Chase Sapphire Reserve Updates: New Perks, Higher Fees, and Why It Still Shines

When the Chase Sapphire Reserve launched in 2016, it redefined what a premium travel credit card could be. With its sleek metal design, generous rewards, and airport lounge access, it quickly became the go-to card for jet-setters and points enthusiasts. Fast forward to June 2025, and Chase has unveiled a major overhaul of this iconic card, alongside a brand-new Sapphire Reserve for Business. The changes are bold—think higher annual fees but paired with a treasure trove of new benefits that aim to keep this card a top contender in the luxury travel market. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone who loves a good dining experience, these updates are worth a closer look.

Why should you care? If you’re someone who loves to travel in style, maximize rewards, or run a business with frequent expenses, the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s revamp could change how you approach your spending. With a hefty $795 annual fee, the stakes are high, but so is the potential value—Chase claims over $2,700 in annual benefits. Let’s dive into what’s new, what’s stayed the same, and whether this card still deserves a spot in your wallet.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve: A Game-Changer Gets a Makeover

A Brief History of Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve debuted in 2016 and shook up the credit card world. With a then-reasonable $450 annual fee, it offered 3X points on travel and dining, a $300 travel credit, and access to Priority Pass lounges—perks that made it an instant favorite among travelers. Over the years, it evolved, adding benefits like DoorDash credits and Lyft partnerships, while its fee crept up to $550. By June 2025, Chase has taken it to another level, raising the fee to $795 and introducing a slew of new perks aimed at luxury travelers and high spenders. This isn’t just a refresh; it’s a bold statement in a competitive market where American Express and Capital One are also vying for the premium card crown.

The card’s evolution reflects a broader trend: credit card issuers are doubling down on high-end perks to attract affluent customers who see value in exclusive experiences. From its inception, the Sapphire Reserve has been about more than just points—it’s about a lifestyle. The 2025 updates, announced on June 17 and effective for new cardholders from June 23, aim to cement its status as a must-have for those who live for travel and luxury.

What Makes the Sapphire Reserve Unique

What sets the Sapphire Reserve apart is its ability to balance accessibility with exclusivity. Unlike some premium cards that feel out of reach for all but the ultra-wealthy, this card appeals to a wide range of travelers—from the business owner booking international flights to the foodie chasing hard-to-get restaurant reservations. Its new benefits, like the $500 annual credit for The Edit hotel collection and complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status, cater to those who crave curated experiences. For example, imagine checking into an IHG resort in Bora Bora, enjoying free breakfast and a potential room upgrade, all thanks to your card’s status perk.

Compared to rivals like The Platinum Card® from American Express, which carries a $695 annual fee, the Sapphire Reserve’s new $795 price tag is steep but comes with credits that are easier to use for some. The Amex Platinum’s credits are spread across multiple categories (like Uber and digital entertainment), which can feel restrictive if you don’t use those services. In contrast, Sapphire Reserve’s $300 travel credit applies to virtually any travel expense, from flights to parking fees, making it more flexible for everyday travelers.

What’s New in 2025: Breaking Down the Updates

New Rewards Structure

The Sapphire Reserve’s rewards program has been revamped to focus on high-value travel and dining. Here’s how you’ll earn points starting June 23, 2025:

• 8X points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, a significant jump from the previous 5X on flights and 10X on hotels and car rentals.
• 4X points on flights and hotels booked directly with airlines or hotels, up from 3X on all travel.
• 3X points on dining, including takeout and delivery, which remains unchanged.
• 1X point on all other purchases.

This shift rewards those who book through Chase’s travel portal but removes the broad 3X points on all travel (like cruises or taxis), which may disappoint some cardholders. For instance, if you’re planning a cross-country road trip and booking an Airbnb, you’ll now earn just 1X point instead of 3X, unless you book through Chase Travel. However, the 8X points on portal bookings make it a powerhouse for those who plan trips through Chase.

New Credits and Perks

Chase has loaded the Sapphire Reserve with new credits to offset the $795 fee:

• $500 The Edit Credit: A semi-annual $250 credit (totaling $500 yearly) for bookings at Chase’s curated collection of over 1,100 luxury hotels and resorts. A minimum two-night stay is required, but this can be a game-changer for travelers who love high-end properties.
• $300 Dining Credit: Up to $150 semi-annually for dining at restaurants in the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables program, curated by The Infatuation and bookable via OpenTable. This is ideal for foodies in major cities but may be less useful in smaller markets.
• $300 StubHub/viagogo Credit: Up to $150 semi-annually for concert and event tickets, perfect for those who frequent live events.
• $250 Apple TV+ and Apple Music Subscriptions: Complimentary access through June 22, 2027, adding value for entertainment lovers.
• $120 Peloton Credit: Up to $10 monthly for Peloton memberships, plus 10X points on eligible Peloton purchases (up to 50,000 points).
• $300 Travel Credit: The beloved flexible travel credit remains, applicable to nearly any travel expense.
• $120 DoorDash and Lyft Credits: Existing perks continue, with up to $25 monthly DoorDash credits and $10 monthly Lyft credits.

For high spenders ($75,000 annually on the personal card or $120,000 on the business version), additional perks include Southwest A-List status, IHG Diamond status, and a $500 credit for Shops at Chase, a premium retail portal.

Points Boost Redemption Program

The biggest change to the rewards structure is the introduction of Points Boost, replacing the 1.5 cents per point redemption value for Chase Travel bookings. Now, points can be worth up to 2 cents each on select flights and hotels (like first-class tickets or The Edit properties). Non-eligible bookings drop to 1 cent per point, which is a downgrade for some redemptions. However, existing cardholders (or those who apply before June 23, 2025) can redeem points earned before October 26, 2025, at 1.5 cents until October 26, 2027, with the best rate (Points Boost or 1.5 cents) applied automatically.

For example, booking a $1,000 first-class flight through Chase Travel with Points Boost could require just 50,000 points instead of 66,667 points at the old rate. This makes premium travel more attainable, but the lower 1-cent rate for economy flights or cruises might frustrate budget travelers.

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Alongside the personal card, Chase launched the Sapphire Reserve for Business, also with a $795 annual fee. It mirrors most personal card benefits but adds business-specific perks like 10X points on office supplies and telecommunications services (up to $150,000 annually). This card is tailored for entrepreneurs who want premium travel benefits alongside rewards for business expenses, making it a strong competitor to the American Express Business Platinum Card.

Why the Sapphire Reserve Still Captivates

The Sapphire Reserve’s allure lies in its ability to evolve with consumer trends. The 2025 updates tap into the growing demand for experiential spending—think luxury hotels, exclusive dining, and live events. Chase’s partnership with The Infatuation for dining credits and the curated The Edit hotel collection reflects a cultural shift toward seeking unique, Instagram-worthy moments. The card also benefits from Chase’s robust Ultimate Rewards program, which allows point transfers to partners like United, Marriott, and Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, offering unmatched flexibility.

The $795 fee is undeniably steep, but Chase’s strategy is clear: target high-income travelers and business owners who can maximize the $1,945 in annual credits (assuming full use of The Edit, dining, StubHub, travel, and other credits). For perspective, a single weekend at a luxury hotel like a Four Seasons could easily cost $1,000, making the $500 The Edit credit a significant offset. The card’s marketing emphasizes a lifestyle of exclusivity, appealing to those who see travel and dining as expressions of success.

Ready to Elevate Your Travel Game?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve’s 2025 updates are a bold bet on luxury and flexibility, with a higher annual fee balanced by credits and perks that cater to travelers and experience-seekers. Whether it’s scoring a table at a top restaurant, lounging in a Priority Pass airport lounge, or redeeming points for a first-class flight, this card delivers for those willing to embrace its premium lifestyle. If you’re already a cardholder or considering applying, weigh the new credits against your spending habits—could you use that $500 hotel credit for a dream getaway?

What do you think of these changes? Are you ready to dive into the Sapphire Reserve’s new era?