Chase Sapphire Preferred – Quick Guide & Review 2025

If you’re looking for a credit card that gives solid travel points without a crazy annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a strong candidate. It costs R1,200 a year, but the rewards can easily cover that cost if you play it right. Below you’ll find everything you need to know – from the welcome bonus to the best ways to redeem points.

Sign‑up Bonus and Earn Rates

The headline feature is the sign‑up bonus: spend R12,000 in the first three months and you’ll earn 60,000 bonus points. Those points are worth about R6,000 in travel when you book through Chase’s portal. Even if you miss the exact spend, the regular earn rate of 2 points per R1 spent on travel and dining, and 1 point on everything else, still adds up quickly.

To maximize the bonus, charge predictable expenses like groceries, fuel, and utility bills in the first three months. Just make sure you can pay off the balance each month to avoid interest, which would wipe out the bonus value.

Travel Perks & Redemption Tips

Beyond points, the card offers a range of travel perks. You get a primary rental car insurance, which means you don’t need the rental company’s extra coverage. There’s also trip cancellation/interruption insurance and purchase protection for new items.

When it comes to redeeming points, the Chase travel portal gives the best value, especially if you book flights, hotels, or car rentals directly. You can also transfer points 1:1 to airline partners like United, Southwest, or British Airways, which can unlock premium cabin tickets for far less cash.

One practical tip: before you transfer, check the airline’s award chart and compare the cost in points versus cash. Often a direct portal booking gives you a higher dollar‑per‑point ratio, but a transfer can net you a free upgrade or a business class seat if the airline has a sweet deal.

Another hidden gem is the “Pay Yourself Back” feature. You can use points to offset purchases in select categories like grocery stores, dining, and streaming services. The rate is 1.25 cents per point, which is better than the standard 1 cent you’d get on cash back.

Remember to monitor the annual fee renewal. If you’re not flying much, the points you earn might not cover the fee. In that case, consider downgrading to a no‑fee card or asking Chase for a fee waiver if you’ve been a loyal customer.

Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred balances a reasonable fee with strong travel rewards, solid insurance coverage, and flexible redemption options. Use it for everyday spend, hit the bonus threshold fast, and plan your redemptions through the portal or airline partners to stretch every point.