The Big Upgrade: Sapphire Reserve’s 2025 Refresh

Annual Fee Jump 📈

Chase announced the release of the new Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR). The new card will be available on June 23, 2025. The annual fee rises sharply from $550 to $795, making it one of the priciest travel cards on the market - outpacing even the AMEX Platinum’s $695 fee.

Richer Benefits to Match the Price Tag

Chase has loaded the card with fresh perks to justify the increase:

  • Travel Credits & Premium Booking

    • $500 hotel credit annually when booking with “The Edit” via Chase Travel. (NEW)

    • $300 annual dining credit via the new Reserved by Sapphire program. (NEW)

    • $300 entertainment credit on StubHub or Viagogo purchases. (NEW)

  • Streaming & Wellness

    • $250 in Apple Music/TV+ credits (NEW)

    • $120 Peloton credit, plus 10x points on Peloton gear (up to 50,000 points). (NEW)

  • Points Boost

    • Introduction of a Points Boost bonus: select travel redeemed through Chase Travel can be redeemed for up to 2 CPP - phasing out the standard 1.5 CPP. The points boost will be on select travel with the standard redemption being 1 CPP.

  • Elite Travel Statuses

    • Spend $75K on your CSR in a calendar year and you’ll unlock:

      • IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status.

      • Southwest A-List Status + $500 flight credit when booked through Chase Travel.

      • $250 credit to spend at The Shops at Chase.

  • Retained Benefits

    • $300 travel credit annually.

    • Priority Pass lounge access, DashPass through DoorDash/Caviar until 2027, plus existing Lyft and DoorDash credits remain intact.

    • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit (Up to $120 every 4 years).

New Rewards Structure

Chase has updated the Sapphire Reserve’s earning structure to align with its premium positioning and encourage use of the Chase Travel Portal. Here’s how you’ll earn with the refreshed card:

  • 8x points on all purchases made through Chase Travel (previously 5x-10x depending on the category).

  • 5x points on Lyft rides (through 9/30/27).

  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct (previously 3x on “general travel”).

  • 3x points on dining (unchanged).

This new structure seems to have found a middle ground between slightly decreasing earnings on purchases made through Chase Travel and increasing earnings on flights and hotels booked direct. This comes at the expense of the “general travel” category, which includes things like parking, transit, etc. that previously earned 3x but is now earning 1x.

Is It Worth It? Who Should Apply?

✔ For Frequent Travelers

If you can max out the $500 hotel + $300 travel + $300 dining + $300 entertainment + $250 streaming + $120 Peloton credits, it can offer $1,700+ in value, offsetting the increased fee.

⚠ Not for Casual Users

Those who don’t hit the benefits categories - or who don’t travel often - might not find the card worth it, especially compared to the mid-tier cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture Rewards.

Final Verdict

The 2025 refresh elevates the Chase Sapphire Reserve into ultra-premium territory. With a bold $795 fee, it packs in strong travel, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle perks anchoring its value for those who can take full advantage. But with steep costs, it’s truly a card for frequent travelers and spenders - if you don’t fully unlock it, a mid-tier travel card might be more strategic.

Not Sure if the Sapphire Reserve is Right for You?

If you’re on the fence about whether the refreshed Sapphire Reserve is worth it - or if another card might offer better value for your lifestyle - we can help. Book a 1-on-1 consultation and we’ll break down your spending habits, travel goals, and card options to build a custom strategy that works for you.

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