❋How I Actually Use My Chase Sapphire Reserve®
If you’ve ever wondered whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is really worth the annual fee, here’s the truth: it absolutely can be — if you use the benefits that matter to you. This hub breaks down the perks I personally use every year, how much value I get from them, and the real savings that make this card one of my travel must‑haves.
No fluff. No generic benefit list. Just the credits, protections, and perks I actually use as a frequent traveler, mom, and points‑lover.
This blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for supporting NO POINT LEFT BEHIND — it helps me keep sharing savvy travel hacks and family adventures.
I’m not a financial advisor. Everything here is based on my personal experience with points and miles. Please make sure any credit card fits your own budget, goals, and comfort level before applying.
✔ $300 Annual Travel Credit
This is the easiest credit to use — it automatically applies to almost anything travel‑related. I use it on:
Flights
Hotels
Rental cars
Cruise port transportation
Resort parking
Real value: I use the full $300 every year without even trying.
✔ Lounge Access
This is one of my favorite perks when traveling with family. I use it for:
Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounges
Escape lounges
Priority Pass Lounge Access
Real value: Food + space + sanity before flights.
✔ Travel Insurance & Protections
This is the underrated perk I use more than I expected. I’ve used:
Trip delay reimbursement
Rental car primary insurance
Lost luggage coverage
Real value: Saved me hundreds on rental car insurance alone.
✔ Earning Rates
8× points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel — this is now the top earning rate in many travel categories. Please note that you have to use Chase Travel to get the 8x points.
4× points per dollar on flights and hotels booked directly with airlines or hotels (i.e., not through Chase Travel).
3× points per dollar on dining worldwide.
1× point per dollar on all other purchases.
How I Use My Points (Real Examples)
-
How I Use My Points (Real Examples)
My favorite sweet spot. I’ve used points for:
Park Hyatt stays
Category 4–6 hotels
Weekend getaways
Real value: Luxury stays for a fraction of the cost.
-
✔ Flights Through Chase Travel
When the price is right, I book flights directly through Chase Travel.
-
✔ Transferring to Airlines
When I want maximum value, I transfer to:
United
Air Canada
British Airways
Southwest
Real value: Stretching points for big trips.
Why the Card Is Worth It For Me
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is worth it for me because I use the benefits that matter most to my travel style: the $300 travel credit, lounge access, travel protections, and earning on travel and dining. I redeem my points for Hyatt stays, flights, and big trips — and the value I get back every year far outweighs the annual fee. This card fits the way I actually travel, not the way a brochure says I should. Plus, I love Chase Sapphire Lounges!
-
Is It Worth It For You?
It depends heavily on how much you will use its perks. Here’s a quick mental checklist:
Do you travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) often enough to reap value from priority access, lounge perks, and travel protections?
Will you use the credits (travel, dining, ticket, streaming, etc.) on an ongoing basis?
Can you maximize redemption value (e.g. transfers, Points Boost) rather than always redeeming at face value?
Can you reliably pay off your balance each month so interest doesn’t eat into your benefits?
If you do travel frequently (say, multiple trips per year, sometimes international) and are comfortable managing and activating perks, the Sapphire Reserve is among the top-tier cards for premium value.
If your travel is more occasional or you won’t use many of the credits, you should look for a different card to meet your needs. Credit cards are not a one-size-fits-all.
-
What Changes / New Aspects to Watch
As I mentioned above, 2025 brought a refresh of the card. I am thinking this will still earn a place in my wallet after the fee increase affects me (I renew in June). Here are the key changes and cautions:
The annual fee rose from its prior level (often cited at $550) to $795 starting June 23, 2025.
Some benefits require activation (e.g., DoorDash, dining credits, Apple benefits) — they don’t always kick in automatically.
The Edit hotel credit is new (or enhanced) — you’ll want to check the rules (e.g. eligible properties, minimum nights) when booking.
The Points Boost redemption is a relatively new twist — check which flights or hotels qualify to get that 2× redemption.
Real Benefits - Examples
-
![Concert at the Pinnacle]()
Chase Sapphire Stub Hub Credit
See how I used my Chase Sapphire Reserve® StubHub credit to book concert tickets. Make sure you don’t miss out on this semi - annual perk.
-
![Miami Florida travel claim]()
Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance: How I Got Reimbursed
Ever wonder what happens when your flight gets canceled right before a big trip? I found out the hard way.
-
![Chase Sapphire Lounge Las Vegas]()
Chase Sapphire Lounge Las Vegas
The Chase Sapphire Lounge Las Vegas is a boutique gem—perfect for Reserve cardholders who want indulgence before their flight.
-
![Virgin Hotels Nashville]()
Chase Sapphire Reserve Edit Credit
Using my Chase Sapphire Reserve Edit credit for a Nashville staycation.
About the Author Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.
Let’s Connect!
Love travel hacks, cruise deals, and clever ways to explore more for less? You’re in the right place. I’m Julie—founder of No Point Left Behind, where I share smart strategies for earning points, miles, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're just starting out or already stacking rewards like a pro, I’d love to help you travel savvier.