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Maximize Travel with the Chase Sapphire Preferred $50 Hotel Credit
December 12, 2024
Introduction
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best travel credit cards available, and the $50 annual hotel credit is a key reason why. Combined with bonus points on travel spending and other perks, this $95-annual-fee card is an excellent choice for folks who want to get the most out of their travel rewards. In this post, we'll dive into how the Chase Sapphire Preferred hotel credit works and how you can maximize its value.
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How the Chase Sapphire Preferred Hotel Credit Works
Each year, starting from your card opening anniversary, Sapphire Preferred cardholders can receive up to $50 back on hotel reservations. To qualify for the credit, you must book your hotel through Chase Travel℠. These reservations are typically prepaid but may be refundable. Chase makes using your credit super easy.
Just follow these steps:
- Sign into your Chase account
- Select "Travel" on the side of the screen
- Click on the "Hotels" button and enter your desired hotel or location
- Choose your hotel and complete the booking process
Chase will automatically apply the $50 credit to your reservation if you have any portion of the credit remaining. The credit will appear on your monthly statement within one to two billing cycles.
Here are the benefit's official terms:
$50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit: A statement credit will automatically be applied to your account when your card is used for hotel accommodation purchases made through Chase Travel, up to an annual maximum accumulation of $50. Annual means the year beginning with your account open date through the first statement date after your account anniversary, and the 12 monthly billing cycles after that each year. Annually, the first $50 in Chase Travel hotel purchases will not earn rewards points. Statement credit(s) will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles after your purchase posts to your account.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred currently has a signup bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. That's worth at least $750 when redeemed for travel, making it one of the most lucrative introductory bonuses available.
When to Use the Chase Sapphire Preferred $50 Hotel Credit
The $50 hotel credit is most valuable when used for shorter, lower-cost stays. In these cases, you can minimize out-of-pocket expenses and may be less likely to miss out on hotel loyalty program perks and points.
Consider using your credit for:
- One-night hotel stays for yourself or a loved one
- Overnight trips for events like sports games, concerts, or graduations
- Unexpected overnight stays due to trip delays (the Sapphire Preferred's trip delay insurance may also reimburse you for eligible expenses)
- Affordable international hotels
- Airport hotels for early morning flights
When Not to Use the Chase Sapphire Preferred Hotel Credit
The main drawback of booking through Chase Travel℠ is that you likely won't earn hotel points, night credits, or receive elite status benefits. If you need to change or cancel your reservation, you must do so through Chase, not the hotel directly.
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Hotel Credit Worth It?
Absolutely! Even though it's only $50, the Sapphire Preferred hotel credit can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of a hotel stay. It essentially cuts the card's annual fee in half too! However, if you're loyal to a specific hotel chain or trying to achieve elite status, you may find the credit harder to use.
Keep in mind that the credit doesn't roll over to the next year, so be sure to use it before your card anniversary. If you're considering the higher-end Chase Sapphire Reserve®, note that it comes with a more flexible $300 annual travel credit.
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Other Cards that Offer Hotel Credits
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is not the only card around that offers hotel credits.
Here are a list of our favorites that do:
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton's premium card offers up to $250 in statement credits per year for Hilton Resorts purchases, plus an airline fee credit.
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Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Marriott's small business card includes 15 Elite Night Credits, complimentary Gold Elite status, and a Free Night Award each year after the card anniversary.
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Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
This card has a $650 annual fee, but cardholders receive a $300 annual Marriott statement credit (up to $25 per month for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide) and a free anniversary award night.
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Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
American Express® Green Card
This travel rewards card earns 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar on travel purchases, including hotels, flights, taxis, and ridesharing services.
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Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card
This card has a $75 annual fee and lets cardholders earn points toward free stays at budget and mid-tier hotel brands.
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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
This premium travel card offers a $300 travel credit, a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus each year, and 5X miles on hotels booked through Capital One Travel (see rates & fees).
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Final Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire Preferred's $50 hotel credit is one of the card's valuable perks and can help you save on hotel stays when you book through Chase Travel℠. By understanding how the credit works and when to use it, you can maximize its value and enjoy more affordable travel experiences. So, if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, don't let this credit go to waste – start planning your next hotel stay today. And if you've been eyeing this card, this is just one of the many perks it offers. And now is the time to get the card while the increased sign-up bonus is still around.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred hotel credit at any hotel?
You can use the Sapphire Preferred hotel credit at any hotel on Chase Travel℠ that has availability.
What if I have to cancel a booking I made with the Chase Sapphire Preferred hotel credit?
If you need to cancel a booking made with the Sapphire Preferred hotel credit, you must do so directly through Chase, not the hotel.
How often do I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred hotel credit?
You will get the Sapphire Preferred hotel credit once per year, with years measured from when you opened your account (cardholder anniversary).
Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred hotel credit apply to multiple bookings?
Yes, you can apply the Sapphire Preferred hotel credit to multiple bookings. Since the credit is only worth $50, however, you probably won’t be able to spread it out much.
Can I use my hotel credit to offset the cost of a higher cost hotel room?
Yes, the $50 annual hotel credit for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card can be used to reduce the cost of a more expensive hotel reservation.
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