Chase has rolled out significant updates to the Sapphire Preferred® Card, effective June 15. These enhancements aim to offer greater benefits for both new and existing cardholders. The timing of the rollout aligns with a limited-time welcome bonus of 100,000 points, available to those who spend $5,000 within the first three months of account opening, marking the highest bonus in the card’s history.
One of the most notable updates is the increase of the annual hotel statement credit from $50 to $100. This credit, applicable on prepaid hotel bookings made through Chase Travel℠, offers an effective way to offset the card’s $95 annual fee. For instance, a cardholder who books a $150 hotel through Chase Travel can utilize the $100 credit, bringing their out-of-pocket expense down to $50. For existing cardholders who have already used this year’s $50 credit, the additional $50 became available as of June 15.
Furthermore, the Sapphire Preferred now includes a complimentary one-year subscription to Apple TV, valued at up to $156. Cardholders need to enroll through the Chase Benefits & Rewards program and link their Apple IDs by December 31, 2026. If cardholders already have a paid Apple TV subscription, the new offer will temporarily suspend that subscription, resuming at the current price once the Chase benefit concludes.
The updates also introduce new earning categories, where cardholders can earn three points per dollar on gas, EV charging, and vacation home rentals booked through specific platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. This new earning potential joins existing categories like dining and online groceries, making the Sapphire Preferred a competitive option for accumulating rewards.
In addition, the card now offers a $120 application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus services, valid once every four years. This credit is particularly valuable for travelers looking to streamline their airport experience. Cardholders can apply for the services and pay with their Sapphire Preferred to trigger the statement credit.
Chase has also enhanced the card’s travel protection offerings, recently adding emergency evacuation and transportation coverage. Utilizing this protection requires cardholders to pay for eligible travel purchases with their Sapphire Preferred.
For prospective cardholders, the current 100,000-point welcome bonus is significant, valued at over $2,000 when maximized through Chase’s transfer partners. This offers a compelling incentive for new applicants, as it is only the third time in the card’s 17-year history that such a high bonus has been available.
While new and existing cardholders benefit from the new perks, there are some advantages maintained exclusively for those who opened their accounts prior to June 15. These include the ongoing 10% anniversary points bonus on purchases made until October 1, 2026, and access to the current 1:1 transfer ratio to World of Hyatt until September 30.
Overall, for travelers seeking rewards and benefits related to their spending, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has never been more appealing, particularly with the limited-time welcome bonus adding to its allure. Existing cardholders should take advantage of the new benefits while new applicants are encouraged to consider the card during this promotional period.
