Capital One Savor Student vs Chase Sapphire Preferred: Which Is Better In 2026?

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we think the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is a top-tier travel card.

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• It features a highly flexible rewards program, allowing you to redeem for travel or transfer to numerous airline and hotel partners.
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card comes packed with valuable travel protections and perks that provide peace of mind on the road.
• It's an excellent entry-level travel card, providing significant value for those new to earning travel rewards without a premium price tag.

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Pros

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• A valuable welcome offer for new cardmembers.
• Comprehensive travel protections for peace of mind on the road.
• Flexible reward points that can be transferred to a variety of travel partners.

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Cons

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• An annual fee may not be ideal for those who don't travel enough to maximize the card's benefits.
• It doesn't include luxury travel perks like airport lounge access, which are available on more premium cards.
• Points are most valuable when redeemed for travel, offering lower value for cash back or gift cards.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® vs Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Capital One Savor Student or Chase Sapphire Preferred, comes down to what you need from a credit card.

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• Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for students looking to build their credit history. It's a great fit for those who frequently spend on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an entry-level travel card for frequent travelers. It's ideal for those who want to earn rewards on travel and dining purchases.

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Redemption

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Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: You can redeem your cash back rewards in a few simple ways, such as a statement credit to lower your balance or a check sent to you.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card's points offer more flexibility, allowing you to book travel through the Chase portal or transfer them to various airline and hotel loyalty programs.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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Kudos is a financial companion that helps you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards using your real spending data to find the best fit for your wallet.

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• Test drive a credit card before you apply to see personalized earning projections based on your actual spending habits, without impacting your credit score.
• Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for various cards based on your credit report.
• Track your progress toward earning credit card sign-up bonuses.
• Earn Kudos Boost rewards that stack on top of your existing credit card rewards when you shop at your favorite stores.
• Access exclusive promotions and a welcome offer guarantee, which ensures Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards card is tailor-made for college students who frequently spend on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services. It's an excellent choice for those with at least a fair credit score who want to build their credit history responsibly while earning cash back on everyday purchases. Additionally, students studying abroad or planning international travel will benefit from the card's lack of foreign transaction fees, making it a versatile financial tool for their academic journey.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred®?

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want to earn valuable rewards without committing to a premium annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for individuals whose spending is concentrated on travel and dining, as the card offers accelerated points in these popular categories. As a strong entry-level travel card, it provides a straightforward path for newcomers to maximize rewards on everyday purchases and unlock significant travel benefits.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Capital One Savor Student vs Chase Sapphire Preferred® comparison has left you feeling like neither card is the perfect match, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent options on the market worth considering.

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_{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. 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.}

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Card issuers typically require a fair to excellent score, so know where you stand before applying.
• Plan for the welcome offer - Make sure you can comfortably meet any minimum spending requirements without overextending your finances.
• Review issuer application rules - Be aware of policies like the Chase 5/24 rule that could affect your eligibility for a new card.

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Application Strategy

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• Try different application methods - Some offers may only be available through specific channels or at certain times.
• Confirm unique eligibility - Some cards have specific requirements like student status or residency restrictions.
• Time your application strategically - Applying before a large planned purchase can help you meet spending requirements naturally.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can a student get the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card?

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While there's no rule preventing students from applying, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card generally requires a good to excellent credit score and a steady income, which can be challenging for some students to meet.

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What happens to my Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card after I graduate?

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Capital One may automatically review your account for an upgrade to a non-student version, like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, after you graduate. This process can help you transition to a card with potentially higher credit limits.

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Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred's annual fee worth it for a student?

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a $95 annual fee, which can be offset by its travel credits and higher rewards on travel and dining. Students should carefully evaluate if their spending habits justify this cost compared to a no-annual-fee student card.

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