Is The Chase Sapphire Reserve Worth The Annual Fee? My Personal Math - Chase

Is The Chase Sapphire Reserve Worth The Annual Fee? My Personal Math

Ben Schlappig — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:24:46 +0000

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card has a :AnnualFeeCSR: annual fee, and after the card’s 2025 refresh, the question of whether it’s still worth it has only gotten more contested some people find it more valuable than before, others less. The card now carries well over $1,000 in potential credits, but it’s increasingly a ”coupon book”…

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Marian — Sat, 30 May 2026 23:20:25 +0000

I used to love the 1.5x spend on Chase Travel. But now they have this point boost system I frankly don't understand. Do you think Chase Reserve travel point boost system is worth it? Do any other Chase cards have point boost booking?

Dan — Sat, 30 May 2026 13:28:41 +0000

I have CSR, Amex Plat and UA Club card, so lots of fees to get some value out of each program. The CSR is withering in my view. The UA Club card also shares many features that the CSR offers. The Amex Plat has Priority Pass, which I do like and use around the world. I've never seen a Chase lounge (EWR based) so don't really care. Use United/Star clubs in most places if I actually have time to go to a club or there's one in the terminal I'm using. Never seen a Centurion club either, although they are threatening to open on in EWR Terminal A, but will believe it when I see it. Both the Amex Plat and CSR are a chore to maximize "value" at these fee levels. And they do feel somewhat redundant to me. The "dining" programs I find generally useless as well, as they are heavily giant city centric, which limits real world value. Unless you're in a huge city, good luck using either dining program. Basically, if you're a regular suburban half business half leisure traveler, and don't live in NYC or near a Delta hub, then Amex plat is challenging, and CSR is mostly useless.

Marti — Fri, 29 May 2026 23:00:48 +0000

You did not mention the car rental Insurance or the travel delay and cancelation insurance. I cruise twice yearly. I do not purchase the insurance offered by the cruise lines. The coverage cost savings is at least $700.00!

Jared — Fri, 29 May 2026 13:39:57 +0000

Dropped CSR last year as the new coupon book model was a fight to break even without adapting my life to fit the card, which is the antithesis of what it should be. I was a proud evangelist since day 1, but with the changes, I've moved to United Quest and CSP that fit my life (and home airport) better. No frustration with CSR, but Chase made it clear that the card wasn't for me.

Kate — Fri, 29 May 2026 13:29:55 +0000

FWIW my husband got the Chase reserve when it first came out many years ago. He just got approved again, but Chase reached out to him and he had to call in, although it seemed mostly an identity verification issue.

iamhere — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:31:09 +0000

You don't mention the annual fee for additional users which is steep. I agree that the coupon book in unappealing and only works if you use what's on the list. Chase could make it a bit more flexible. As far as coupon books go, although I am not a fan Amex's is a bit more flexible. The Amex Marriott card offers a $300 restaurant credit divided monthly but any restaurant is acceptable. The Apple money could be a news and digitial subscription for example.

Jeff — Thu, 28 May 2026 22:17:04 +0000

I definitely get the value back and then some on this card but agree it can be cumbersome at times. Another benefit I use a lot is the ability to be able to transfer points directly to both Flying Blue and Qatar, especially at times when there is a decent bonus. I do this a lot to take advantage of booking their business class award travel 350 days out when the best availability and best value is there as I use both airlines for select trips at the same time of year repeatedly!

Mark Christopher — Thu, 28 May 2026 21:19:59 +0000

This week I used the $300 travel credit, $250 IHG credit, $250 Edit credit and $150 dining credit. I earned the 150,000-point bonus earlier this month. That will get me 12 nights @HR Bangkok which is worth $2400 to $2600. Great card for me.

Tennen — Thu, 28 May 2026 17:40:18 +0000

Oops. Forgot they increased direct airfare and hotel, so it's 1200 points ($18).