Chase Sapphire Preferred Just Became a No-Brainer for Travelers—Here’s Why

New York, Thursday, 18 June 2026.
Chase’s 2026 refresh of the Sapphire Preferred card turns its $95 annual fee into a net gain. A single perk—a $100 annual hotel credit—now covers the fee, while a 100,000-point sign-up bonus (worth up to $1,500 in travel) sweetens the deal. New 3x rewards on gas, EV charging, and vacation rentals make it a daily driver, and a $120 Global Entry credit adds even more value. Analysts say this move could force rivals like Amex and Capital One to rethink their own rewards structures.