Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus Full Analysis and Application Guide

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If you apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card now, you can earn a 75,000-point sign-up bonus. By spending $5,000 within the first three months of opening the card, you can receive the full bonus. This bonus offer is time-limited and expected to end on August 21, 2025. Some new users may also receive a $50 Chase Travel credit code. Based on current point valuations, 75,000 points are worth approximately $1,275. If you plan to make significant purchases soon, this card’s sign-up bonus is worth considering.

Key Highlights

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card offers a 75,000-point sign-up bonus, requiring $5,000 in spending within three months, with the points valued at approximately $1,275.
• Points are flexible for redemption, usable for travel, hotels, or transfers to airlines, with a potential value of up to 1.6 cents per point, maximizing their worth.
• This card suits frequent travelers and big spenders, with an annual fee of just $95 and no foreign transaction fees, offering convenience and robust benefits.
• Applicants should note Chase’s 5/24 rule and 48-month bonus restriction to ensure eligibility for the bonus.
• Cardholders enjoy various travel and shopping protections, enhancing travel safety and purchase peace of mind, making it a cost-effective travel credit card choice.

Sign-Up Bonus

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Bonus Amount

If you apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card now, you can earn a 75,000-point sign-up bonus. This is the current mainstream public bonus amount. In fact, the card’s historical highest bonus reached 100,000 points, for instance, in June and October 2021, when the 100K bonus was offered. Typically, bonuses range between 60,000 and 90,000 points, so the 75,000-point level is already quite attractive. If you apply through a physical branch or via a friend’s referral, you may sometimes earn extra points, but the official highest public bonus remains 100,000 points.

Tip: To maximize your sign-up bonus, keep an eye on promotional campaigns throughout the year, especially during major sales periods, when bonus amounts may surprise you.

Spending Requirement

To earn the full sign-up bonus, you need to spend a total of $5,000 within the first three months of opening the card. This spending requirement is comparable to similar credit cards. You can use this card for daily purchases, dining, travel, streaming services, and more, as long as the total amount reaches $5,000. Note that annual fees, cash advances, and transfers do not count toward eligible spending. Typically, Chase’s sign-up bonus offers require you to complete the spending task within three months, so it’s best to plan significant expenses in advance, such as flights, hotels, insurance, or tuition. This way, you can easily meet the requirement and not miss out on the bonus.

Bonus Value

Many people wonder how much the points are worth. The Chase Sapphire Preferred’s points are called Ultimate Rewards (UR), which you can redeem for flights, hotels, cash back, and more. Generally, UR points are worth 1.25 cents per point when redeemed through the Chase Travel portal. If you transfer points to airline or hotel partners, such as Hyatt hotels, the value can reach 1.6 cents or higher per point. At 1.25 cents per point, 75,000 points are worth about $937.5. With strategic transfers, the value can increase to $1,200 or even $1,350. The more flexibly you use the points, the higher their value. Compared to similar credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s sign-up bonus offers a high point amount and flexible redemption options. You can not only redeem for travel directly but also transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners to maximize value. With an annual fee of just $95, it’s highly cost-effective.

Reminder: The sign-up bonus offer is time-limited, and this 75,000-point promotion is expected to end on August 21, 2025. If you plan to apply, act early to avoid missing the high-value bonus.

Card Positioning

Target Audience

If you frequently travel for business, leisure, or enjoy making large purchases with a credit card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is a great fit. You can quickly accumulate points through daily spending and enjoy various travel insurance benefits. For example, if you travel between the U.S. and China or plan trips to other countries, this card can save you significant costs. You don’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees, making it convenient for overseas spending. If you like redeeming points for flights, hotels, or enhancing your travel experience, this card’s point system offers great flexibility. With a credit score above 700, your approval odds are high. If you have a Hong Kong bank account, you can also apply using a U.S. address for easier fund management. For those just starting to build credit history, this card is beginner-friendly with a low annual fee and rich benefits.

Tip: If you plan significant expenses in the next year, such as buying flights, booking hotels, or paying tuition, this card’s point rewards can save you considerable dollars.

Key Benefits

You might wonder what advantages this card offers. The table below provides a quick overview:

As you can see, this card offers not only a high sign-up bonus but also generous spending rewards. The flexible point redemption makes it ideal for travelers and big spenders. With a reasonable annual fee and accessible application requirements, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great choice for a cost-effective, benefit-rich credit card.

Point System

UR Points

When using the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, you can earn UR points in various ways. Here’s a breakdown of the main methods:

1. Sign-Up Bonus: Spend $5,000 within three months to earn 75,000 UR points, one of the most attractive bonuses available.
2. Everyday Spending: Earn 2x points per $1 spent on dining and travel. On the first Friday of each month, dining earns 3x points. Other categories earn 1 point per $1 spent.
3. Year-End Bonus: Receive 7% of your total annual points earned as a bonus, excluding the sign-up bonus.
4. Point Transfers: Transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to multiple airlines and hotel groups, with flexible redemption and no foreign transaction fees.
5. Additional Synergies: If you also hold a Chase Freedom card, you can transfer Freedom points to your Sapphire Preferred card and then to partners. Freedom’s quarterly bonus categories offer 5x points, up to 30,000 bonus points annually. If you have a Chase checking or savings account, you can earn a 10% bonus on points earned annually (excluding the sign-up bonus).

Tip: If you have significant expenses in China or the U.S., such as flights, hotels, or tuition, you can use this card to quickly accumulate points.

Redemption Options

Once you earn UR points, you can choose from multiple redemption options. The most common is redeeming through the Chase Travel portal for flights, hotels, or car rentals, where each point is worth about 1.25 cents, making 75,000 points worth approximately $937.5. You can also redeem for cash back, though the value is slightly lower. Additionally, you can use points for gift cards, merchandise, or experiential activities, offering high flexibility.

You can choose the redemption method that best suits your needs. If you frequently travel between China and the U.S., redeeming for flights and hotels is more cost-effective.

Transfer Partners

You can transfer UR points at a 1:1 ratio to multiple airlines and hotel groups. Hyatt hotels are among the most popular partners, with point values potentially reaching 1.6 cents per point after transfer. If you enjoy redeeming points for luxury hotels or international flights, this transfer option maximizes point value. The Chase Sapphire Preferred also supports transferring points from other Chase cards (like Freedom) to airline and hotel points, allowing you to combine points flexibly and improve redemption efficiency.

Reminder: Before transferring points, check the redemption rates and partner lists to choose the best travel or accommodation option. Hyatt hotels, available in both China and the U.S., offer excellent redemption experiences.

Benefits and Annual Fee

Annual Fee

You pay a $95 annual fee each year. This fee is relatively low compared to similar credit cards. During certain promotions, Chase may offer a first-year annual fee waiver. If you have a Hong Kong bank account, you can apply using a U.S. address for easy management and repayment. The points you earn from travel and hotel redemptions can quickly offset the annual fee.

Travel Insurance

When you book flights or hotels with the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, you automatically receive multiple travel insurance benefits. For instance, in cases of flight delays, lost luggage, or cancellations, the card provides compensation. You also get collision, loss, and damage insurance for car rentals, typically covering up to one month. As long as you pay for these expenses with the card, you can enjoy these protections without purchasing additional insurance.

Shopping Protections

When you shop with this card, you receive several protection services:

1. Purchase Protection: Within 90 days of purchase, if an item is accidentally damaged, lost, stolen, or destroyed by fire, you can apply for free repair, replacement, or refund with proof of purchase. You must file a claim within 45 days of the damage or loss.
2. Extended Warranty: For products with an original warranty of five years or less, the warranty is automatically extended by up to one year without registration.
3. Trip Cancellation/Delay Insurance: When you purchase flights or transportation tickets with the card, you’re covered for cancellations or delays due to weather or other reasons.
4. Car Rental Insurance: During car rentals, the card provides coverage for collisions, loss, damage, or theft.

These protections give you peace of mind when shopping in China, the U.S., or other countries.

Overseas Spending

When you use the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card in China, the U.S., or other countries, you won’t be charged any foreign transaction fees. The card is equipped with chip-and-signature functionality, making it suitable for global use. You can shop abroad confidently without worrying about extra fees.

Application Process

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5/24 Rule

When applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, the most critical factor is the 5/24 rule. Chase stipulates that if you’ve opened five or more credit cards (from U.S. or Hong Kong banks issuing U.S. cards) in the past 24 months, your application will be automatically rejected. Check your credit report beforehand to confirm eligibility. If you’re close to the 5/24 limit, consider waiting a month or two before applying.

48-Month Restriction

In addition to the 5/24 rule, Chase has a 48-month restriction. If you’ve received a sign-up bonus from the Sapphire series (including Preferred and Reserve) in the past 48 months, you’re ineligible for another bonus. Verify the date of your last Sapphire bonus to ensure it’s been over four years. If unsure, contact Chase customer service for confirmation.

Application Steps

You can apply through the Chase website, mobile app, or at a physical branch. The process is straightforward:

1. Provide personal information, including a U.S. address, annual income, and Social Security number.
2. Submit your application, and the system will review it automatically.
3. You may need to provide additional documents, such as pay stubs or bank statements.
4. Once approved, you’ll receive the card, and after activation, you can start spending toward the sign-up bonus.

Tip: If you have a Hong Kong bank account, you can apply using a U.S. address for easier fund management.

Branch Bonus Variations

Sometimes, Chase branches offer higher sign-up bonuses than the website. For example, during major promotions, branches may provide an extra 5,000 points or additional travel credits. Call nearby branches in advance or check online for the latest updates. Bonuses may vary by channel, so compare options to choose the most cost-effective application method.

Pros and Cons Comparison

Key Advantages

By choosing the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, you can enjoy many practical benefits. Here’s a summary:

• High Sign-Up Bonus: Spend $5,000 within three months to earn 75,000 points, worth about $1,275 at current exchange rates.
• Flexible Point Redemption: Redeem through Chase Travel for flights, hotels, or car rentals, or transfer to partners like Hyatt, with point values up to 1.6 cents each.
• Low Annual Fee: Pay just $95 annually, easily offset by points compared to similar premium cards.
• Rich Travel and Shopping Protections: Booking flights, hotels, or shopping with the card provides automatic insurance and purchase protection, ensuring peace of mind in China or the U.S.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use the card in China, the U.S., or other countries without extra fees.

If you travel frequently, enjoy dining or travel spending, or plan significant purchases, this card can save you considerable dollars.

Key Drawbacks

Of course, the card has some limitations to consider during application and use:

• Application Restrictions: You must meet Chase’s 5/24 rule and 48-month restriction. Recent applications for multiple cards may lead to automatic rejection.
• Lower Cash Back Value: Redeeming points for cash yields only 1 cent per point, far less than travel or transfer redemptions.
• Non-Waivable Annual Fee: While affordable, the $95 annual fee isn’t waived long-term.
• Less Comprehensive Benefits: If you seek premium perks like airport lounge access or more travel credits, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve or other high-end cards.

Comparison with Similar Cards

You may wonder how this card stacks up against others. The table below offers a quick comparison:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out for its sign-up bonus, annual fee, and point flexibility. If you prioritize travel benefits, the Reserve card may be worth considering. If you have a Hong Kong bank account, you can apply for U.S. cards, but their point systems and benefits are typically less robust than the Chase Sapphire series.

If you travel frequently, enjoy dining or travel spending, or can spend $5,000 within three months, the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card’s sign-up bonus and benefits are highly suitable. You also get car rental insurance and various travel protections. When applying, prepare a valid U.S. phone number and address, pay attention to point redemption rules and annual fee details, and plan wisely to enhance your cardholder experience.

FAQ

Can the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card be used in China?

You can use this card in China. It supports global spending with no foreign transaction fees. Just choose merchants that accept Visa.

Tip: When spending in China, select USD settlement to avoid exchange rate losses.

Can I apply for this card with a Hong Kong bank account?

You can use a Hong Kong bank account as proof of funds. You’ll need a U.S. address and phone number. Some Hong Kong banks (e.g., HSBC, Standard Chartered) support U.S. credit card applications.

How long does it take for the sign-up bonus to be credited?

After meeting the spending requirement, bonus points are typically credited in the next billing cycle. Check your points status on the Chase app or website.

How is the annual fee charged? Can points offset it?

The $95 annual fee is charged automatically each year. You cannot directly offset it with points, but you can redeem points for cash back to cover part of the cost.

Can I apply if I already have a Chase Sapphire series card?

You must not have received a Sapphire series sign-up bonus in the past 48 months. If ineligible, your application will be automatically rejected.

Having gained a deep understanding of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you now know how to earn high-value points through spending and take advantage of its rich travel benefits. However, while enjoying these conveniences, you might encounter a practical challenge: how to transfer funds from China to the U.S. efficiently and at a low cost, whether to meet the spending requirement for the sign-up bonus or for other large-sum payments. Traditional cross-border remittance methods often have high fees, long processing times, and non-transparent exchange rates, which can impact your financial efficiency and investment returns.

BiyaPay offers a seamless cross-border financial solution to make your credit card spending journey smoother. Our platform supports flexible conversions between various fiat and digital currencies and provides real-time exchange rate inquiries, ensuring you get the best rates when moving your funds. With a simple registration, you can benefit from our ultra-low transaction fees, starting from just 0.5%, and transfer funds quickly to most countries and regions worldwide, with transfers often completed on the same day. Choose BiyaPay, and focus on accumulating points and planning your travels, not on complicated financial procedures.