Enhance Your Travel Rewards: Best Cards to Pair with Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is often hailed as one of the best travel rewards cards, thanks to its impressive earning potential, flexible point redemption options, and a reasonable annual fee. If you’ve already taken the plunge and secured this card, you might be wondering what your next move should be. Fortunately, there are several excellent credit card options that can elevate your travel rewards strategy and help you maximize your points and miles journey.
Choosing the right card to complement your Chase Sapphire Preferred can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here, we’ll explore three primary strategies for selecting a new credit card based on your spending habits, loyalty preferences, and travel goals.
1. Maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
If you’re keen on earning as many Chase Ultimate Rewards points as possible, consider adding one of the Chase Freedom cards to your wallet. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex® are both excellent options that can enhance your earning potential.
– Chase Freedom Unlimited®
– Welcome Bonus: Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 in the first three months.
– Rewards Rate: Earn 1.5% cash back (or 1.5 points) on every purchase.
This card is perfect for everyday purchases that don’t fall into specific bonus categories. It allows you to earn a decent return on spending like groceries or auto repairs, making it a staple for many Chase cardholders. When paired with your Sapphire Preferred, you can combine rewards and transfer them to various travel partners.
– Chase Freedom Flex®
– Welcome Bonus: Currently not accepting digital applications; check for in-branch options.
– Rewards Rate: Earn 5% cash back (or 5 points) on rotating categories each quarter (on up to $1,500 in spending).
The Freedom Flex is ideal for those who want to earn extra points in specific categories that change every quarter. This flexibility helps you maximize your point earnings throughout the year.
Combining the Sapphire Preferred with both Freedom cards allows for a robust strategy where you can earn Ultimate Rewards points on all your purchases.
2. Explore Co-Branded Cards
If you frequently travel with a specific airline or stay at a particular hotel chain, co-branded cards can be an excellent addition to your wallet. They often offer enhanced benefits and rewards when used with their respective loyalty programs.
– United Quest℠ Card
– Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
– Rewards Rate: Earn 3 miles on United purchases, 2 miles on other travel and dining, and 1 mile on all other purchases.
This card is particularly beneficial if you fly United Airlines regularly, as it offers perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and additional award availability. The substantial welcome bonus is a fantastic incentive for frequent travelers.
– World of Hyatt Credit Card
– Welcome Bonus: Earn two free nights after spending $4,000 within the first three months.
– Rewards Rate: Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels.
The Hyatt program is one of the most valuable hotel transfer partners available through Ultimate Rewards. This card not only provides valuable rewards but also grants you elite status benefits, making your stays more enjoyable.
3. Diversify Your Rewards Portfolio
If you’re interested in branching out into other loyalty programs, consider cards that offer transferable rewards from different issuers. This strategy allows you to build a more diverse portfolio of points and miles.
– American Express® Gold Card
– Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
– Rewards Rate: Earn 4 points at restaurants, 3 points on flights booked directly with airlines, and 1 point on all other purchases.
This card is particularly advantageous for foodies, as it provides excellent rewards for dining. Moreover, it opens up access to American Express Membership Rewards, which can be transferred to airlines and hotels not available through Chase.
– Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
– Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
– Rewards Rate: Earn 2 miles on every purchase.
The Venture Rewards card is versatile, allowing you to redeem miles for statement credits on travel purchases or transfer them to various airline and hotel partners. This flexibility can complement your travel strategy beautifully.
– Citi Strata Premier® Card
– Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first six months.
– Rewards Rate: Earn 3 points on restaurants and supermarkets, 2 points on hotels and flights, and 1 point on all other purchases.
This card is an excellent option for those who want to earn points in categories where the Sapphire Preferred may not offer bonuses. Plus, it opens up additional transfer partners, enhancing your rewards potential.
Conclusion
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to dive into travel rewards. However, to truly maximize your points and miles journey, consider pairing it with one or more of the cards mentioned above. Whether you aim to earn more Ultimate Rewards points, gain benefits from specific airlines or hotels, or diversify your rewards portfolio, there are numerous options available to enhance your travel experiences.
Ultimately, the best card for you will depend on your individual spending habits, travel preferences, and loyalty programs. By carefully selecting your next card, you can take significant steps toward funding your next dream trip with points and miles.
