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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Just Got Better — Here's What Changed
July 1, 2025
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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has long been one of the most recommended entry-level travel cards on the market. And as of June 15, 2026, it got a significant upgrade — with no change to its annual fee.
Whether you already carry this card or have been on the fence about it, here's a practical breakdown of what's new, what it means for your wallet, and how to make the most of it.
New: 3x Points on Gas and EV Charging
One of the biggest gaps in the Sapphire Preferred's earning structure was gas. Until now, everyday driving earned very little. That changes with the addition of 3x Ultimate Rewards® points on gas station purchases and EV charging — the same rate cardholders already earn on dining and streaming.
For anyone who commutes, road trips frequently, or drives an electric vehicle, this is a meaningful addition. Points that previously went uncaptured at the pump now go straight into your travel fund.
New: 3x Points on Vacation Home Rentals
The second new earning category targets a fast-growing slice of travel: vacation home rentals booked directly through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Previously, these bookings often earned only 1x points depending on how they were categorized.
Now, direct bookings on these platforms earn 3x. If you prefer booking through Chase Travel for the higher 5x rate, that option remains — but you now have a genuine choice between the two, depending on pricing and your points strategy.
For families and groups that rent vacation homes a few times a year, this category alone can add significant points to your balance.
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Use Kudos to automatically surface the Sapphire Preferred at gas stations and EV chargers, so you never default to a lower-earning card out of habit.
Updated: $100 Annual Hotel Credit (Doubled from Previous Amount)
The Sapphire Preferred's annual hotel credit has doubled. The credit applies to prepaid hotel stays booked through Chase Travel each account anniversary year.
At a card with an annual fee in the mid-tier range, a hotel credit that covers more than the cost of the fee is a compelling value proposition — especially if you book at least one hotel night per year anyway. This update makes the card's fee easier to justify before you earn a single point.
New: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS Credit
Cardholders can now receive a statement credit toward the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS every four years. This is a perk previously reserved for premium travel cards, and it's a welcome addition at this fee level.
If you travel internationally or frequently pass through busy airports, the time savings from expedited security and customs can be substantial.
New: Emergency Evacuation and Transportation Coverage
The Sapphire Preferred has always offered a solid suite of travel protections. With the addition of Emergency Evacuation and Transportation coverage, Chase says the card now has the most comprehensive built-in travel protections in its class.
This covers costs associated with emergency medical evacuation while traveling — a benefit that can run into tens of thousands of dollars if you ever need it and aren't covered. For cardholders who travel internationally or to remote destinations, this is a meaningful safety net.
New: Complimentary Apple TV+ Subscription
New and existing cardholders can activate a complimentary Apple TV+ subscription for one year. This benefit must be activated by December 31, 2026. Terms apply.
It's not a travel benefit, but it adds incremental everyday value — particularly if you don't already subscribe.
Limited-Time Welcome Offer: 100,000 Points
To celebrate the refresh, Chase is offering new cardmembers 100,000 points after meeting the spending requirement in the first three months. This is one of the highest welcome offers the card has seen and represents significant travel value, particularly when transferred to airline and hotel partners.
This is a limited-time offer, so if you've been considering the card, now is a strong time to apply.
One Thing to Know: The 10% Anniversary Bonus Is Ending
The card's 10% anniversary points bonus — which rewarded cardholders with a 10% bonus on all points earned during their cardmember year — is being discontinued for new applicants as of June 15, 2026. Existing cardholders can continue earning toward their final bonus on eligible purchases made through October 1, 2026.
The new benefits package is designed to replace this with more targeted, higher-value earn categories and credits. For most cardholders, the new gas, vacation rental, and hotel credit additions will more than offset the loss of the anniversary bonus — depending on your spending patterns.
How Kudos Helps You Maximize the New Benefits
With more bonus categories than ever, knowing which card to reach for at checkout matters. Kudos automatically recommends the best card in your wallet for each purchase — whether that's the Sapphire Preferred at gas stations, dining, or Airbnb, or another card where you earn more.
Add your Sapphire Preferred to your Kudos Wallet to make sure the new 3x categories are always working for you.
Bottom Line
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® 2026 refresh adds real, practical value: two new 3x earning categories, a doubled hotel credit, Global Entry/PreCheck coverage, and the strongest travel protection suite in its class — all at the same annual fee. Combined with a standout limited-time welcome offer, this is one of the most competitive moments the card has seen in years.
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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.
