. “This remains one of the most versatile travel credits in the premium card space,” said Rachel Liu, a senior rewards analyst based in New York.
Additionally, the card now features a new $500 annual credit for The Edit. This hotel collection covers 1,000 upscale stays and offers perks such as a $100 credit, upgrades, and late checkout. For many travelers, moreover, that one feature alone helps justify the higher annual fee.
With the new Chase Sapphire Reserve, access also expands to approximately 1,300 airport lounges. That includes the growing Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club and the complete Priority Pass network. Each visit includes two complimentary guests.
The $120 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS remains in place.
In fact, “Even if you fly just a few times a year, skipping long lines improves the entire trip,” said Jordan Weiss, a travel columnist for Modern Miles Weekly.
Dining and Daily Spend Get a Premium Touch
Chase continues to emphasize the role of dining in everyday rewards. Now, cardholders receive a $300 annual credit for exclusive tables with the Sapphire Reserve. Specifically, it provides access to top restaurants through OpenTable, with reservations available during peak dining hours.
Moreover, members can also participate in private dining events in select cities. These exclusive experiences, in turn, cater to travelers who appreciate food and local culture. As Elise Tran, a hospitality writer based in San Francisco, puts it, “Chase is targeting cardholders who value experiences money alone cannot buy.”
Meanwhile, dining continues to earn 3x points worldwide, including takeout and eligible delivery. Additionally, DoorDash credits worth $300 are issued monthly. As a result, they raise the total dining value to about $3,600 a year. Taken together, these benefits significantly upgrade everyday rewards and, ultimately, align with the broader intent of the new Chase Sapphire Reserve.
💁♀️ Also read – Why Chase Sapphire Reserve Points on Dining Work Like Magic
Updated Points Earning Structure on the NEW Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase has changed the way its Sapphire Reserve card offers rewards, significantly altering the landscape of modern travel. Now, not every trip is valued equally. Savvy cardholders must consider both their destination and the route taken to get there. In this new system, how you book your travel is just as important as the journey itself.
Here’s how the changes affect key spending categories –
| Spending Category | New Rate | Previous Rate |
| Hotels via Chase Travel | 8X points per dollar | 10X points per dollar |
| Rental Cars via Chase Travel | 8X points per dollar | 10X points per dollar |
| Flights via Chase Travel | 8X points per dollar | 5X points per dollar |
| Flights booked directly with airlines | 4X points per dollar | 3X points per dollar |
| Hotels booked directly | 4X points per dollar | 3X points per dollar |
| Other travel | 1X point per dollar | 3X points per dollar |
In addition, the card still offers the following unchanged benefits –
- 3X points per dollar on dining
- 5X points per dollar on eligible Lyft rides
- 10X points per dollar on eligible Peloton purchases
Travelers now earn more points when booking flights through Chase Travel or directly with airlines. Direct hotel bookings also receive higher rewards than before.
On the other hand, with the removal of the broad ‘all other travel’ bonus category, spending on platforms like Airbnb, transit systems, and cruise lines now earns only 1 point per dollar, down from the previous 3.
Consequently, those who book travel outside Chase’s preferred channels may see a reduced return on their spending.
Entertainment, Subscriptions, and Lifestyle Benefits
Chase is leaning into everyday value beyond airports and hotels. Now, cardholders receive new credits across entertainment, fitness, and mobility. Altogether, these additions reflect changing habits in how people spend and unwind.
“This is Chase recognizing that travel is not the only way cardholders define premium,” said Lucas Grant, a personal finance columnist.
The new Chase Sapphire Reserve adds statement credits designed for modern consumers. These include $250 in streaming value through Apple TV Plus and Apple Music. Cardholders also get a $300 StubHub credit for concerts, shows, and live events. Dining receives attention as well.
Additionally, a $120 Peloton credit is available for memberships. Meanwhile, Chase provides another $120 Lyft credit, distributed across monthly rides.
Furthermore, cardholders get $300 in DoorDash promos across restaurant, grocery, and retail orders. DashPass membership remains complimentary, thereby adding another $120 in annual value.
Collectively, these soft benefits contribute to making the valuable card. They ultimately position it as a year-round rewards vehicle.
Premium Protections and Concierge Level Support
The new Chase Sapphire Reserve still includes premium travel protections. These cover primary –
- Auto rental insurance
- Emergency evacuation
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- baggage delay
- Trip delay reimbursement
Together, they reduce the stress of unexpected travel disruptions.
“This kind of coverage is easy to ignore until you need it,” said Sarah Bennett, a travel insurance advisor based in Seattle.
Cardholders gain access to Reserve Travel Designers. This specialized team helps plan trips from start to finish. From scheduling to last-minute changes, they handle every detail. Notably, Chase values the service at up to $300 per trip and provides it at no additional cost.
According to James Carter, a concierge travel expert, “Support like this turns a credit card into something closer to a personal assistant.”
Annual Spend Triggers Additional Tiered Benefits
Spending $75,000 in a calendar year unlocks a new tier of benefits on the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The structure rewards consistent, high-volume use across travel and lifestyle categories.
Cardholders earn Diamond Elite status with IHG Hotels (you can also refer to IHG vs. Hilton comparisons to gain a better knowledge of the distinction) and Resorts. They also receive a $500 travel credit for bookings made through Southwest Airlines. Chase includes A-List Status with Southwest. This benefit offers priority boarding and same-day standby.
Further, Chase offers a $250 credit for The Shops at Chase. It applies to premium retail brands such as Dyson, TUMI, and Bang & Olufsen.
“This model favors loyalty through volume,” said Emma Lewis, a credit card industry analyst. “It encourages cardholders to focus their spending to unlock full access.”
For frequent travelers and premium spenders, this rewards structure extends beyond basic perks. It provides access to elite programs and credits that align with everyday luxury and long-term brand loyalty.
Points Boost Also Adds Value to the New Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase is adding more flexibility to how cardholders use points. Starting today, the new Points Boost feature gives added value to Chase Travel bookings.
Now, eligible points can be worth up to twice their regular value. It applies to top hotels and select airline bookings made through Chase Travel.
For purchases not covered by Points Boost, all new points earned starting October 26, 2025, will instead be redeemed at a one-to-one rate. In turn, this update replaces the previous 1.5 times redemption offer.
Meanwhile, points earned before that date will still receive the best available value. In fact, cardholders will automatically get either the 1.5 rate or Points Boost, whichever proves more favorable. Notably, this protection remains in place through October 2027.
Overall, “Chase is shifting toward a more dynamic reward model,” said Olivia Barnes, a credit strategy editor based in Atlanta. “This puts more control in the hands of the traveler.”
Looking ahead, Chase will update Points Boost offers on a rolling basis. As such, the new Chase Sapphire Reserve encourages cardholders to check Chase Travel often for new deals.
Recommended read – How to Earn Chase Sapphire Reserve Points Fast
So, does the NEW Chase Sapphire Reserve justify its Annual Fee?
On the other hand, for casual users, the higher fee may feel excessive. Nevertheless, for those who spend across Chase Travel and daily services, the structure supports real returns.
Ultimately, the value is there. It simply depends on how you use it.
In a Nutshell
The new Chase Sapphire Reserve offers excellent value. You get travel credits, lounge access, and high rewards. It also includes hotel upgrades and trip protection. If you travel often, this card can be worth it. The points you earn are easily redeemable with many partners. The perks make trips more comfortable and less stressful. Plus, the exclusive experiences add extra value. The card saves money and improves trips.
Overall, it’s a perfect option for frequent travelers.
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