Chase Sapphire Reserve Annual Fee Increase: Offset the Cost
Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve Annual Fee Increased
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has long been a favorite card in my wallet, but in June 2025, Chase announced a 45% annual fee hike—from $550 to $795. I am being honest: my jaw dropped when I saw that. That’s quite the jump. The card introduced new benefits designed to balance the cost. Here’s how I am navigating the changes. Check out my full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card -> Benefits Chase Sapphire Reserve.
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🌎 Wondering where points can take you? Here’s where I’ve gone using miles,
points, and clever hacks. See My Redemptions → Real Points & Miles Adventures
What Changed
Annual Fee: Now $795 (effective for renewals after October 25, 2025)
Authorized Users: $195 per additional cardholder, up from $75.
What’s New
Expanded statement credits for travel, dining, streaming, and event purchases, including the Edit credit that I recently used. Chase Sapphire Reserve Edit
Updated earning rates on travel and lifestyle categories. Some went up like 4% hotels and air. However, I only get 1% on my cruises now.
Strategies to Offset the Fee
1. Maximize Statement Credits
Use the $300 annual travel credit (still included). This is an easy $300 off any travel purchase.
Tap into new credits for dining, streaming, and events—these can add hundreds in value if you’re consistent. I booked our Chase Sapphire Dining to coincide with our staycation in Nashville this month. I used our StubHub credit to purchase tickets for my husband’s birthday. StubHub Credit Chase Sapphire
🤔 New to points and miles? I’ve got answers to your most common questions. Read the FAQ → Frequently Asked Questions
2. Leverage Travel Benefits
Trip delay/cancellation insurance and primary rental car coverage can easily save you more than the fee if you travel often. I have personally filed 4 travel claims since June of 2024. I have saved almost $2000 from this benefit alone. Learn about one of those experiences -> Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Claim
Complimentary hotel status can mean room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points—worth real money on family trips. We love status upgrades! Anxious to see what these work out for us.
3. Optimize Points Redemption
Transfer points to partners like Hyatt, United, or Virgin Atlantic for outsized redemptions—often worth 2–3 cents per point. Chase Ultimate Rewards remain my favorite point currency for the option to transfer to Hyatt. Check out all the Hyatts we have stayed at on points -> Hyatts
Transfer partners are the secret sauce to travel hacking. Learn about Chase Transfer Partners -> Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners
4. Stack with Other Cards
Use Chase Freedom cards to earn 5x in rotating categories, then transfer points to Reserve for premium redemptions.
5. Evaluate Authorized Users
At $195 each, only add authorized users if they’ll fully use perks like lounge access. Currently, I have my husband as an authorized user. I will most likely be taking him off the card when we renew in July.
Risks & Trade-Offs
High upfront cost: If you don’t travel or spend heavily in bonus categories, the fee may outweigh the perks. This card is not for everyone. It still makes sense for me right now. I travel often.
Lifestyle fit required: Credits only offset value if you already spend in those categories. Again, this benefits work well with my family, but I cannot imagine them appealing to the masses.
Alternative cards: The Sapphire Preferred or premium Amex cards may be better fits depending on your habits.
Final Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire Reserve’s new $795 annual fee is jaw-dropping high, but with careful use of credits, travel perks, and point transfers, you can more than offset the cost. For frequent travelers and families who maximize benefits, the card remains a powerhouse. For lighter spenders, consider downgrading or switching to a lower-fee option. This card is definitely not for everyone.
