Chase Sapphire Reserve Hike: Is $795 Too Much for Travelers?
by admin
Chase has overhauled its Sapphire Reserve card with a major fee increase and revamped benefits. The new $795 annual fee — up from $550 — has many cardholders asking: is it still worth it? Let’s break down what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how to get the most out of your Chase points in 2025.
What’s Changing (And What’s Not)
🆙 Higher Annual Fee
The fee has jumped $245 to $795. This card can still deliver value — but only if you maximize the perks.
🛫 New Earning Structure
- 4X points on flights and hotels booked directly with airlines or hotels
- 3X points on dining (unchanged)
- 1X point on OTAs, trains, rideshares, and tolls (used to be 3X)
👉 Translation: your earning power is now narrower. Unless you book directly, you’re leaving points on the table.
🧾 New Monthly Perks
To soften the blow, Chase added:
- $15/month Lyft credits ($180/year)
- $15/month DoorDash credits ($180/year)
- Dining credits at Sapphire Lounges
- Continued $300 annual travel credit
⚠️ These credits are use-it-or-lose-it. If you rarely use Lyft or DoorDash, the value disappears quickly.
🔄 Redemption: A Two-Tier System
- Points earned before October 2025: redeem at 1.5¢ each via Chase Travel (locked for 2 years).
- Points earned after October 2025: likely less valuable (details pending).
- Sapphire Preferred cardholders keep the 1.25¢ rate for Chase Travel bookings.
Real-World Testing: What We Found
We ran multiple booking tests under the new structure. The verdict?
➡️ If you don’t book directly with airlines and hotels, your rewards potential just dropped significantly.
Should You Keep or Cancel the Card?
✅ Keep the Card If You:
- Book flights & hotels directly (not through OTAs)
- Maximize both the $300 travel credit + $360 in monthly perks
- Use Priority Pass lounges & dining credits
❌ Consider Alternatives If You:
- Rely heavily on OTAs like Expedia or Google Flights
- Rarely use DoorDash or Lyft
- Want broader reward categories
How to Maximize Value Before Devaluations Hit
If you’ve built up Chase Ultimate Rewards points, act strategically:
- Use points earned before October 2025 while they’re still worth 1.5¢ each
- Consider booking premium cabins — business & first class — where you get maximum cents-per-point value
- Or, cash out your points before they lose value
💡 At Mileage Spot, we help cardholders like you turn Chase points into cash instantly at competitive rates.
👉 Sell Your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Now
Final Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire Reserve refresh is more than just a fee hike — it’s a complete shift in how rewards are earned and redeemed. For direct bookers who maximize perks, the $795 fee could still pay off. But for many others, especially those who value flexibility, now may be the time to rethink.
If you’re unsure how to maximize or cash out your Chase Ultimate Rewards, Mileage Spot can help you get top dollar before devaluations hit.
