Best Chase Card for Travel

Selecting the "best" Chase travel card varies based on whether you prefer a cost-effective entry into rewards or a premium luxury experience.

As of February 2026, Chase's offerings continue to set the benchmark for numerous travelers due to the Ultimate Rewards system, enabling point transfers to partners such as United, Southwest, and Hyatt. This is key!

1. The Best All-Rounder Chase Travel Card: Sapphire Preferred®

This is widely regarded as the top introductory travel card. It offers a low annual fee while providing high-value points and comprehensive travel protections.

• Annual Fee: $95

• Top Perks: * $50 Annual Hotel Credit (for bookings made via Chase Travel).

  • 10% Anniversary Point Bonus based on your total spending from the previous year.

  • 25% Point Boost: Your points are valued at 1.25 cents each when used for travel through Chase.

• Best For: Most travelers seeking excellent insurance (primary rental car coverage, trip delay) without a significant fee.

  
  

2. The Luxury Powerhouse Chase Travel Card: Sapphire Reserve®

If you often travel and desire "VIP" treatment, the Reserve is a top choice. It comes with a high fee, but the credits significantly reduce the overall cost.

• Annual Fee: $795 (Note: This has increased from previous years).

• Main Benefits:

  • $300 Annual Travel Credit: Automatically applied to expenses ranging from flights to parking garages.

  • Lounge Access: Includes Priority Pass Select and entry to exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounges.

  • 8x Points on Chase Travel: Earn more points on hotels and car rentals booked through the portal.

  • 50% Point Boost: Points are valued at 1.5 cents each when redeemed through Chase.

    
    

3. The Business Chase Travel Card Choice: Ink Business Preferred®

This card provides business owners with one of the most generous sign-up bonuses and excellent earning rates in business-related categories.

• Annual Fee: $95

• Top Perks:

  • 3x Points on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and advertising (up to $150k per year).

  • Cell Phone Protection: Up to $1,000 per claim for theft or damage.

• Best For: Small business owners or freelancers with significant expenses in shipping or digital advertising.

  
  

Our Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Sapphire Preferred	Sapphire Reserve	Ink Business Preferred
Annual Fee	$95	$795	$95
Travel Credit	$50 (Hotel)	$300 (Any Travel)	None
Points Value	1.25¢ per point	1.5¢ - 2¢ per point	1.25¢ per point
Lounge Access	No	Yes	No
Transfer Partners	Yes	Yes	Yes

Pro Tip: Maximize points with the "Chase Trifecta" by pairing a Sapphire card with Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex® (both $0 annual fee) for higher everyday spending multipliers and transfer points for travel rewards.