One of the most popular travel rewards cards is the $95 annual fee Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card… and for good reason! The card consistently offers excellent welcome bonuses, with spending categories matching how many of us spend anyway. The perks are awesome without requiring a spreadsheet to track the benefits. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards is a super lucrative rewards currency. The card also got a major refresh in June 2026 — new bonus categories, bigger credits, and two notable devaluations — and this review reflects the updated terms.
This card changed the rewards game when it debuted over a decade ago, and it’s still one of the few cards that’s ideal for someone just getting started in miles and points. Many experienced points nerds consider this a wallet fixture as well.
Chase Sapphire Preferred at a glance
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.


