Bilt Obsidian vs Chase Sapphire Preferred (Refreshed): Which Card Wins in July 2026?
NCnextcard team
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TLDR: The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a top travel card with a big bonus, high points on dining & travel, flexible redemptions, and excellent travel insurance.
Advertiser Disclosure: nextcard may receive compensation from card issuers. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain. For the most up-to-date terms & conditions, refer to the official credit card application on the issuer's website.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out among travel rewards credit cards, delivering an exceptional blend of high-value perks, flexible rewards, and robust travel protections that make it highly attractive to discerning travelers.
Right off the bat, the Chase Sapphire Preferred impresses with a generous introductory offer. New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. These points, when strategically transferred to Chase’s extensive network of airline and hotel partners, can yield remarkable travel experiences that far surpass the card's $95 annual fee.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn’t limit its appeal to only frequent travelers; it also generously rewards everyday spending. Here’s how you earn:
3x points on dining, including restaurants, takeout, and eligible delivery services
3x points on gas/EV charging
3x points on vacation rentals (including Airbnb)
3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
3x points on select streaming services
2x points on all other travel purchases
1x point on all other purchases
With such a broad spectrum of bonus categories, accumulating points becomes effortless, making the card perfect for anyone who enjoys dining out or frequently uses popular streaming services.
You can also earn up to 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠.
Another thoughtful perk is the $100 annual Chase Travel℠ hotel credit. When booking hotels through Chase’s travel portal, this automatic statement credit effectively lowers the net annual cost of the card, offering tangible savings to cardholders who regularly travel. Note that this benefit applies exclusively to bookings made directly through Chase Travel℠, ensuring a seamless experience.
Redeeming points through Chase Travel℠ unlocks additional value, providing redemption rates of up to 1.5 cents per point on select hotels and flights. Although the previous flat rate redemption rate through Chase Travel has been removed, the enhanced rates for select bookings can continue to offer significant value.
Arguably, the card's greatest strength lies in the flexibility to transfer Chase points to numerous top-tier travel partners at a 1:1 ratio. Partners include prominent airlines such as United MileagePlus and Emirates Skywards, as well as premium hotel chains like Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt. By leveraging strategic transfers, savvy cardholders can substantially amplify the value of their points, particularly when capitalizing on promotional transfer bonuses or high-value redemptions.
True to its reputation, the Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with an extensive suite of travel insurance protections designed for peace of mind:
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather or other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per covered traveler and $20,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours, and hotels
Primary Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less
Travel Delay Reimbursement: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per covered traveler
Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimburses you up to $100 a day for up to 5 days for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing when baggage is delayed over 6 hours
Emergency Evacuation and Transportation: Covers medical services up to $100,000, if the cardholder or a covered traveler get injured or become sick during a trip 100 miles or more from home that results in an emergency evacuation.
These robust benefits underscore Chase’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and protection to frequent travelers.
As always, check your Guide to Benefits for the most up to date information.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card excels as a versatile and rewarding travel credit card. With an impressive introductory offer, generous point earnings on everyday expenses, valuable travel credits, and comprehensive travel insurance, this card justifies its popularity among seasoned travelers and those seeking practical, everyday rewards.
If your spending habits align with travel, dining, or streaming categories and you value flexibility and protection, the Chase Sapphire Preferred makes an excellent addition to your wallet, offering significant long-term value.
TLDR: The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a top travel card with a big bonus, high points on dining & travel, flexible redemptions, and excellent travel insurance.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn’t limit its appeal to only frequent travelers; it also generously rewards everyday spending. Here’s how you earn:
3x points on dining, including restaurants, takeout, and eligible delivery services
3x points on gas/EV charging
3x points on vacation rentals (including Airbnb)
3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
3x points on select streaming services
2x points on all other travel purchases
1x point on all other purchases
With such a broad spectrum of bonus categories, accumulating points becomes effortless, making the card perfect for anyone who enjoys dining out or frequently uses popular streaming services.
You can also earn up to 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠.
Another thoughtful perk is the $100 annual Chase Travel℠ hotel credit. When booking hotels through Chase’s travel portal, this automatic statement credit effectively lowers the net annual cost of the card, offering tangible savings to cardholders who regularly travel. Note that this benefit applies exclusively to bookings made directly through Chase Travel℠, ensuring a seamless experience.
Redeeming points through Chase Travel℠ unlocks additional value, providing redemption rates of up to 1.5 cents per point on select hotels and flights. Although the previous flat rate redemption rate through Chase Travel has been removed, the enhanced rates for select bookings can continue to offer significant value.
Arguably, the card's greatest strength lies in the flexibility to transfer Chase points to numerous top-tier travel partners at a 1:1 ratio. Partners include prominent airlines such as United MileagePlus and Emirates Skywards, as well as premium hotel chains like Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt. By leveraging strategic transfers, savvy cardholders can substantially amplify the value of their points, particularly when capitalizing on promotional transfer bonuses or high-value redemptions.
True to its reputation, the Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with an extensive suite of travel insurance protections designed for peace of mind:
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather or other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per covered traveler and $20,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours, and hotels
Primary Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less
Travel Delay Reimbursement: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per covered traveler
Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimburses you up to $100 a day for up to 5 days for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing when baggage is delayed over 6 hours
Emergency Evacuation and Transportation: Covers medical services up to $100,000, if the cardholder or a covered traveler get injured or become sick during a trip 100 miles or more from home that results in an emergency evacuation.
These robust benefits underscore Chase’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and protection to frequent travelers.
As always, check your Guide to Benefits for the most up to date information.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card excels as a versatile and rewarding travel credit card. With an impressive introductory offer, generous point earnings on everyday expenses, valuable travel credits, and comprehensive travel insurance, this card justifies its popularity among seasoned travelers and those seeking practical, everyday rewards.
If your spending habits align with travel, dining, or streaming categories and you value flexibility and protection, the Chase Sapphire Preferred makes an excellent addition to your wallet, offering significant long-term value.
