Chase Sapphire Reserve introduces $250 Apple perk, CNET skeptics weigh in.
The recent update to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®* card introduced new perks and features, such as an annual $250 Apple Plus and Apple Music membership, valued until June 22, 2027. Additionally, the annual fee for the card has now increased to $795, requiring cardholders to put in more effort to make the card worthwhile. This higher fee may deter the average credit card user from considering this option.
In my view, having to redeem multiple credits, sign up for various free subscriptions, or strategically use points to book flights and hotels is too cumbersome. The new credits and benefits may seem appealing at a glance, but to me, they simply mean more time and energy spent to extract value from the card.
While there are some positive updates to the card’s rewards, including a larger welcome offer and revised rewards rates, Chase has also modified how it assesses the value of the card’s points. The changes might not sit well with everyone, especially those who prefer a more straightforward and automated credit card experience like myself.
The new rewards structure for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®* is as follows:
– 8x points for all travel booked through Chase Travel (compared to the previous 10x points for booking hotels and rental cars through Chase Travel)
– 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly (down from 5x points on flights booked through Chase)
– 3x points on dining
– 3x points for all other travel
– 1x point for everything else
The addition of dining rewards is a welcome change, providing more opportunities for cardholders to earn points. The flexibility to book travel outside of Chase Travel opens up new earning potential and travel options.
The card’s enhanced welcome offer of 100,000 bonus points and a $500 Chase Travel℠ credit for spending $5,000 in the first three months is enticing. However, the introduction of the Points Boost program alters the value proposition for cardholders. While points now earn 2 cents each on boosted redemption flights and hotels, they are only worth 1 cent each for non-boosted redemptions. This change limits the flexibility cardholders enjoyed in the past and may result in missed value opportunities, particularly for those who engaged with Chase’s travel partners at a 1:1 ratio.
Ultimately, while travel enthusiasts and credit card aficionados may find value in the new features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®*, for cardholders seeking a more straightforward and low-maintenance credit card experience, the added complexity may not be worth the effort.