The Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR) has long been a staple in my wallet. As the top-tier offering in Chase’s Ultimate Rewards (UR) program, it’s a luxury travel card designed for those who value elevated travel perks and rewards, even with a steep annual fee. For years, I’ve enjoyed its higher points multipliers for travel and dining and its suite of travel protections that remain among the best in the industry.
However, the CSR is under scrutiny as I reassess my credit card portfolio, intending to reduce my collection by 25% in 2025. Instead of evaluating cards in isolation, I’m examining the overlap across my entire lineup. When I stepped back, I realized that CSR was becoming redundant.
What the Sapphire Reserve Offers
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns:
- 3X points on travel worldwide (excluding charges covered by the $300 annual travel credit).
- 3X points on dining worldwide (if the merchant codes as dining).
- 5X points on airfare and 10X points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Chase Travel Portal.
- 1X point per dollar on all other purchases.
One of its standout features is the 1.5 cents per point redemption value for travel booked through Chase’s portal. By comparison, the Sapphire Preferred (CSP) offers only 1.25 cents per point.
Additional perks include:
- A $300 annual travel credit that applies automatically to most travel purchases.
- Reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.
- A Priority Pass Select membership, which now includes Chase Sapphire Lounges.
- Primary rental car insurance.
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $100,000.
Why the CSP Makes the CSR Less Essential
The Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP) has diminished the CSR’s appeal by offering similar benefits at a fraction of the cost ($95 annually). With its $50 annual hotel credit, 10% anniversary points bonus, and bonus categories for everyday spending, the CSP meets most of my travel card needs while saving me money.
Similarities to the Ritz-Carlton Card
At $450 annually, the Ritz-Carlton Card offers nearly identical benefits to the CSR. It includes Priority Pass access, primary rental car insurance, and trip delay protections, among others. The key difference is that it earns Marriott Bonvoy points instead of Ultimate Rewards.
While I value Ultimate Rewards more highly, the Ritz-Carlton Card’s strong overlap with the CSR makes the latter less necessary for my wallet.
AMEX Platinum: The Final Nail in the CSR’s Coffin
If the CSP and Ritz-Carlton Card weren’t enough, the American Express Platinum Card seals the deal. Although it’s known for its high annual fee and “coupon book” of statement credits, the Platinum offers exclusive benefits Chase doesn’t match:
- Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Plaza Premium Lounges, Escape Lounges, Airspace Lounges, and select Lufthansa Lounges.
- 5X points on airfare booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program, which rivals The Edit by Chase Travel
- Enhanced purchase protection and return protection policies.
While the Platinum’s fee is steep, its lounge access and other premium perks justify the cost, especially when I take advantage of the statement credits to offset it.
Conclusion: Time to Say Goodbye
With the CSP covering most travel needs, the Ritz-Carlton Card offering similar protections, and the Amex Platinum surpassing the CSR in premium perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve no longer justifies its $550 annual fee. While it’s still an excellent card for many, it’s time for me to part ways.
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