Without a doubt, the best new card and card bonus of 2016 was the Chase Sapphire Reserve. With its hefty 100,000 Ultimate Reward points after spending $4,000, it was easily a great offer by itself. But, then when you add in all the features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the value goes up even more. However, half of that point bonus is going away soon so better act shortly if you want this card!
Chase Sapphire Reserve 100,000 Point Offer Dropping to 50,000
Link: Chase Sapphire Reserve Details
Everyone knew that the Chase Sapphire Reserve 100,000 point offer was too good to last for long. After Chase mentioned it cost them $300 million last year on bonuses as well as the card going well beyond their expectations with new applicants, it was even clearer that it would drop at some point.
Well, that time is coming fast! Per TPG, the Chase Sapphire Reserve 100,000 point offer will be dropping to 50,000 points on January 12 with in-branch applications going away on March 12 (at the 100,000 point level).
The Value of the Chase Sapphire Reserve
There is no question that the card has a lot going for it – even beyond the 100,000 points. With things like $300 annual travel credit, $100 Global Entry reimbursement, 1.5 cent per point redemption through the Ultimate Reward portal, great Priority Pass membership access and more, it is certainly worth the $450 annual fee for the first year. In fact, many might argue that it is good for every year after as well.
We will be holding on to it since we were using the Chase Sapphire Preferred card before and that carries an annual fee of $95. When you subtract the annual travel credit, that leaves a difference of only $55 between the Chase Sapphire Reserver and the Chase Sapphire Preferred. With the lounge access and other perks, it definitely makes the $55 worth it.
Should You Apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve 100,000 Point Offer Now?
If you have not yet applied for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I am going to assume that it is because you are over 5/24 and cannot get new Chase cards. But, maybe you are under that line now or maybe you were holding off because of the annual fee. If you apply now, you will definitely get $600 in travel credits out of your first year as well as the 100,000 points. That is a minimum of $2,100 in travel value for only $450 in the annual fee. If you want the best deal around in travel right now, you will apply for this soon!
Is It Worth Applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve At 50,000 Points?
This will be something a lot of people will be facing if they cannot apply now! I personally think the card still carries a ton of value for the first year to justify the annual fee up front. But, many people may be just fine with the Chase Sapphire Preferred and its 50,000 points for no annual fee the first year!
If you do not spend much money on travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred will be the better option. But, if you do, the $600 travel credit will pay for travel you would have paid for anyway plus you would get 1.5 cents per point in redemption on travel through Ultimate Rewards instead of 1.25 cents per point.
For most people, I would say the Chase Sapphire Preferred will become the better value after the Chase Sapphire Reserve 100,000 point offer goes away. But, I think we will see some limited time increases on that card every year going forward as well so don’t be in a hurry if you cannot get the card now.
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