Maximize Travel Rewards: The Benefits of Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred
Traveling as a couple can be an enriching experience, and if you’re looking to maximize your travel rewards, consider adding the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Ink Business Preferred Credit Card to your financial toolkit. While many travelers opt for just one of these cards, there are compelling reasons for couples to hold both, especially with the recent introduction of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠. Together, these cards can enhance your travel rewards strategy, allowing you to earn points more efficiently whether you travel together or separately.
The Sapphire Reserve and its business counterpart offer impressive earning rates and valuable benefits that can significantly boost your travel rewards. For couples, having one partner wield a Sapphire Reserve card while the other carries the Ink Business Preferred can create a powerful combination that maximizes point-earning potential.
Why Couples Should Consider Both Cards
1. Enhanced Earning Potential: The Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Reserve for Business cards earn 8 points per dollar on all Chase Travel℠ purchases and 4 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked directly. This means if one partner pays for accommodations or flights using their Sapphire Reserve card, they can rack up substantial points. Meanwhile, the other partner can use the Ink Business Preferred for other travel-related expenses, such as car rentals and parking fees, further boosting their points balance.
2. Significant Welcome Bonuses: One of the fastest ways to accumulate travel rewards is through welcome bonuses. By applying for both the Sapphire Reserve for Business and the Ink Business Preferred, couples can earn up to 290,000 bonus points after meeting the minimum spending requirements on each card. If you choose to apply for the Sapphire Reserve alongside the Ink Business Preferred, you can still earn up to 215,000 bonus points.
3. Flexible Point Redemption: Both cards allow you to transfer points to various travel partners, enhancing the value of your rewards. For example, you can use points for flights with Air Canada Aeroplan or book stays with World of Hyatt. This flexibility is crucial for planning your trips and getting the most value out of your points.
4. Combining Points: One concern couples often have is the separation of points across different accounts. Fortunately, Chase allows you to combine Ultimate Rewards points with household members, making it easier to manage and redeem your points collectively. This feature is especially useful when planning a trip that requires a larger number of points.
5. Maximized Redemption Value: With the Ink Business Preferred, points can be redeemed for up to 1.75 cents each through Chase Travel. However, if you hold a Sapphire Reserve card, you can redeem points for up to 2 cents each via Points Boost. This means transferring points from the Ink Business Preferred to the Sapphire Reserve can significantly enhance their value.
Alternative Card Combinations
While the Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred combination is powerful, couples might consider other options based on their travel habits and financial situations:
– Chase Sapphire Preferred®: For those looking for a lower annual fee, the Sapphire Preferred comes with a competitive $95 fee and offers 3 points per dollar on dining and online grocery purchases (excluding certain stores) and 2 points per dollar on travel. This card can work well in tandem with the Ink Business Preferred by funneling travel purchases through the business card while using the Sapphire Preferred for dining and grocery expenses.
– Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred: If one partner is not eligible for a business credit card, the Sapphire Preferred might be a better choice over the Ink Business Preferred. It provides bonus points across more categories, making it a versatile option for couples who want to maximize their rewards without the need for a business account.
Making Your Decision
Choosing the right combination of credit cards depends on your travel frequency, spending habits, and how you plan to redeem your points. The Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred combo is ideal for couples who travel often and want to earn points efficiently. However, if your travel is less frequent or your spending patterns differ, you may find better value in a different card combination or even by adding an authorized user to one account.
Before applying for any credit card, it’s essential to evaluate your spending habits, travel goals, and the potential benefits each card offers. For couples who frequently travel together or separately, leveraging the power of these cards can unlock a world of travel possibilities.
To learn more about the features and benefits of each card, check out our comprehensive reviews of the Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Reserve for Business, and Ink Business Preferred.
By strategically choosing the right cards and understanding how to maximize your rewards, you can transform your everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences.
