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Explore all the benefits of Sapphire Reserve

Rewards to inspire your next adventure.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card makes every purchase rewarding. Make your journey memorable with travel perks, private dinners, and VIP access at sought-after events. Explore your complete Guide to Benefits or learn more about your benefits below.

01          Travel

chase visa credit card travel

Get closer to your happy place

Earn points as you seek out new destinations. Book a hotel, make the most of airfare, hail rides around town and more.

$300 Travel Credit

Get reimbursed for up to $300 in travel purchases you make with your Sapphire Reserve card 1 each year. Each year, your first $300 in travel purchases will not earn rewards points. 2

Book through The Edit SM

Experience distinct benefits at a curated collection of hotels and resorts when you book through The Edit by Chase Travel SM , an exclusive benefit for Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. 7

10x on hotels through Chase Travel

Earn 10x total points on hotels (excluding The Edit) and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. 1

5x points on flights through Chase Travel

Earn 5x total points on flights purchased travel through Chase Travel after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. 1

3x points on travel

Enjoy the trip even more with bonus points on travel purchases like airfare and hotels. 1

Unlimited points

There is no limit to the number of points you can earn. Points don’t expire as long as your account is open. 1

Enjoy more premium travel rewards

When you travel with Sapphire, plan on benefits ranging from generous statement credits to access to luxury properties worldwide.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®  or NEXUS fee credit

Receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your Sapphire Reserve card. 5

No blackout dates or restrictions

Book travel through Chase Travel and if a seat’s available, it’s yours.

No foreign transaction fees

Pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card outside the United States. 6 For example, if you spend $5,000 internationally, you would avoid $150 in foreign transaction fees.

Elite hotel benefits at Relais & Châteaux

Enjoy great benefits like a VIP welcome and complimentary breakfast daily at select properties with Relais & Châteaux, a prestigious collection of luxury properties in over 60 countries. Call the Visa Infinite Concierge at 1-877-660-0905 for more details and to book your stay. 8

Special car rental privileges

Enroll in leading car rental rewards programs from National Car Rental, Avis and Silvercar. Log in to Chase Travel to access the special car rental privileges section of your travel benefits page to book with your card. Enjoy enhanced benefits, such as upgrades and car rental discounts, savings on luxury and premium rental car rates, plus promotions and other offers. 9

Ennismore hotel benefits

Your card gets you VIP access to benefits at Delano, Hyde, Mondrian, Morgans Originals and SLS hotels and resorts around the world. Cardmembers can stay a little longer with a complimentary 4th night, receive room upgrades and late check outs, along with priority access to cabana reservations, a $30 food and beverage credit and much more. 10

Free Lyft Pink

Get 2 complimentary years of Lyft Pink All Access when activated by Dec 31, 2024—a value of $199/year. 3 This includes member-exclusive pricing, free Priority Pickup upgrades, discounts on bikeshare and more. Membership auto-renews.

Don't forget as a Sapphire Reserve cardmember you'll still earn 10x total points on Lyft rides through March 2025. 4 That’s 7x points in addition to the 3x points you already earn on travel. That’s 7x points in addition to the 3x points you already earn on travel. Activate Lyft Pink All Access

02          Dining

chase visa credit card travel

Indulge in worldwide dining experiences

Whether visiting your local bistro or a restaurant on your bucket list, there are always special dining rewards with Sapphire Reserve.

Private dining series

Sit down for a memorable meal at some of the most sought-after restaurants in the country.

3x points on dining

Earn triple the points at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services with your Sapphire Reserve card. 1 From Sunday brunch to a birthday dinner, meals out mean more rewards.

DoorDash & Caviar benefits

Takeout tastes even better with a complimentary DashPass membership on both DoorDash and Caviar. You’ll pay no delivery fee and lower service fees on eligible orders for a minimum of one year. Activate by Dec. 31, 2024 12 . Plus, as a DashPass member get a $5 monthly DoorDash credit automatically applied at checkout 13 .

Instacart benefits from Sapphire

Skip the trip and have your groceries delivered to your doorstep with 1 year of complimentary Instacart+. 14 In addition, Instacart+ members earn up to $15 in statement credits each month through July 2024. 15 Membership auto-renews. Terms apply.

03           Ultimate Rewards ®

chase visa credit card travel

Get the most from your rewards

Enjoy the flexibility of booking airfare, hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel or transfer points to other travel programs.

More value with travel redemption

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruise lines through Chase Travel—our easy-to-use portal that helps you maximize your travel spending. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel. 16

Worldwide travel assistance

Whether you need help booking travel or modifying a reservation count on the full-service support of the Chase Travel team.

1:1 point transfer to leading frequent travel programs

Transfer points to participating frequent travel programs at a full 1:1 value—that means 1,000 points equals 1,000 partner miles/points.

No travel restrictions or blackout dates on airline tickets booked through Chase Travel.

1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

In addition to earning 3 points per dollar on travel and dining at restaurants, you’ll earn 1 point for every dollar you spend on all your other purchases. 1

Flexibility

You can book airfare, hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel using your Sapphire Reserve card, your points or a combination of both—it's up to you.

More ways to get the most from your rewards

Redeem your points for statement credits, gift cards or choose from other flexible ways to make your points work for you.

Shop through Chase ®

Shop online with brands you already love. Earn 1x–15x bonus points at more than 450 popular retailers with Shop through Chase. 16

25% more value with Pay Yourself Back ®

Redeem points for statement credits toward your annual fee and eligible purchases for gas, wholesale clubs, and pet supplies & services by June 31, 2024.

Choose from a selection of over 150 gift cards from some of your favorite retailers and more.

Pay with points

Use your points to pay for all or part of your purchases with popular brands like Apple ® 19 and Amazon.com. 20

04          Lounges

chase visa credit card travel

Relax with airport lounge access

With access to Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club and Priority Pass lounges, each trip becomes an invitation to indulge before you get there.

Enjoy complimentary Priority Pass TM Select membership

Departing for your destination is more relaxing with access to 1,300+ Priority Pass airport lounges in 600+ cities around the world, plus every Sapphire Lounge by The Club, after a one- time enrollment in Priority Pass Select.

Visit Sapphire Lounge by The Club

Relax and refresh at a Sapphire Lounge and enjoy locally inspired menus, a curated selection of beverages, an atmosphere to remember and more. Sapphire Reserve cardmembers, ensure you're enrolled in your complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for lounge access.

The Reserve Suites by Chase

Reserve cardmembers, treat yourself to The Reserve Suites at Sapphire Lounge by The Club at LaGuardia Airport in Terminal B. Enjoy caviar service on arrival, specially curated wine lists by Parcelle, exclusive menus by Jeffrey's Grocery, private bathrooms with spa showers and more. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can book a suite for a fee up to 72 hours prior to flight departure. Find details on the Chase Mobile ® app in Benefits & Travel. The Reserve Suites are limited and subject to availability.

05          Protection

chase visa credit card travel

Travel with peace of mind 22

When you take to the air or hit the road, we make security a priority. Here are some of the protection services built into your Sapphire Reserve card benefits.

Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance

If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours and hotels.

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage for rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.

Emergency Evacuation and Transportation

If you or a member of your immediate family are injured or become sick during a trip far from home that results in an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for medical services and transportation up to $100,000.

Trip Delay Reimbursement

If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 6 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

Travel Accident Insurance

When you pay for your air, bus, train or cruise transportation with your card, you are eligible to receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $1,000,000.

Baggage Delay Insurance

Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over 6 hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for 5 days.

Roadside Assistance

If you have a roadside emergency, you can call for a tow, jumpstart, tire change, locksmith or gas. You’re covered up to $50 per incident 4 times a year.

Sapphire Reserve Benefits Guide

These are just some of the protection services built into your Sapphire Reserve card benefits. Your Guide to Benefits has more of what you need to know about your travel and purchase protection benefits.

Account security and protection

Your Sapphire Reserve card is equipped with the enhanced account and purchase protection you deserve.

Zero Liability Protection 23

Zero Liability Protection means you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information. If you see an unauthorized charge, simply call the number on the back of your card.

Fraud protection

We help safeguard your credit card purchases using sophisticated fraud monitoring. We monitor for fraud 24/7 and can text, email or call you if there are unusual purchases on your credit card.

Fraud alerts

We monitor for fraud 24/7 and can text, email or call you if there are unusual purchases on your credit card. 24 Please sign in to chase.com and review your personal details to ensure your mailing address, phone and/or email are up to date.

Return Protection

You can be reimbursed for eligible items that the store won’t take back within 90 days of purchase, up to $500 per item, $1,000 per year. 22

Extended Warranty Protection

Extends the time period of the manufacturer's U.S. warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less. 22

Chip-enabled for enhanced security and wider acceptance

A credit card with an embedded chip provides enhanced security and wider acceptance when you make purchases at chip-enabled card readers in the U.S. and abroad.

Purchase Protection

Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year. 22

06          Events

chase visa credit card travel

Exclusive access to events and experiences

Sapphire cardmembers enjoy priority ticketing and the best seats in the house for a wide range of events.

Reserved by Sapphire SM 

Explore one-of-a-kind experiences from private dinners hosted by award-winning chefs to VIP access at the most sought after events. See where your Sapphire Reserve card can take you.

Events and experiences lounges

Enjoy comfortable seating at Chase Sapphire events in prime locations, complimentary food and drinks, plus a range of amenities, such as a dining concierge, charging stations, Wi-Fi and more.

Early-access tickets

Beat the crowds. Get your tickets to concerts and sporting events before they sell out.

Priority seating

Get up close to the court or the stage. Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can experience events from the best seats in the house.

07          Wellness

chase visa credit card travel

Earn 10x total points on Peloton

Work out your way — from HIIT rides to walks and hikes to strength training, and more: Get 10x total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 with a max earn of 50,000 points. Shop Peloton Bikes, Tread, Guide, or Row. Offer ends Mar. 31, 2025. 25

Shop Peloton

08          Services

chase visa credit card travel

Personalized assistance for Sapphire cardmembers

Turn to Sapphire for help coordinating travel, restaurant reservations, access to entertainment and more complimentary assistance and referrals.

24/7 access to customer service

Talk to a dedicated specialist whenever you need assistance. Simply call the number on the back of your card.

Visa Infinite Concierge Service 26

Contact Visa Infinite Concierge at 1-877-660-0905 for help with dinner reservations or Broadway, music and sporting event tickets.

Travel and emergency assistance

If you run into a problem away from home, call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance. (You will be responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.)

Easily get more from your Sapphire experience

From mobile account access to contactless payment, cardmembers can enjoy many safe and convenient features.

Manage your account with ease

Create an account on chase.com and download the Chase Mobile ® app 27 to check account and points balances, pay bills and more.

Tap-to-pay contactless checkout

Simply tap to pay with your contactless Chase Sapphire card. Just look for the Contactless Symbol at checkout, then tap your contactless card on the checkout terminal. It's fast, easy and secure!

Add an authorized user

Maximize your reward earning potential by adding an authorized user to your account. 28

Go paperless

Get your statement online. Safely access up to 6 years of statements online. It's secure, convenient and reduces clutter.

Convenient ways to pay

Load your card into a digital wallet for a quick and secure way to pay with your mobile device and receive all the benefits and rewards of using your Sapphire Reserve card.

Earn points automatically

Grow your points balance by using your card as the primary payment method for:

  • Online checkout Add your card to your favorite shopping apps and online merchants to conveniently build up your points balance.
  • Monthly bills Use your card to make auto payments for monthly bills (e.g., cell phone and utility bills). 29

Redeem_for_travel_image

Redeem for travel

Use points toward your next getaway—they’re worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through Chase Travel.

Family at the dinner table

Pay Yourself Back ®

Your points have more value when you redeem them for statement credits after making eligible purchases on gas, wholesale clubs, and pet supplies & services by June 31, 2024.

Chase dining tile

Chase Dining SM

Order takeout at popular eateries around town or make reservations at restaurants, wineries and bars across the country.

There's so much for you

chase visa credit card travel

More Sapphire Offers

There’s so much more to make yours—top benefits, offers and experiences for Sapphire Reserve cardmembers.  

Sapphire-Library_IH_Day

Reserved by Sapphire SM

Your Sapphire Reserve card opens new doors to more flavors, sights and sounds. Explore the extraordinary lineup of experiences—including culinary, sports, music and entertainment.  

Refer A Friend

Refer-A-Friend

Earn up to 75,000 bonus points per year by referring friends to either Chase Sapphire ® card.  

Already a Sapphire cardmember?

Sign in to view your account, access exclusive content and take advantage of your Sapphire benefits.

Not a Sapphire cardmember yet?

We’re glad you’re here. Learn more about getting a Sapphire card.

chase visa credit card travel

Es posible que esta comunicación contenga información acerca de usted o su cuenta. Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor, llame al número que aparece en el reverso de su tarjeta.

View the details of the Sapphire Reserve benefits offered on this page.

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How to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve $300 annual travel credit to save on travel

Summer Hull

Editor's Note

In addition to the bonus points on travel and dining charges, a marquee benefit of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® since its debut in 2016 has been its $300 travel credit each year. And unlike similar perks on competing cards, this credit is incredibly easy to use on all sorts of travel.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a $550 annual fee , but if you spend at least $300 per year on travel, the effective annual fee is much less painful.

This annual credit is in addition to other Sapphire Reserve perks, such as Priority Pass membership , the application fee credit toward Global Entry/PreCheck every four years, bonus points on Lyft rides (through March 2025) and up to $5 in monthly DoorDash credits (plus a DashPass membership when activated by Dec. 31, 2024), which together make it an easier call to continue holding the card.

So how exactly do you use the Sapphire Reserve's travel credit? Thankfully, it's really, really easy. The (sorta) bad news? It's so simple and automatic that you may use the credit before you even realize it.

When do you earn the $300 Chase Sapphire Reserve travel credit?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve annual $300 travel credit is awarded each year that you have the card and is ready to use as soon as you open your new account.

In most cases, when this credit resets, it is tied to a cardmember year, not a calendar year. That means when you first opened the card will usually determine the date you get a fresh $300 travel credit each year.

The exception is those who opened a Sapphire Reserve before May 21, 2017, who are awarded the annual travel credit based on a calendar year. In that case, the credit is awarded after the last statement closure date in December, regardless of when during the year the account was opened.

This contrasts American Express' airline fee credits on cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express , as those are always awarded on a calendar-year basis (enrollment is required).

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. the Amex Platinum

What counts toward the Sapphire Reserve's travel credit?

A great element of the Chase Sapphire Reserve's travel credit is that it is quite broad in what types of charges it covers.

Essentially, you can typically use the annual travel credit on anything that codes as travel on your Sapphire Reserve. Remember, you'll earn 3 points per dollar on travel charges by swiping the card, so the charges that award bonus points will be the same charges you can use toward the travel credit. (However, know that you don't earn points on the travel charges offset by the $300 travel credit.)

Some examples of types of purchases that count for the Sapphire Reserve's travel credit include:

  • Airline charges
  • Campgrounds
  • Car rental agencies
  • Cruise lines
  • Travel agency services
  • Train tickets
  • Bus tickets
  • Taxis and car services
  • Toll bridges and highways
  • Parking lots and garages

Because airline charges generally code as travel, you can use the credit on purchases such as airline tickets, taxes on award tickets, upgrades, seat assignment fees, checked bag fees, onboard snacks, change fees and lap infant fees.

Your cruise deposits and payments should also count, as do hotel bookings and deposits. If you have to pay for parking, taxis or road tolls in your normal life, you can even use the travel credit toward those everyday charges.

What does not count toward the Sapphire Reserve travel credit?

Of course, not all purchases you may think of in the travel space code as travel charges. If a purchase doesn't code as a travel charge, you won't be able to use the $300 travel credit from the Sapphire Reserve.

Items that code as travel vary and can also change at any time. Some things that may not code as travel include theme park tickets brought directly from theme parks, ski lift tickets , Points.com purchases, some airline or travel gift card purchases , inflight purchases that are processed by a third party and some meals eaten at a hotel but not charged to a room.

(Pro tip: If you want Disney tickets to code as a travel charge, book them via a third-party travel site such as Get Away Today or Undercover Tourist .)

chase visa credit card travel

How do you use the Sapphire Reserve travel credit?

Using your Sapphire Reserve travel credit is very simple: just use the card to pay for eligible travel purchases — that's it. There is nothing to activate, no codes to use or special sites to book through.

The offsetting statement credits will usually automatically appear on your account within a couple of days, as shown below, and this will continue until you've used the year's travel credit in full.

chase visa credit card travel

Related: The best travel credit cards

How to see if you've used your Sapphire Reserve travel credit

If you've lost track of whether you've used up your Sapphire Reserve annual travel credit, you can easily figure it out by logging into Chase Travel℠ , selecting your Chase Sapphire Reserve card and scrolling down the home page.

This section will tell you the month when the next year's credit will become available so you know to use up this year's credit before then.

chase visa credit card travel

Bottom line

It's great when credit cards give you annual travel credits that are easy to use, and the $300 travel credit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve is about as simple as it comes. Every year, you'll automatically get $300 in statement credits whenever your card is used on a travel purchase — effectively lowering the fee on the card to $250 per year if you maximize the credit.

Of course, if you aren't making the most of the Sapphire Reserve benefits, you could also talk to Chase about potentially downgrading to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or even the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited® .

To learn more about the card, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve .

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

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Do You Need To Set Up a Travel Notice for Your Chase Credit Cards?

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Katie Seemann

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Do You Need To Set Up a Travel Notice for Your Chase Credit Cards?

Why Would You Want To Notify Chase of Your Travels?

Personal chase credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, business chase credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

If you aren’t a frequent traveler, you might be wondering about everything you need to do to prepare for a trip abroad. Of course, you’re considering what to pack and whether or not you should buy travel insurance , but what about your bank?

One of the things you might want to think about is adding a travel alert notification to your credit cards. While this isn’t required, it has historically been helpful to avoid the unnecessary hassle of credit card problems while traveling.

In this post, we’ll talk about setting up a travel notification on your Chase account , whether or not it’s even necessary, and how to avoid foreign transaction fees when using your Chase credit cards abroad.

So, why would you even want to add a travel notification to your accounts in the first place?

Previously, charges from outside the U.S. could trigger a fraud alert, which would temporarily shut down your credit card even if you were traveling abroad. That’s not a great way to start a vacation.

An easy way to avoid that risk was to place a simple travel notification on your Chase account. This allowed your Chase credit cards to be used outside the U.S. without problems.

Thankfully, it’s no longer necessary to set up a travel alert notification with Chase when you’re planning to travel outside the U.S.

Family Travel Venice

Previously, you’d set up a travel alert on your Chase account online or through the Chase mobile app.

You would do this by going to your account, clicking on Profile & settings , navigating to Account Settings , and then clicking Travel .

How To Set Up A Chase Travel Alert

Now, when you follow those same steps, you get a message from Chase saying that it’s not necessary to set up a travel alert notification anymore .

Chase travel alert notification

Setting up a travel alert notification on your Chase account is no longer necessary when you’re planning to travel outside the country.

How To Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

While you no longer need to set up a travel alert for your Chase credit cards, choosing the right credit card is important to avoid foreign transaction fees.

Certain cards carry a 3% foreign transaction fee anytime you use them outside the U.S. The good news is plenty of cards waive this fee — just be sure to know which cards have no-additional fee and try to use only those on your trip.

Heathrow Airport Shopping

Multiple Chase credit cards waive the standard 3% foreign transaction fee. Be sure to carry at least 1 of these while traveling abroad.

The following Chase credit cards do not have any foreign transaction fees :

  • Aer Lingus Visa Signature ® Card
  • Aeroplan ® Credit Card
  • Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card
  • British Airways Visa Signature ®  Card
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve ®
  • Iberia Visa Signature ®  Card
  • IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
  • Instacart Mastercard ®
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card
  • Prime Visa card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Credit Card
  • The World of Hyatt Credit Card
  • United Club℠ Infinite Card
  • United℠ Explorer Card
  • United Gateway℠ Card
  • United Quest℠ Card
  • IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
  • Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card
  • Ink Business Premier ® Credit Card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Performance Business Credit Card
  • United℠ Business Card
  • United Club℠ Business Card
  • World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Adding an alert to your Chase account before you travel internationally is no longer needed. While this used to be a way to let Chase know you would be out of the country so international activity on your card wouldn’t trigger a fraud alert, today’s more sophisticated technology makes this step unnecessary.

The information regarding the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i set up a travel alert with chase.

You don’t. Setting up a travel alert with Chase is no longer necessary.

Do I have to let Chase know that I am traveling?

No, letting Chase know when you travel internationally is no longer required. It used to be common practice to set up a travel alert so international charges didn’t trigger a fraud alert on your credit cards, but today’s more sophisticated systems have made this step unnecessary.

Does Chase no longer require travel notice?

That’s correct. Chase doesn’t require a travel notice at all anymore. The ability to set up a travel notice on Chase’s website has been removed.

Do I need to notify Chase of International travel?

No, it’s no longer necessary to notify Chase of any upcoming travel, including international travel. The ability to add a travel alert notification has even been removed from Chase’s website.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution

Claire Tsosie Author Avatar

What’s on This Page

The bottom line, pros and cons, detailed review, compare to other cards, benefits and perks, drawbacks and considerations, how to decide if it's right for you.

The card's rewards structure isn't the easiest to remember. But its useful bonus categories, flexible rewards and outstanding welcome offer make it a top contender among cash-back cards.

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Bonus offer

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months

Ongoing APR

APR: 20.49%-29.24% Variable APR

Cash Advance APR: 29.99%, Variable

Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC

Video preview image

No annual fee

Intro APR period

High rewards rate

No minimum redemption amount

Requires good/excellent credit

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a compelling combination of valuable rewards, flexible redemption options, a lengthy 0% introductory APR period and a sign-up bonus that’s worth more than most cash-back cards offer — all for an annual fee of $0 .

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns 3% cash back on restaurants and drugstore purchases, 5% back on travel booked through Chase and 1.5% back on other purchases. Put that together and you have a card that can really pile up the cash back. And if you carry other credit cards that also earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points , it packs even more value.

But all those different rewards rates make the card more complicated than competitors that offer a simpler 1.5% back on everything. One remedy: Make the Chase Freedom Unlimited® a top-of-wallet card for every purchase, and you’ll be sure to score those bonus rewards without having to think much about it.

It’s why this card makes a compelling case to be a one-card solution among cash-back credit cards.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Basics

Card type: Cash back .

Annual fee: $0 .

Sign-up bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back! ( NOTE: This offer is available when you apply through NerdWallet. If you apply directly with Chase or through a different website, you may not be eligible for this offer.)

5% back on travel booked through Chase.

3% back at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.

3% back on drugstore purchases.

Through March 31, 2025, 5% back on qualifying Lyft services purchased through the Lyft app.

1.5% cash back on everything else.

Interest rate: 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 20.49%-29.24% Variable APR .

Foreign transaction fee: 3%.

» MORE: Benefits of the Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points

Although the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is marketed as a cash-back card, your spending actually earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. Points are worth a penny apiece when redeemed for cash back, thus you get 1.5% cash back or more depending on the category of your purchase. Points may also be redeemed for:

Gift cards at 1 cent per point.

Travel booked through Chase at 1 cent per point.

Amazon purchases at 0.8 cent per point.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an excellent card on its own, but it's even better as a companion to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. More on that below.

» MORE: Chase credit cards mobile app review

Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. Chase Freedom Flex℠

If you're looking at the Chase Freedom Unlimited® , it's logical to wonder how it compares with the similarly named Chase Freedom Flex℠ .

Both Freedom-branded cards have an annual fee of $0 , and both offer lucrative ways to earn cash back.

The choice mostly comes down to rewards: 5% quarterly rotating categories on the Chase Freedom Flex℠ or the 1.5% “everything else” (instead of 1% everything else) of the Chase Freedom Unlimited® .

A quick evaluation:

Chase Freedom Flex℠ : The 5% cash back is enticing but complicated. Bonus cash back is also capped at $1,500 per quarter in spending before reverting to 1% back. Category activation is required; all other purchases earn 1% cash back.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® : The 1.5% back on everything else is less exciting but simpler and way more flexible.

Which is more valuable will depend on how well the rotating bonus categories of the Chase Freedom Flex℠ match your spending. It also depends on how much you spend overall. Big spenders might get more value from 1.5% on everything else because it’s unlimited.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® runs on the Visa payment network, while the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a Mastercard. In terms of acceptance, it doesn't matter much if you carry a Visa or a Mastercard . But Visa and Mastercard do offer some differing side perks.

The table in the dropdown menu below highlights the differences in rewards between the two cards and the older Chase Freedom® , which is no longer accepting applications and has been effectively replaced by the Chase Freedom Flex℠ .

For more information on which of these Freedom credit cards is right for you, see our full comparison story .

(There is yet another rewards-earning Freedom product — the Chase Freedom Rise℠ — but unlike the cards above, it is meant for beginners to credit.)

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

As a cash-back card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® delivers a great treat for new cardholders followed by high ongoing value at a low cost. Its best features include:

Potentially rich sign-up bonus

Unlike a standard credit card bonus, which pays you a lump sum once you hit a specific spending amount, the bonus on the Chase Freedom Unlimited® comes in the form of higher reward rates in the first year, which, depending on how much you spend, can really add up: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back! ( NOTE: This offer is available when you apply through NerdWallet. If you apply directly with Chase or through a different website, you may not be eligible for this offer.)

Comparable no-fee cash-back cards nowadays offer bonuses of around $200.

Useful bonus categories

The bonus rewards categories are useful and lucrative:

5% back on travel purchased through Chase.

Restaurants and drugstores are especially useful rewards categories for many households. Spend $3,000 a year combined in those categories, and you’ll earn $90 annually.

And if you book travel through Chase, 5% can add up quickly on pricey travel itineraries. Vacation travel costing $6,000 gets you back $300, for example.

1.5% on 'everything else'

Cash-back credit cards with bonus categories, like 3% back on restaurants, typically offer 1% cash back on “everything else.” The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers 1.5% back on everything else.

While 0.5% more doesn’t seem like much, it adds up for big spenders because it has no limit. And many big-ticket expenses seldom fall neatly into typical bonus categories — think medical bills, car tires and furnace repair.

For those who spend a lot, say $5,000 per month on “everything else,” the extra 0.5% rate on the Chase Freedom Unlimited® means an extra $300 a year in cash back, compared with its typical competitors.

» MORE: Which 1.5% cash-back credit card should you choose?

Point transfers to maximize value

Because Chase allows you to transfer its points among cards that earn them, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® can be a cornerstone of a strategy to get maximum value out of every dollar you spend. If you have multiple Chase cards, you can:

Earn more points by splitting your spending between this card and the Chase Freedom Flex. By using the Chase Freedom Flex for purchases in the 5% bonus categories and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® on all other spending, you'd boost your overall rewards earnings significantly.

Get more value per point by transferring rewards to a card with elevated redemption values. Points earned with this card are usually worth a penny apiece. But several Chase cards give you more value per point when you use them to book travel through Chase's online portal, operated by Expedia:

With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card , each point is worth 1.25 cents when redeemed for travel through Chase.

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , points are worth 1.5 cents apiece when redeemed for travel through Chase.

These three cards also allow you to transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to about a dozen airline and hotel loyalty programs, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Marriott and Hyatt. Depending on how you use transferred points, you could reap even more value.

» MORE: What is the 'Chase trifecta'?

It’s complicated

The 1.5% flat rate is easy enough to understand, but the mix of reward rates in other spending categories is head-spinning — especially for cash-back lovers, who tend to value simplicity. Add in the extra 1.5% in the first year, and things get even more ... interesting.

If you don’t want to carry around a rewards cheat sheet to optimally use a credit card and you’re just interested in cash-back rewards — not necessarily Chase Ultimate Rewards® — the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is one of the best flat-rate cards on the market. It offers 2% cash back on everything — and not just for a limited time.

» MORE: Credit cards that earn 2% cash back or more on purchases

Better rates available in specific categories

Cards with rewards bonus categories are most valuable when you spend a significant amount in those categories.

Alternative options include:

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express pays an industry-leading 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%), plus 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% at U.S. gas stations, 3% on transit and 1% on all other spending. Terms apply ( see rates and fees ). It comes at a cost, though: A $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. Terms apply. This is an ideal card for high grocery spenders.

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card pays 3% in a category of your choice (gas/EV charging, online shopping (including cable, phone, internet and streaming services), dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement/furnishings) and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, on up to $2,500 in combined choice-category/grocery-store/wholesale-club spending per quarter. All other spending earns 1% cash back.

You can find out more about how this cash-back credit card compares versus the competition by visiting our list of best credit cards to get .

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great deal for consumers — especially for those who already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

It comes with a potentially rich sign-up offer, useful bonus rewards categories and plenty of options for cashing in rewards. It’s not as simple as a flat-rate cash-back card, but its versatility and value make it a strong choice.

» MORE: Which Chase Freedom credit card is right for you?

To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express , see this page .

alt

Looking For Something Else?

Methodology.

NerdWallet reviews credit cards with an eye toward both the quantitative and qualitative features of a card. Quantitative features are those that boil down to dollars and cents, such as fees, interest rates, rewards (including earning rates and redemption values) and the cash value of benefits and perks. Qualitative factors are those that affect how easy or difficult it is for a typical cardholder to get good value from the card. They include such things as the ease of application, simplicity of the rewards structure, the likelihood of using certain features, and whether a card is well-suited to everyday use or is best reserved for specific purchases. Our star ratings serve as a general gauge of how each card compares with others in its class, but star ratings are intended to be just one consideration when a consumer is choosing a credit card. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Cardholders earn 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 3% back at restaurants and drugstore purchases. All other purchases earn 1.5% back. Plus, through March 31, 2025, cardholders earn 5% back on qualifying Lyft services purchased through the Lyft app.

You’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify for the Chase Freedom Unlimited® . Generally speaking, this is defined as a credit score of 690 or better. But a credit score alone isn’t enough to qualify for any credit card. Issuers take into account your income, existing debts and other information.

It depends on your spending habits. The cards have identical sign-up bonuses, 0% APR periods and $0 annual fees. The main difference is in the rewards. The travel, restaurant and drugstore rewards are the same on both cards. But the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a solid 1.5% back on "everything else," while the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories and 1% on other spending.

The annual fee on the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is $0 .

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a Visa.

Yes. The bonus is: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Yes. The cards have some identical rewards, but you can use them together to maximize your cash back.

About the author s

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Gregory Karp

What the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Card offers

  • How other travel cards compare to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
  • 3 key benefits cardholders get from the Autograph Journey 

Move Over, Chase Sapphire Preferred. This New Travel Credit Card Is Turning Heads

Wells Fargo's newest card has one key advantage over the gold standard in travel cards.

Holly Johnson

Holly Johnson

Contributor

Holly Johnson is a credit card expert and writer who covers rewards and loyalty programs, budgeting, and all things personal finance. In addition to writing for publications like Bankrate, CreditCards.com, Forbes Advisor and Investopedia, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You'll Love."

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card * -- Wells Fargo’s latest and best travel card -- recently launched with an impressive set of features. Its competitive rewards, welcome bonus and redemption options take aim at incumbent travel credit cards from Chase, American Express and Capital One.

What gives Wells Fargo’s first foray into the point-transfer space an edge is that you don’t have to book travel in a portal to earn the highest rewards rates. 

Here’s why we think the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey could go toe-to-toe with some of the best travel credit cards, plus three insider tips to help you decide if you should add it to your credit card lineup.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect with the Autograph Journey:

  • Earn 60,000 welcome bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in purchases within three months of account opening.
  • Earn unlimited 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x points on other travel and dining and 1x on other purchases.
  • Receive an annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Other benefits include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside dispatch and cell phone insurance.
  • $95 annual fee.

How other travel cards compare to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

3 key benefits cardholders get from the autograph journey .

Here’s a rundown of four facts we discovered about the Autograph Journey that you should know when deciding whether to apply.

1. You can transfer points with Wells Fargo point-based cards

The launch of the Autograph Journey also marks the first transferable points program from Wells Fargo, which joins other card issuers like Chase and Capital One, which have their own pooling programs .

Autograph Journey will be able to do a points transfer with the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card . This is especially notable since the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers bonus rewards in different categories than the Autograph Journey. 

For example, the Autograph card earns unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans, plus 1x points on other purchases. So you can maximize your point earning across different categories, then transfer your points to your Autograph Journey account to access premium travel redemptions.

2. It offers more options for earning bonus miles on travel than some competitors

The Autograph Journey will offer more flexibility than many travel rewards cards when it comes to earning more points on travel purchases. For example, cardholders earn unlimited 5x points on hotels booked directly with hotel brands and 4x points on airfare booked with airlines. 

This helps the card stand out from other popular travel credit cards that offer the most bonus points only if you book travel through their portals. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * only offer the highest bonus rewards on travel booked through Capital One Travel. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also offers its highest rate of 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, whereas other travel purchases earn 2x points.

Autograph Journey cardholders also earn a minimum of 3x points on other travel purchases, which could include rental cars, cruises and travel booked through online travel agencies like Expedia and Priceline.

3. The card may grow in value as more transfer partners join

The Autograph Journey Card will earn flexible travel rewards points that transfer to a selection of airline and hotel partners, similar to Amex Membership Rewards points or Chase Ultimate Rewards . While the list of transfer partners is limited, Wells Fargo stated in its initial press release that “more partners will continue to be added throughout the year.”

Points transfers could dramatically change the value proposition of the Autograph Journey, especially if new partners include domestic airlines and popular hotel loyalty programs. 

Wells Fargo point transfers will be available to new cardholders starting on April 4. For now, Wells Fargo transfer partners include the following:

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Recommended Articles

After writing about hundreds of credit cards, these two are still my favorite, 6 reasons the chase sapphire preferred should be your next credit card, 3 steps to take when your flight is canceled or delayed, 8 best credit card strategies to maximize earnings in 2024, as a foodie who enjoys a night out on the town, this credit card gives me plenty to savor.

* All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

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Credit Cards

Why I chose the Chase Sapphire Preferred as my first ever rewards card

Sarah Li Cain

Robin Saks Frankel

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“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

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I first started learning about the world of rewards credit cards from friends and bloggers and knew I wanted in. The challenge was that it took me a long time to build my credit , and I wanted to be sure I picked the right card. After some research, I landed on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as my first rewards credit card. Yes, there are other cards with lower (or no) annual fees, but I have squeezed a ton of value from this credit card.

Here are the reasons why I landed on the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

  • Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
  • $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
  • Valuable travel protections.
  • $95 annual fee.
  • Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
  • Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card Details

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

1. I wanted flexible redemption options

Learning about travel rewards and how to redeem points as a beginner all those years ago felt extremely intimidating. I wanted to earn rewards that offered plenty of redemption options and where I could learn at a pace that felt accessible to me. Initially, I ignored the airline and hotel transfer partners and decided I would focus on how I would use my Ultimate Rewards® points through the Chase Travel℠ portal. 

Taking this route eased my fears about how to book flights and hotels using rewards. I was also happy that I didn’t have to feel loyal to one airline or hotel chain like I would have with a cobranded rewards card. After booking a few trips through the Chase travel site, I took the time to learn about the issuer’s travel loyalty transfer partners (there are 14 in total). But I still liked choosing which method — booking through Chase Travel or transferring points — was better for me to squeeze the most out of my points. 

Some travel rewards redemptions offer more value than others. Here’s some of the best ways to use Chase points .

2. The annual fee is accessible, even for occasional travelers

When I opened the Sapphire Preferred card, my family wasn’t traveling much. We were still settling into our new home, my husband had started a new job and I was juggling taking care of my young child with my freelance career. I aimed to earn enough rewards from the card to nab heavily discounted hotels and the occasional flight when we visited family once or twice a year.

At $95, the annual fee felt affordable to us. A pricier card with lounge access wasn’t important, because we didn’t fly enough to feel that feature would be worth it. However, the Sapphire Preferred’s $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit was, since we stop and stay overnight on our cross-country drives during the summer. 

3. I was able to earn the welcome bonus easily

My family and I mostly used credit cards to pay for bills like utilities and groceries. Looking over our expenses, we could easily spend thousands of dollars over a span of several months. The minimum spend requirement to earn the welcome bonus — 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening — was well within our reach. Plus, I paid off my credit cards each month, meaning we didn’t pay any interest and our rewards earnings didn’t cost us extra. 

The minimum spend is higher than some rewards cards, though lower than luxury ones — my family and I were able to hit the minimum spend in a little over two months. Considering I earned $750 worth of travel if I booked through Chase Travel (which I was mostly doing in the beginning anyway), it was well worth it.

4. There are no foreign transaction fees

My mom and sister live in Canada where I grew up, so I make the annual trek with my family to visit them along with several other close friends. I knew that whatever credit card I signed up for, I wanted no foreign transaction fees when using it in another country. My last credit card did charge fees for transactions overseas, and though they may not seem like much on their own, they do add up.

This benefit alone didn’t convince me to sign up for the Sapphire Preferred but it was certainly a welcome benefit in addition to all the others. 

5. Why I keep the Sapphire Preferred even years later

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has stayed in my wallet for the last six years and I don’t plan on canceling it anytime soon. The initial signup bonus earned my family several hotel nights when we visited family and friends. In subsequent years we took advantage of the $50 annual hotel credit and other benefits, such as primary rental car insurance , to make the annual fee worth it. 

Over the years I’ve added two other Chase cards to the mix — the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card * The information for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . I pool the points I earn from these two credit cards with my Sapphire Preferred because the Preferred offers a 25% points boost when booking travel through Chase. Since I have a family of three to book travel for, I want to use all the advantages I can get. 

Considering a rewards card? Here’s how to choose the right credit card for you.

*The information for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Sarah Li Cain

Sarah Li Cain is a finance and small business writer currently based in Jacksonville, Florida whose articles have been published with outlets such as Fortune, CNBC Select, the Financial Planning Association and Zillow.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

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Visa Credit Cards

Choose the best Visa credit card for you whether you're looking for travel rewards, a card for your small business or are a student building credit. Compare card benefits and offers to get the information you need to apply for a Visa credit card now.

Slate Edge ® credit card . Links to product page.

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New cardmember offer.

Save on interest with a low intro APR for 18 months Enjoy a low intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months from account opening. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

AT A GLANCE

Lower your interest rate by 2% each year. Get an automatic review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time and spend $500 in your first six months.

0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. † Opens pricing and terms in new window After the intro period, a variable APR of 20.49 Min. of (8.50+11.99) and 29.99 %– 29.24 Min. of (8.50+20.74) and 29.99 %. † Opens pricing and terms in new window Balance transfer fee applies, see pricing and terms for more details.

$0. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Chase Freedom Unlimited ® credit card . Links to product page.

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Chase Freedom Unlimited ® credit card card reviews (10,034 cardmember reviews) Opens overlay

Earn a $200 bonus Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn cash back for every purchase. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back or more on all purchases, like 3% on dining and drugstores and 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM .

0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> After the intro period, a variable APR of 20.49 Min. of (8.50+11.99) and 29.99 %– 29.24 Min. of (8.50+20.74) and 29.99 %. † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> Balance transfer fee applies, see pricing and terms for more details. † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> † Opens pricing and terms in new window -->

$0 † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> † Opens pricing and terms in new window -->

Chase Freedom Rise SM Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Cardmember rewards.

Start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

Best for: New to Credit and Students Increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise SM by having a Chase checking account with at least $250 before applying.

26.99 Min. of (8.50+18.49) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$0 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® credit card . Links to product page.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred ® credit card card reviews (7,829 cardmember reviews) Opens overlay

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel SM .

Premium dining & travel rewards Earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit. Earn 3x points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out. Earn 2x on other travel purchases.

21.49 Min. of (8.50+12.99) and 29.99 %– 28.49 Min. of (8.50+19.99) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$95 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Chase Sapphire Reserve ® Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve ® Credit Card card reviews (4,642 cardmember reviews) Opens overlay

60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels (excluding The Edit℠) and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.

22.49 Min. of (8.50+13.99) and 29.99 %– 29.49 Min. of (8.50+20.99) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$550 annual fee † Opens pricing and terms in new window ; $75 for each authorized user † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 50,000 points after qualifying purchases.

Receive a $75 annual Southwest ® travel credit and 7,500 anniversary points each year. Plus, earn 3X points on Southwest purchases.

$149 applied to first billing statement. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Plus Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Plus Credit Card card reviews (2,559 cardmember reviews) Opens overlay

3,000 anniversary points each year. Plus, earn 2X points on Southwest ® purchases and 1X points on all other purchases.

$69 applied to first billing statement. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Credit Card card reviews (3,823 cardmember reviews) Opens overlay

6,000 anniversary points each year. Plus, earn 3X points on Southwest ® purchases and 1X points on all other purchases.

$99 applied to first billing statement. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United Club SM Infinite Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Travel in luxury. Enjoy United Club SM membership and 2 free checked bags. Plus, earn rewards faster with 4x miles on United purchases, and 2x miles on dining and all other travel. Terms apply.

21.99 Min. of (8.50+13.49) and 29.99 %– 28.99 Min. of (8.50+20.49) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$525 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United Gateway SM Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 20,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Start your adventure with 2x miles on United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. Plus, 25% back on United inflight and Club premium drink purchases, and no foreign transaction fees. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. † Opens pricing and terms in new window After the intro period, a variable APR of 21.99 Min. of (8.50+13.49) and 29.99 %– 28.99 Min. of (8.50+20.49) and 29.99 %, † Opens pricing and terms in new window see pricing and terms for more details. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United Quest SM Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after qualifying purchases.

Pursue your quest SM . Enjoy a $125 annual United purchase credit, two free checked bags, priority boarding and other premium travel benefits. Plus, earn 3x miles on United purchases and 2x miles on all other travel. Terms apply.

$250 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United SM Explorer Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 50,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Join Us with 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays. Plus, enjoy a free first checked bag, priority boarding and other great United travel benefits. Terms apply.

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

British Airways Visa Signature ® card . Links to product page.

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Earn 75,000 Bonus Avios Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Earn 5 Avios for every $1 spent on gas, grocery stores and dining for the first 12 months of account opening or up to $10k. These category purchases normally earn 1 Avios. Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia purchases, and earn 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel.

Aer Lingus Visa Signature ® card . Links to product page.

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Aer Lingus Visa Signature ® card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 5 Avios for every $1 spent on gas, grocery stores and dining for the first 12 months of account opening or up to $10k. Normally, these category purchases earn 1 Avios. Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Iberia purchases, and 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations.

Iberia Visa Signature ® card . Links to product page.

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Earn 5 Avios for every $1 spent on gas, grocery stores and dining for the first 12 months of account opening or up to $10k. These category purchases normally earn 1 Avios. Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on Iberia, Aer Lingus, and British Airways purchases, and 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® credit card . Links to product page.

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3 Free Night Awards Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Earn Unlimited Marriott Bonvoy ® points and get free stays faster. Earn points on every purchase and up to 17X total points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® .

$95. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful ™ credit card . Links to product page.

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85,000 Bonus Points Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

Earn Unlimited Marriott Bonvoy ® points and get free stays faster. Earn points on every purchase and up to 18.5X total points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® .

Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® credit card . Links to product page.

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Earn 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Earn Unlimited Marriott Bonvoy ® points and get free stays faster. Earn points on every purchase and up to 14X total points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® .

World of Hyatt Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points after qualifying purchases.

Turn your purchases into more free nights at Hyatt with 9X total points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & resorts. Plus, get 1 free night and 5 tier qualifying night credits toward status each year.

Disney ® Premier Visa ® Card . Links to product page.

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Disney Card Designs

$300 $400 not $300 $400 Statement Credit after you spend $1000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Dream bigger with the Disney Premier Visa Card from Chase. Earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com. Earn 2% on select card purchases and 1% on all other card purchases. Redeem toward most anything Disney at most Disney U.S. locations and for a statement credit toward airline purchases. Enjoy special Disney vacation financing and Disney shopping savings. Terms apply.

19.24 Min. of (8.50+10.74) and 29.99 %‐ 28.24 Min. of (8.50+19.74) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window 0% promotional APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase, after that a variable APR of 19.24 Min. of (8.50+10.74) and 29.99 %‐ 28.24 Min. of (8.50+19.74) and 29.99 %. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$49 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Disney ® Visa ® Card . Links to product page.

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$150 $250 not $150 $250 Statement Credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Reward yourself with the Disney Visa Card from Chase. Earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all card purchases. Redeem toward most anything Disney at most Disney locations in the U.S. Enjoy special Disney vacation financing and Disney shopping savings. Terms apply.

19.24 Min. of (8.50+10.74) and 29.99 %– 28.24 Min. of (8.50+19.74) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window 0% promotional APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase, after that a variable APR of 19.24 Min. of (8.50+10.74) and 29.99 %– 28.24 Min. of (8.50+19.74) and 29.99 %. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Prime Visa . Links to product page.

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Prime Visa card reviews Opens overlay

$100 Amazon Gift Card Prime members, get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly loaded into your Amazon account's Gift Card Balance upon approval of your credit card application.

Rewards everywhere you shop with no annual credit card fee † Opens pricing and terms in new window Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.

19.49 Min. of (8.50+10.99) and 29.99 %– 27.49 Min. of (8.50+18.99) and 29.99 % variable APR † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Amazon Visa . Links to product page.

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$50 Amazon Gift Card Get a $50 Amazon Gift Card instantly loaded into your Amazon account's Gift Card Balance upon approval of your credit card application.

Rewards everywhere you shop with no annual credit card fee † Opens pricing and terms in new window Earn unlimited 3% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.

Ink Business Premier ® Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

Pay in Full Card with Unlimited Earn Potential Earn 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more and 2% cash back on all other business purchases.

Flex for Business variable APR: 19.49 Min. of (8.50+10.99) and 29.99 %– 27.49 Min. of (8.50+18.99) and 29.99 %. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$195 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Ink Business Unlimited ® Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening.

Unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards on every purchase made for your business – with this no annual fee credit card.

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. † Opens pricing and terms in new window After that, 18.49 Min. of (8.50+9.99) and 29.99 %– 24.49 Min. of (8.50+15.99) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Ink Business Cash ® Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn up to $750 bonus cash back Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months after account opening. Earn a 10% Business Relationship Bonus

Earn 5% cash back in select business categories plus earn rewards on every purchase made for your business – with this no annual fee credit card

Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card . Links to product page.

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100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel rewards when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .

Reward your business with flexible and rich rewards. Earn 3X points on shipping and other select business categories.

21.24 Min. of (8.50+12.74) and 29.99 %– 26.24 Min. of (8.50+17.74) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United Club SM Business Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 50,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after qualifying purchases.

Travel in luxury. Enjoy United Club SM membership and 2 free checked bags. Plus, earn rewards faster with 2x miles on United purchases and 1.5x miles on all other purchases. Terms apply.

$450 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United SM Business Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 75,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting. Plus, enjoy a free first checked bag, priority boarding and other great United travel benefits. Terms apply.

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Performance Business Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Earn 4X points on Southwest ® purchases and 2X points on purchases for your business in select categories. Plus, 9,000 anniversary bonus points each year.

$199 applied to first billing statement. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Business Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Earn 3X points on Southwest ® purchases, 2X points on local transit and commuting, and 1X points on all other purchases. Plus, 6,000 anniversary points each year.

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after qualifying purchases.

Make the most of your small business spending with accelerated earning wherever you spend the most. Earn 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/24, then your top two categories each quarter.

$199 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

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Chase's website and/or mobile terms, privacy and security policies don't apply to the site or app you're about to visit. Please review its terms, privacy and security policies to see how they apply to you. Chase isn't responsible for (and doesn't provide) any products, services or content at this third-party site or app, except for products and services that explicitly carry the Chase name.

Cardmember Perks: Limited-Time Offers

Walt Disney World ® Resort Dining Offer for Cardmembers

A delicious dining offer awaits at walt disney world ® resort.

Get a FREE dining plan when you use your Disney® Visa® Card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night/4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package on select dates that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels and tickets with a Park Hopper ® Option. 1

With this offer, you can discover the convenience and flexibility of dining plans—which include a certain number of meals and snacks during your stay. And with more than 200 participating dining locations, there’s something to delight nearly every taste!

For the Disney Quick-Service dining plan, everyone in the party ages 3 and up receives 2 Quick-Service Meals and 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay), plus 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug. For the Disney dining plan, everyone in the party ages 3 and up receives 1 Quick-Service Meal, 1 Table-Service Meal and 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay), plus 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug. 1 Learn more about the dining plans.

Book now for arrivals most nights:

July 1 – 31, 2024

September 1 – 7, 2024

December 9 – 21, 2024

Get details & book

Or call 1-407-W-Disney or contact your travel professional

OTHER OFFERS YOU MAY LIKE

Count down and get excited with printables for preparing your next Disney vacation.

Plan your runDisney getaway to enjoy an enchanting race.

When you use your Disney Visa Card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night/4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package on select dates that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels and tickets with a Park Hopper® Option.

GTC LTO Banner

NEW CARDMEMBERS CAN EARN A

chase visa credit card travel

after spending $1000 on purchases in the first 3 mos. from account opening. 2

Member FDIC

chase visa credit card travel

Citi, Chase Will Cover Steeper Global Entry Fees for Premium Cardholders

Elizabeth Casolo , Skift

April 16th, 2024 at 2:04 PM EDT

Citi and Chase plan to chase the rising Global Entry fees, allowing cardholders to still access Global Entry.

Elizabeth Casolo

Starting October 1, 2024, Citi and Chase will cover higher Global Entry fees for certain cardholders.

The news comes after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decided to drive up Global Entry fees by 20% — from $100 from $120 — by October, despite wiping application fees for minors. Global Entry permits pre-approved travelers a speedier entrance into the U.S.

Chase and Citi are among the credit card companies that subsidize Global Entry fees for some clients.

According to spokespeople from the two companies, members with these cards will receive up to $120 every four years to cover Global Entry renewal:

  • Citi/AAdvantage Executive
  • Citi Prestige
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve
  • United Explorer
  • United Club Visa Infinite
  • United Quest
  • IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
  • IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
  • Aeroplan Card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
  • J.P. Morgan Reserve

Chase said cardholders could also use the credit for NEXUS , another CBP program that eases travel between the U.S. and Canada. NEXUS now costs $120, too. 

The higher Global Entry fees have no impact on TSA PreCheck . Still, Chase and Citi Cardholders could apply the credit to this program, as well.

The Daily Newsletter

Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.

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Tags: airline credit cards , chase , citi , credit , credit cards , customs , global entry , jp morgan chase , nexus , travel credit card , tsa , tsa precheck , u.s. customs and border protection

Photo credit: Some of the Chase Sapphire credit cards used for booking travel and other things. Source: Chase.

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Are you looking to take your credit game to the next level? High-limit credit cards can be a powerful tool for earning rewards and building credit. But, it’s essential to understand how to qualify for and use them responsibly. 

Here are our picks for the best high-limit credit cards, including the inside scoop on how to make the most of them.

Top credit cards with high credit limits

Chase sapphire reserve® : best for travel rewards , american express® gold card : best for no set limit, chase freedom unlimited® : best for gas and groceries .

  • Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card: Best for everyday purchases

Discover it® Cash Back: Best for rotating cash back

Capital one quicksilver cash rewards credit card : best for everyday cash back .

  • Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card: Best for low interest and fees

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a top choice if you’re a frequent traveler. You’ll earn elevated rewards on travel booked via the Chase travel portal and travel and dining purchases. 

Rewards:  

  • 10X points on hotel stays, car rentals, and Chase Dining purchases booked through Chase
  • 10X points Lyft purchases (through Mar. 31, 2025)
  • 5X points on air travel booked through Chase (after earning your $300 travel credit)
  • 3X points on restaurant and general travel purchases (after earning your $300 travel credit)
  • 1X points on all other purchases

Annual fee: $550 

Credit limit : Starts at $10,000

One of the key features of the Sapphire Reserve is its $300 annual travel credit, which is automatically applied to any travel-related purchases. This effectively reduces the card’s $550 annual fee to $250, making it more affordable for frequent travelers. 

Other perks include complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and extensive travel insurance.

The Sapphire Reserve’s credit limit is determined on a case-by-case basis, but most approved applicants report receiving limits of $10,000 or higher. 

The American Express Gold Card has no pre-set spending limit, which means the spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history. Your purchasing power adjusts over time based on payment history and creditworthiness.

  • 4X points at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and Uber Eats
  • 4X points on U.S. supermarket purchases (on up to $25,000 in supermarket purchases per year, then 1X points)
  • 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel 

Annual fee : $250. See rates and fees . 

Credit limit : No preset credit limit

Other perks of the Gold Card include up to $120 in annual dining credits, up to $120 in annual Uber Cash, and no foreign transaction fees. The card has a $250 annual fee, which the credits and rewards can offset if you use them regularly. See rates and fees. 

The main drawback of the Gold Card is that it requires you to pay your balance in full each month, which may not be feasible for everyone. 

If you have the financial discipline to do so and can take advantage of the card’s rewards, the Amex Gold Card can be a valuable addition to your wallet.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers elevated cash back on dining and drugstore purchases. But the real standout feature is the boosted cash back in the first year — up to $300 in total cash back.

This makes this an excellent choice for those who spend a lot on gas and groceries. After the first year, you’ll still earn 3% on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% on everything else — a solid flat-rate rewards structure.

  • 5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through March 2025)
  • 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel
  • 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and on drugstore purchases
  • 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Annual fee : $0

Credit limit : Starts at $500

The Freedom Unlimited also has no annual fee. The card’s credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness, but many approved applicants report receiving limits of $1,000 or higher.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Best for everyday purchases

The Bank of America Premium Rewards card is a solid choice for those who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases.

  • Unlimited 2X points on travel and dining purchases
  • Unlimited 1.5X points on all other purchases

Annual fee : $95

Credit limit : Starts at $1,500 

This card also offers a $100 annual airline incidental credit for expenses like baggage fees, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases. You’ll also receive up to $100 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits every four years. 

The card’s credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness, but many applicants report receiving $5,000 or higher limits. Plus, if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn even more rewards on your purchases, making this card an excellent choice for loyal customers.

The Discover It Cash Back card offers a unique twist on cash back rewards. Each quarter, you’ll earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to a limit). In 2024, categories include drug stores, restaurants, gas stations, public transit, and more.

The main drawback is that you’ll need to activate the 5% bonus categories each quarter to earn the higher rate, which can be a hassle.

  • 5% cash back after activation on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500, then 1%)
  • 1% for all other purchases

One of the standout features of the Discover It Cash Back card is its Cashback Match program. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned, doubling your rewards. This means if you earned $500 in cash back during your first year, Discover will match that for a total of $1,000 in cash back.

The card’s credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness, but many approved applicants report receiving limits of $1,000 or higher. 

The Capital One Quicksilver is a great option if you’re looking for a straightforward cash back. You’ll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no annual or foreign transaction fees. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to earn rewards without keeping track of bonus categories or spending limits.

Rewards: 

  • 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 1.5% cash back on all purchases 

Credit limit : Starts at $750

The Quicksilver Cash Rewards card also offers a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first three months — a solid bonus considering the low spending requirement. 

The card’s credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness, but many approved applicants report receiving limits of $1,000 or higher.

While the Quicksilver card lacks the perks of other high-limit cards, its simplicity makes it a solid way to earn cash back without hassle.

Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards card: Best for low interest and fees

The Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Card has lower rates and fees than most cards. It has no balance transfer fees, foreign transfer fees, or cash advance fees. You’ll also get a $100 annual air travel credit for expenses like baggage fees, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases.

  • 3X points on travel spending
  • 2X points on all other purchases

Annual fee : $49

Credit limit : Starts at $5,000

Other perks of this card include no foreign transaction fees, emergency assistance services, and a 24/7 concierge service.

The card’s credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness, but many approved applicants report receiving limits as high as $15,000. 

This card requires Navy Federal Credit Union membership, which is limited to active duty and retired military members, their families, and certain civilian employees of the Department of Defense. But, if you qualify for membership, the Flagship Rewards card can be an excellent choice for earning travel rewards with low rates and fees.

What is a high-limit credit card? 

Generally, a high-limit card offers a credit limit of $5,000 or more. These cards are often reserved for those with good to excellent credit scores and a solid income.

The most obvious benefit of a credit card with a sky-high limit is that you can borrow more money. A high credit limit can help keep your credit utilization low, which is a key factor in determining your credit score. It can provide more flexibility and purchasing power for larger expenses or emergencies.

As your balance grows, seeking a higher credit limit makes sense. You won’t have to worry about maxing out or paying extra fees for exceeding the limit.

“One of the best strategies is building strong and lasting relationships with the banks,” says Amanda Webster, chief operating officer of Fund&Grow. “The longer you show positive habits, such as paying on time, paying more than the minimum, and keeping your utilization low, the more that bank will trust you as a borrower.”

How to qualify for a high-limit credit card 

How do you get your hands on a high-limit card? Here are a few tips:

  • Build your credit score: High-limit cards are typically reserved for those with good to excellent credit. Focus on paying your bills on time, keeping your credit utilization low, and avoiding new credit inquiries to boost your score .
  • Increase your income: Lenders want to see that you have the means to pay back what you borrow. Increasing your income through a raise, side hustle, or job change can improve your chances of qualifying for a high-limit card.
  • Be selective: Applying for too many credit cards in a short period can be a red flag for lenders. Be selective and only apply for cards you have a good chance of being approved.

How to use a high-limit credit card smartly 

While high-limit credit cards can offer valuable rewards, using them responsibly is crucial to avoid falling into debt.

  • Pay your balance in full each month: High-limit cards often come with high interest rates, so paying your balance in full each month is best to avoid accruing interest charges.
  • Keep your credit utilization low: Keeping your credit utilization (the amount of credit you use compared to your total credit limit) low is key to maintaining a good credit score. Aim to keep your utilization below 30%.
  • Don’t overspend: Just because you have a high credit limit doesn’t mean you should max out your card. Stick to your budget and only spend what you can afford to pay back.
  • Take advantage of rewards and perks: To get the most value out of your high-limit card, ensure you take advantage of all the rewards and perks it offers . This could include using your card for travel purchases to earn bonus points or taking advantage of annual credits and discounts.

Bottom line

High-limit credit cards can be a valuable tool for earning rewards and building credit, but using them responsibly is essential. 

Remember to pay your balance in full each month, keep your credit utilization low, and don’t overspend — and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a high-limit card pro.

Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.

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Get ready for sneaky new credit card fees

Your bank is looking for new ways to screw you over.

chase visa credit card travel

Good news! Some of those annoying fees on your credit card may soon be getting smaller. Bad news! Banks and credit-card companies are almost certainly trying to figure out where else they squeeze money out of you.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced last month that it had finalized a rule capping credit-card late fees at $8 for the first violation, cutting them down from the typical $32. Later that month, Mastercard and Visa reached a $30 billion settlement with US merchants agreeing to cap credit-card interchange fees — fees charged to retailers every time you swipe your card at their stores — for a handful of years.

Much of the industry's reaction to the late-fees limit has been of the sky-is-falling variety, with the Bank Policy Institute, an advocacy group, declaring that such charges are "essential to efficient functioning of the market." The response to the interchange-fee settlement has been a bit more muted: The Electronic Payments Coalition, which represents Visa, Mastercard, and other credit-card companies, said it was OK with the swipe-fees cap. This sanguine approach, however, is likely in no small part because the agreement is much less aggressive than legislation floating around in Congress . Taken together, it's clear that many companies in the credit-card business would rather not be dealing with this situation.

For consumers, the changes could be a decent deal. By the CFPB's calculation, late fees cost American families $14 billion a year, and it says the rule will save people some $10 billion annually. The swipe-fee cap will save merchants some money for a while, which could, in theory, be passed on to their customers, though it's unclear how much that will happen in practice.

Banks will always be able to find other places to recoup revenue for things like this

But there's good reason to think that, in the long run, these changes may not be an unambiguous win for credit-card customers : Financial firms are very good at getting money out of people. There are all sorts of levers card issuers can and will pull to try to recuperate any lost revenue streams elsewhere. Where one door closes, a window opens — one many consumers may be surprised to see on their next credit-card statement.

"Banks will always be able to find other places to recoup revenue for things like this," Matt Schulz, the chief credit analyst at LendingTree, told me. "I would imagine that we will see other fees increase over the next little while."

In the wake of the Visa/Mastercard settlement, analysts at UBS wrote in a note to investors that lost revenue due to caps on credit-card late fees and swipe fees, as well as impending changes to lower debit-card swipe fees, would send companies such as JPMorgan Chase, American Express, and Synchrony Financial looking for offsets elsewhere. There are a number of areas financial-services firms can turn to so they can make that money back, they said, including charging more interest and layering in various additional fees on items such as getting printed statements. They also said they thought there would be more fee-based card products, as in cards with annual fees.

"As the economics evolve, we would not expect the banks/card issuers to sit idle," the analysts wrote.

Mark Elliot, the chief customer officer at LendingClub and a banking-industry veteran, noted that annual interest rates for credit-card debt are extra high right now, which could make it harder for companies to ratchet them up even further, though not impossible.

"We've seen a lot of research that most customers are not even as aware of what the rate is on their card as they probably should be, so the card companies could increase that," he said.

Companies could look to downgrade credit-card rewards , which would save them money by not having to pay them out, though everyone is a little hesitant to alienate rewards customers. There are other places where banks and credit-card companies can look to pay for rewards like hotel points, miles, and cash back, such as upping foreign transaction fees or transfer fees or drawing from elsewhere. The Visa/Mastercard settlement allows retailers to add a surcharge for people with fancier rewards cards, which often come with higher swipe fees, but it's not clear how many merchants will do that. They don't want to drive away customers, especially more affluent, higher spenders, which rewards-card holders tend to be.

"Most merchants don't want to put themselves in the position of being the bad-guy tax collector on Visa and Mastercard's behalf," Doug Kantor, the general counsel at the National Association of Convenience Stores, said.

According to the Merchants Payments Coalition, Mastercard is now planning to increase different credit card fees soon, it's "network assessment" fee.

Banks and credit-card issuers have already been discussing in earnings calls their plans for what to do on fee clampdowns. With regard to the late-fee cap, Citi's chief financial officer, Mark Mason, said in its January call that the bank was planning to make up the lost revenue with various "offsets and mitigants," though he didn't specify what those were. The same month, Capital One CEO Rich Fairbank said the CFPB rule, once implemented, would have a "significant impact" on its profits and losses in the near term but that the company could deploy "mitigating actions" to eventually counteract it.

We've seen a lot of research that most customers are not even as aware of what the rate is on their card as they probably should be, so the card companies could increase that

Of course, things do not have to be this way. Banks have financial incentives to make a public fuss whenever any revenue stream is threatened, though it's not clear how big of a threat this actually is to their business or just what magnitude of changes they would need to make up the revenue. Whatever the reality, if they yell loud enough that some regulatory or legislative change will destroy their business, it ups the chances that said change will be reversed or never go through in the first place. And, on a fundamental level, many financial firms don't need such high profits to stay afloat in the first place, as much as their shareholders may demand them.

How many levers companies like JPMorgan Chase and Capital One can pull may also depend on competitive factors, Ira Rheingold, the executive director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, said. Companies do have to contend with one another in terms of what types of annual fees they can get away with or interest rates they can charge. "I think there are some fundamental incentives that will keep them from going too crazy," he said.

The scenario does appear to be somewhat of a whack-a-mole situation — one fee is axed here, another fee appears over there. Amanda Jackson, the director of consumer campaigns at Americans for Financial Reform, said the only way to actually end this frustrating fee game was for the government to step in, as it's attempting to do with the late-fees limit, and set rules that apply to a wider swath of charges.

"We need regulations with true reforms that allow for billions to be saved," she said.

So next time your credit-card bill lands at your door, you may want to take a closer look at it to see whether any surprise extra charges wound up in there — and to see what your interest rate is.

Emily Stewart is a senior correspondent at Business Insider, writing about business and the economy.

About Discourse Stories

Through our Discourse journalism, Business Insider seeks to explore and illuminate the day’s most fascinating issues and ideas. Our writers provide thought-provoking perspectives, informed by analysis, reporting, and expertise. Read more Discourse stories here .

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