6 Ways to Maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a Beginner Traveler in 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the most beginner-friendly travel cards available in 2025.
- Learn how to earn and redeem points smartly from day one.
- Discover travel booking strategies and transfer partner tips to make each point go further.
- Travel perks like primary rental car insurance and trip coverage can save you serious money.
- This guide shares 6 ways to maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a beginner traveler looking to explore more for less.
Table of Contents
- Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is Worth It for Travelers
- Best 6 Ways to Maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a Beginner (2025 Guide)
- How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way with Points
- HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for Using the Sapphire Preferred
- FAQ: 6 Ways to Maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a Beginner
- Final Thoughts: Why These 6 Ways to Maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a Beginner Matter
Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is Worth It for Travelers
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a standout entry card in the points and miles world for good reason. For a modest $95 annual fee, it offers a rewarding points structure, valuable transfer partners, strong travel protections, and flexible redemption options. That makes it ideal for travelers who want real-world value without dealing with complicated systems.
Key Benefits Travelers Love (Especially Beginners):
- 60,000–75,000 point welcome bonus in 2025 (worth up to $900 if used well).
- 2X points on dining and travel, 3X on online grocery and select streaming services.
- 25% bonus value when redeeming points through Chase Travel.
- No foreign transaction fees—great for international trips.
- Built-in travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary rental car coverage.
Best 6 Ways to Maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a Beginner (2025 Guide)
Before you swipe and book your next flight, here are the smartest beginner-friendly strategies to make every point count:
-
Earn the Welcome Bonus ASAP—But Spend Smart
That 60,000–75,000 point sign-up bonus is extremely valuable—possibly your most valuable stash of points all year. To earn it, you typically need to spend $4,000 within 3 months of opening your account.
HopStrip Tip: Time your application ahead of big purchases—honeymoon flights, a new phone, Airbnb bookings, or even group travel. Just don’t spend what you don’t already plan to.
-
Book Through the Chase Travel Portal for a 25% Boost
When you redeem points via the Chase Travel portal, every point is worth 1.25 cents instead of just 1 cent (as with a cash redemption). That means your 60,000-point bonus = $750 in free travel.
Use it for:
- Flights (domestic or international)
- Hotels
- Rental cars
- Activities and tours
Curious where to go? Compare destinations and build your escape on the GetYourGuide travel platform.
-
Transfer Points to Airline and Hotel Partners (for Big Wins)
Once you feel comfortable navigating points, start exploring Chase’s 14+ transfer partners. Transfers are 1:1 and often unlock premium options like business class flights or luxury hotels that cost far more in cash than in points.
Great Starter Options:
- United MileagePlus for U.S. domestic and international flights
- Air France Flying Blue for sweet spot fares to Europe
- World of Hyatt for hotel stays under 15,000 points/night
Example: Transferring 15,000 points to Hyatt could land you a beachfront resort that costs $300+/night in cash.
-
Use Built-In Travel Perks Most Cardholders Overlook
The Sapphire Preferred isn’t just about points—it’s your mini travel insurance and comfort kit too.
Don’t miss these perks:
- Primary rental car insurance (which can save you $15–$30/day in coverage fees)
- Trip delay coverage (after 12 hours delay, meals/lodging are reimbursed up to $500/person)
- Lost luggage reimbursement (up to $3,000/person)
- No foreign transaction fees (ideal for Europe, Asia, etc.)
Driving abroad soon? Book your airport transfer in advance here with no extra fees.
-
Stack Extra Value with Chase Offers and Dining Bonuses
Within your Chase app or login, check out “Chase Offers”, which can include savings at restaurants, hotels, and rideshares. You can also activate 5X dining promotions (available in select months or with Pay Yourself Back).
HopStrip Tip: Add your Sapphire card to your Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Starbucks app during promos—these often give 3X–5X points or cash credits.
-
Pair with the Chase Freedom Cards for a Power Combo
Once you’re confident, consider adding the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex or Unlimited. Here’s why: Points you earn there become even more valuable when pooled with your Sapphire Preferred, since only Sapphire cards can transfer to airline/hotel partners.
Example Strategy: Use Freedom Flex for 5X rotating categories, then transfer to Sapphire Preferred and use them for travel bookings with added value.
How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way with Points
- Check your welcome bonus deadline and plan purchases accordingly.
- Decide on your first big trip—Europe? Hawaii? Thailand?…Then calculate what you’ll need in points.
- Use the Chase Travel Portal to preview point prices at hotels and flights.
- Consider transferring points to a hotel partner (like Hyatt) during off-peak dates.
- Book transportation and lodging smartly—use this flight tool and this hotel finder to check price comparisons first.
- Print or download travel insurance benefits in case you need to file a claim.
HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for Using the Sapphire Preferred
Thinking like a HopStrip traveler means squeezing value out of every booking—and traveling smarter, whether it’s your fifth trip this year or your first weekend getaway.
Here’s how to travel sharper with your Sapphire:
- Use points for off-season trips (e.g., 20K points round-trip to Mexico in spring vs. 50K in Christmas season)
- Consider combining trips with partners—book two short stays in Europe using both points and cash for a hybrid itinerary
- Be strategic with gear: packing light saves baggage fees, and travel adapters, RFID wallets, or universal power banks make your adventures smoother
Bonus Tip: Carry premium travel insurance when venturing abroad—get peace of mind with affordable insurance from Ekta.
FAQ: 6 Ways to Maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a Beginner
- Q: Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred worth the annual fee for beginners?
- A: Absolutely. For just $95/year, beginners can unlock $750+ in travel value with the welcome bonus alone. The flexibility, protection, and perks quickly outweigh the cost—especially for your first big trip.
- Q: What’s the best place to redeem points with Sapphire Preferred?
- A: Booking via the Chase Travel portal is the easiest way (since you get a 25% bonus), but transferring to hotel partners like Hyatt or airline partners like Air France often unlocks premium redemptions worth more.
- Q: Should I use points for cash back instead of travel?
- A: While it’s possible, don’t do it unless you have to. Cash back gives only 1 cent per point. Travel via the portal gives 1.25 cents, and transfer partners can offer 2–5 cents per point in value.
- Q: Is this card better for domestic or international travel?
- A: Both! The no foreign transaction fees, rental car protection, and transfer partners make it strong for global trips. But domestic travelers can still book hotels, flights, and tours via the portal with top-tier value.
- Q: Can I share points with a partner or spouse?
- A: Yes. You can combine points between household members who also have Ultimate Rewards cards. It’s perfect for couples who want to pool points for a major trip.
Final Thoughts: Why These 6 Ways to Maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a Beginner Matter
If you’re ready to level-up your travel in 2025, using these 6 ways to maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a beginner is a game-changer. It’s one of the few cards where your first big trip could be nearly free—and your everyday spending builds toward future adventures.
With the right mix of booking strategy, travel perks, and smart redemptions, you’ll be flying further, staying longer, and spending less. Just the way we like to travel at HopStrip.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
