You don’t necessarily need a high-annual-fee card like Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum to get access to travel deal this summer.
Chase is giving its popular $95/year Sapphire Preferred card a significant refresh, adding new bonus categories, expanding travel benefits, and introducing a Global Entry credit, all while keeping the card’s annual fee unchanged.
The updates take effect June 15, 2026, Chase executives say the goal is to build on what has made Sapphire Preferred one of the most popular travel rewards cards in its category.
“It’s been about five years since we last made any material updates to Sapphire Preferred, and we are super proud of the fact that it’s still recognized as one of the best travel cards out there, but it’s time for an update,” Chris Reagan, president of Branded Cards at Chase, said during a media briefing announcing the changes. “Our objective in this is really simple: we want more card members and more happy card members.”
The refresh includes new earning categories, richer travel credits, additional travel protections, and a new Global Entry benefit.
However, it also includes two changes likely to attract scrutiny from points enthusiasts: the elimination of the card’s 10% anniversary bonus and a reduction in the value of transfers to World of Hyatt.
More Ways To Earn Points
The biggest changes come on the rewards side.
Starting June 15, Sapphire Preferred cardholders will earn:
- 3x points on gas purchases
- 3x points on EV charging
- 3x points on vacation rentals through brands such as Airbnb and Vrbo
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 2x points on other travel purchases
- 3x points on dining worldwide
- 3x points on streaming services
- 3x points on online grocery purchases
The addition of gas stations and EV charging fills a gap that many cardholders have pointed out over the years.
“We’ve heard the feedback from customers over the years,” Laura Picciano, general manager of the Chase Sapphire portfolio, said during the event. “It’s a unique category in that it provides rewards on both everyday spend, but also travel spend.”
Chase is also adding 3x points on vacation homes booked directly through companies such as Airbnb and Vrbo. According to Picciano, customers who prefer booking vacation rentals through Chase Travel will continue earning 5x points, the same rate they receive on other eligible travel purchases made through the portal.
“It’s worth noting that the other accelerators on the card are not changing,” she said. “For customers that prefer to book their vacation homes on Chase Travel, they will still earn five times the points on those purchases.”
Hotel Credit Doubles
One of the most valuable additions is an increase to the card’s annual hotel benefit.
The Sapphire Preferred’s Chase Travel Hotel Credit will double from $50 to $100 per account anniversary. Cardholders can use the credit on hotel bookings through Chase Travel, and Chase says the structure remains intentionally simple.
“There are no nightly minimums. The credit is not broken up into chunks. There’s no opt-in,” Picciano said. “Just spend on the hotel at Chase Travel and earn the credit each year.”
The increased credit alone now exceeds the card’s $95 annual fee.
“At $95, and $100 credit for purchases that most customers are already spending at anyway, it’s really a great deal,” Picciano added.
Global Entry Comes To Sapphire Preferred
For the first time, Sapphire Preferred cardholders will receive reimbursement of up to $120 every four years for either Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.
The benefit has become increasingly common among premium travel cards, but it remains relatively uncommon among cards with annual fees below $100. Chase says cardholders will not need to enroll separately; the statement credit will be triggered automatically when eligible charges are made.
Expanded Travel Protections
Travel protections have long been one of Sapphire Preferred’s strongest selling points, and Chase is expanding that package further.
The card will now include Emergency Evacuation and Transportation coverage, which Chase says helps give cardholders additional peace of mind while traveling.
“One of the things that we’re really proud of is the breadth of travel protection and coverage that our entire Sapphire lineup has,” Picciano said. “Particularly for Preferred at the $95 fee class, there’s really a great breadth of coverage.”
With the addition of emergency evacuation coverage, Chase says Sapphire Preferred now offers the most comprehensive suite of travel protections in its category.
A Free Year Of Apple TV+
Cardholders will also receive a complimentary one-year Apple TV+ subscription if they activate the benefit by December 31, 2026.
The offer expands on Chase’s existing relationship with Apple, which already includes benefits for some Sapphire Reserve cardholders.
“Leaning into our partnership with Apple that we currently have on the Sapphire Reserve Card, we are offering preferred customers a one-year complimentary Apple TV subscription,” Picciano said.
One Popular Benefit Is Going Away
Not every change will be welcomed by cardholders.
Chase is eliminating the Sapphire Preferred’s 10% Anniversary Bonus, which awarded cardholders bonus points equal to 10% of their annual spending.
For customers approved on or after June 15, the benefit disappears immediately. Existing cardholders will continue to earn the bonus through October 1, 2026, with final payouts by January 31, 2027.
“We are discontinuing the 10% anniversary bonus for existing customers,” Picciano said. “They will continue to earn this bonus through October 1 of this year.”
Hyatt Transfers Take A Hit
Perhaps the most controversial change involves one of Chase’s most popular transfer partners.
Ultimate Rewards points transferred from Sapphire Preferred to World of Hyatt will move from a 1:1 ratio to 4:3. The change takes effect immediately for new applicants approved on or after June 15 and on October 1 for existing cardholders.
The adjustment represents a meaningful devaluation for travelers who frequently transfer their Chase points to Hyatt to redeem.
Picciano acknowledged the importance of transfer partners within the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem but emphasized that Chase plans to continue investing in redemption options and transfer bonuses.
“Transfer is a very important component of the ultimate rewards ecosystem,” she said. “It’s one of the many drivers of the value and flexibility of our points, and so we are going to continue to invest in that program.”
All in all, for travelers looking for premium-style rewards and protections without a premium annual fee like Sapphire Reserve, Chase is betting the new Sapphire Preferred updates will make the card an attractive option for travelers who want some of the exclusive perks of a higher-end card, without the high annual fee.