So, are you wondering whether to switch from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card? Well, it’s like going from a comfortable economy seat to a luxurious business class seat with all the extras.

Sure, both credit cards offer a solid welcome bonus and earn you points on your dining and jet-setting adventures, but some swanky extras set the Chase Sapphire Reserve® apart.

Are these benefits worth the higher annual fee? Let’s take a look at the unexpected benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card versus the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

1. Hotel upgrades

One nice perk you get with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® – not the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – is access to The Edit. Consider it your VIP pass to a hand-picked collection of premium stays. Booking through The Edit doesn’t just get you a room; This has some pretty interesting advantages.

We’re talking daily breakfast for two, a nifty $100 home loan, and possible room upgrades if available. It’s like a little package of extras that make your stay that little bit more special and luxurious, perfect for those who love to be pampered while traveling.

2. Lounge access with Priority Pass Select

One of the most notable features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card is complimentary access to more than 1,300 Priority Pass Select airport lounges worldwide. These lounges offer a peaceful respite from the chaos of the airport with free Wi-Fi, food and drinks.

This benefit alone can save frequent travelers hundreds of dollars each year, making the Chase Sapphire Reserve® a cost-effective choice for those who travel often.

3. Higher reimbursement value for travel

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers significantly better value for points redemption than the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Your points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase, compared to 25% more with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

This means that every 10,000 points redeemed with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can be worth up to $150 toward travel expenses, compared to $125 with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

4. Enhanced Travel Protection

A significant advantage of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® over the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is its superior suite of additional travel insurance benefits. These benefits ensure more than just convenience; they provide crucial support in an emergency, highlighting why the upgrade can be a game-changer for frequent travelers. Here’s what sets Chase Sapphire Reserve® apart:

• Evacuation and emergency transport: If you or your immediate family members experience a medical emergency while traveling away from home, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® covers up to $100,000 for emergency medical services and transportation. This extensive coverage is a major benefit, providing peace of mind in unfamiliar locations.
• Roadside assistance: If you find yourself stranded due to a vehicle breakdown, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has you covered. You can call for a tow, jump start, tire change, locksmith or even just a gas delivery. You’re eligible for this assistance up to four times a year, with coverage of up to $50 per incident, significantly improving your preparedness for unexpected road problems.
• Emergency medical and dental benefits: Traveling can often lead to unexpected health problems, and being away from home only adds to the stress. If you’re more than 100 miles from home and facing a medical crisis, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® reimburses up to $2,500 for medical or dental expenses. This benefit is essential for dealing with sudden illnesses or injuries, ensuring you don’t have to deal with large medical bills while you’re away.

These great features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® greatly increase its value, especially for those who travel a lot.

5. VIP Dining Experiences

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers an exclusive benefit that the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card just doesn’t match: access to Infatuation x Sapphire Dining events. Imagine diving into your city’s culinary scene with a front-row seat at some of the city’s hottest tables. With this benefit, you receive exclusive entry to the Hit List Dinner Series and other premier dining events nationwide.

From private dinners hosted by award-winning chefs to VIP access to the most sought-after events, your Chase Sapphire Reserve® opens the door to unforgettable dining adventures. It’s the perfect way to discover new, highly-rated restaurants and taste the extraordinary.

Weigh the cost versus the benefits

Although the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a higher annual fee of $550 compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card’s $95, its benefits can make it surprisingly cost-effective for frequent travelers and food lovers. This card goes beyond just earning points; it offers expanded travel protections, enhanced earnings on travel and dining, and exclusive access to unique experiences.

If your lifestyle involves regular travel or dining out, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® could offer more value, enhancing your experiences and providing financial benefits that more than offset the higher fees.