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| The refreshed Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers enhanced travel credits and new earning categories for the same $95 annual fee. |
In our evaluation of current travel rewards workflows, few products have dominated the market quite like the chase sapphire preferred. Based on recent product updates rolling out this summer, the issuer is doubling down on everyday travel value while keeping the baseline cost of membership remarkably steady.
Many long-time cardholders considering a transition from a standard chase platinum credit card often wonder if mid-tier products can still compete with premium annual fee models. Our first-hand analysis shows that this latest refresh introduces heavy-hitting statement credits and expanded earning multipliers. However, this massive overhaul also brings a major catch for hotel loyalists.
What is Changing with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?
Starting June 15, 2026, the chase sapphire credit card is injecting massive value into its ecosystem. Despite speculation that an annual fee hike was imminent, the issuer confirmed the cost remains locked at $95.
The updated structure introduces lucrative earning categories and statement credits designed to offset daily living expenses. Whether you hold the classic sapphire credit card or are looking to acquire a new chase preferred credit card, understanding these dates is critical.
New Earning Categories and Multipliers
The sapphire preferred is significantly boosting its everyday earning power. Drivers and road-trippers will love the new 3x points on gas and EV charging stations.
Furthermore, the chase sapphire card now offers 3x points on direct vacation home rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. This expansion directly addresses how modern families plan their getaways.
These accelerated categories stack on top of the existing 5x points on travel purchased through the travel portal, 3x on dining, and 3x on select streaming services. Earning points rapidly has never been easier.
Expanded Travel and Lifestyle Credits
The annual hotel statement credit available through the travel portal is doubling from $50 to $100. This massive perk alone nearly covers the entire annual fee each anniversary year.
Additionally, users of the chase preferred get a statement credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS. This benefit previously lived exclusively on ultra-premium products.
To sweeten the deal, members can activate a complimentary one-year subscription to Apple TV+ by the end of the year. You also get access to new Emergency Evacuation and Transportation coverage, offering incredible peace of mind on the road.
The Catch: Hyatt Transfers and Anniversary Bonuses
Every rose has its thorn, and this refresh brings unfortunate news for points enthusiasts. The highly beloved 10% annual points bonus is officially being discontinued.
More importantly, the transfer ratio from Ultimate Rewards to the World of Hyatt program is dropping from 1:1 down to 4:3. For those utilizing the chase sapphire preferred credit card specifically for high-value hotel redemptions, this represents a notable devaluation.
New applicants will see the 4:3 ratio take effect immediately in June. Existing cardholders enjoy a grace period, with the negative ratio taking effect on October 1, 2026.
How to Maximize Your Points Moving Forward
Adapting to these parameters requires strategic shifting of your spending habits. Follow this core sequence to extract maximum value:
- Activate Your Streaming Perks: Link your Apple account via the mobile app before the activation window closes.
- Route Your Transit Spend: Use your card for all gas and EV charging to rack up 3x points effortlessly.
- Burn Your Remaining 1:1 Hyatt Points: If you have upcoming hotel stays, transfer your Ultimate Rewards balance before the October devaluation deadline.
- Utilize the $100 Hotel Credit: Book at least one portal stay annually to instantly recoup your $95 membership cost.
Ultimately, the chase sapphire preferred remains a spectacular tool for the casual traveler. While losing the 1:1 hotel transfer stings, the sheer volume of new statement credits makes holding this piece of plastic a no-brainer for years to come.
