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Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Still the King of Travel Rewards in 2025?

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ed-still-the-king-of-travel-rewards-in-2025.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 7:49 GMT by The Motley Fool
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Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Still the King of Travel‑Rewards in 2025?
A deep‑dive into the card’s current value, recent tweaks, and how it stacks up against the competition.

1. The Core of the “King” Narrative

The article on The Motley Fool opens by revisiting the myth that the Chase Sapphire Preferred has long been the undisputed champion of travel‑reward cards. The card’s foundational appeal lies in its generous 5 x points on travel and dining, a $95 annual fee (2025‑adjusted), and the ability to transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to more than 20 airline and hotel loyalty programs. These fundamentals have kept the card top of mind for 2023‑24, but the question the author asks is: Does the card still dominate in 2025?

2. Recent Changes Worth Noting

The article notes a few updates that could shift the balance:

The article argues that these incremental changes keep the card competitive, especially for “mid‑level” spenders who can reap the benefit of higher bonuses without paying a premium fee.

3. How It Measures Against the Competition

A key segment of the article pits Sapphire Preferred against three contemporaneous cards that often appear in comparative “best travel card” lists:

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve
   Higher annual fee ($550), but 3 x points on all travel and 2 x on dining, and an $300 annual travel credit.
   In 2025, the Reserve still edges out the Preferred for high‑spenders thanks to the credit, but the Preferred’s lower fee and strong transfer options make it more appealing to the “savvy traveler” who books through partner airlines.

2. Capital One Venture Card
   2 x miles on every purchase, $95 annual fee, but miles are redeemable at a flat 1.25 cents per mile.
   The article points out that while Venture is simpler, Sapphire’s category bonuses and transfer flexibility give it an edge for frequent flyers who want to maximize value through elite status earning.

3. American Express Gold Card
   3 x points on U.S. restaurants, 4 x on airline tickets booked directly, and a $120 dining credit.
   The Amex Gold is great for domestic dining, but the Sapphire’s higher point value on travel and superior airline transfer partners make it preferable for international trips.

The author summarizes that Sapphire Preferred still holds the crown for “most balanced travel card”—it offers more value than the Amex Gold, is more affordable than the Reserve, and gives a richer experience than Venture, especially for those who can transfer points to premium partners like Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer or World of Hyatt.

4. The “Ultimate Rewards” Ecosystem

A substantial portion of the article is devoted to the Ultimate Rewards platform. Chase’s unified portal lets users combine points earned on the Preferred with those earned on the Reserve or other Chase cards, allowing flexible redemption at either 1 cent per point or 1.25 cents per point for travel booked through Chase. The article cites a 2024 study that shows over 30 % of Sapphire Preferred holders use the 1.25 cent redemption rate after the 2025 update, a clear win for the card.

Moreover, the author links to a partner analysis page that outlines the most valuable airline and hotel partners as of early 2025. The article emphasizes that transferring 10 000 points to a partner can yield $150–$200 in travel value, far exceeding the cash‑back value of the same points if redeemed for a statement credit.

5. Fees and Penalties: The Bottom Line

The article breaks down the fee structure for the 2025 version:

• Annual fee: $110 (up from $95)
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Late payment fee: Up to $35 (based on balance)
• Cash advance fee: 5 % of the amount (min $5)

Because the card is designed for reward‑centric users, the author notes that most cardholders avoid the high‑cost penalties by paying in full each month and limiting cash advances.

6. “The Verdict”

In a concise conclusion, the article states:

“Chase Sapphire Preferred remains the most compelling travel‑reward card for 2025, especially for those who can take advantage of the updated sign‑up bonus and higher redemption rates. While premium cards like the Reserve still offer more elite perks, the Preferred’s low fee, strong transfer partners, and generous travel benefits keep it at the top of the conversation for mid‑tier travelers.”

The author suggests that if you are a frequent traveler who does not need the $300 annual credit or the lounge access of the Reserve, the Sapphire Preferred still offers the best “bang for your buck.” They add a cautionary note: “Always check the most recent annual fee and bonus terms—Chase can adjust these in the next 12 months.”

7. Further Reading

The article links to several supplemental resources:

• Chase’s official card page (for current terms and application)
• Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners list (updated Q1 2025)
• A comparative chart of travel credit cards (2025 edition)
• An explanatory guide on redeeming points via the Chase portal

These links provide readers with the raw data needed to make an informed decision.

Bottom line: The Fool article concludes that the Chase Sapphire Preferred remains the king of travel‑reward cards in 2025, largely because its blend of low cost, flexible redemption, and strong transfer partners outshines rivals for the “average traveler” who spends between $30,000 and $50,000 annually on travel and dining. Whether you’re planning your first international trip or you’re a seasoned jet‑setter, the updated bonus and slightly higher redemption value make the Sapphire Preferred a top‑tier choice that’s unlikely to be dethroned—unless a new competitor emerges that offers a higher bonus for a lower fee.