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3 Little-Known Perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card That Justify Its Annual Fee
What Makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Different?
While the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card carries a $95 annual fee, its value proposition extends far beyond the obvious perks. As someone who's analyzed credit card benefits for over a decade, we've found that some of its most valuable features aren't the ones typically highlighted in marketing materials.
1. Enhanced Travel Rewards Structure and Flexibility
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card's rewards program offers more value than meets the eye. Here's what makes it special:
Point Multipliers That Add Up Fast
- 5X points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining purchases, including eligible delivery services and takeout
- 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 3X points on select streaming purchases
- 2X points on other travel expenses
- 1X points on all other purchases
Superior Point Value for Travel
What sets this card apart is how you can use these Ultimate Rewards points. When redeemed through Chase's travel portal, points are worth 25% more, effectively turning 80,000 points into $1,000 worth of travel. Additionally, you can transfer points to over a dozen airline and hotel partners, potentially getting even more value through strategic redemptions.
2. Premium Membership Benefits Worth Hundreds
Chase has cultivated partnerships that provide significant value to cardholders:
DoorDash Benefits
- Complimentary DashPass subscription (must activate by December 31, 2027)
- $0 delivery fees on eligible orders
- Reduced service fees on orders over $12
- Exclusive member offers
Additional Partner Perks
- Instacart+ membership benefits
- Special discounts on Lyft rides
- Opportunity to fast-track to Southwest Companion Pass through spending
3. Comprehensive Travel and Purchase Protections
The most underrated aspect of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is its robust insurance coverage:
Primary Rental Car Insurance
Unlike most credit cards that offer secondary car rental insurance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides primary coverage. This means:
- No need to file claims with your personal auto insurance policy
- Coverage for physical damage and theft of the rental vehicle
- Protection against loss-of-use charges
- Coverage for towing charges
- Protection in most countries worldwide
Additional Travel Protections
- Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance up to $10,000 per person
- Baggage delay insurance ($100 per day for up to 5 days)
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Travel accident insurance
- Travel and emergency assistant services
Purchase Protection
- Extended warranty protection that adds an additional year to eligible manufacturer's warranties
- Purchase protection against damage and theft
- Zero liability protection for unauthorized charges
Maximizing Your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Value with Kudos
To get even more value from your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, consider using Kudos, a free AI-powered browser extension. Kudos helps ensure you're always using the right card for each purchase, maximizing your rewards earning potential. The extension automatically identifies when to use your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for bonus categories and when another card might offer better rewards.
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Expert Takeaway
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card's $95 annual fee can easily be offset by its lesser-known benefits, especially for travelers and frequent online shoppers. When you combine the primary rental car insurance, enhanced travel rewards, and premium memberships, the value proposition becomes compelling for the right cardholder.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card FAQ
What's the difference between primary and secondary rental car insurance?
Primary insurance covers damages without involving your personal auto insurance, while secondary insurance only kicks in after your personal policy.
How do I activate my complimentary DashPass membership?
Log into your Chase account, navigate to "Card Benefits," and follow the prompts to activate your DashPass subscription.
Can I transfer Ultimate Rewards points to any airline?
Points can be transferred to Chase's travel partners, which include major airlines like United, Southwest, and British Airways, plus hotel partners like Hyatt and Marriott.
Is the $95 annual fee worth it?
For travelers who can utilize the card's benefits, particularly the primary rental car insurance and enhanced travel rewards, the fee can be easily justified through the value received.
Double the Cash, Zero the Worry
Looking for consistent rewards without the hassle? The Citi Double Cash® Card rewards you twice: 1% when you buy, another 1% when you pay—for a total 2% cash back on every purchase with no categories to track. Plus, smart balance transfer options help you take control of existing debt. Simple, powerful, perfect for today's savvy spenders.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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