Chase Sapphire Preferred Card 40,000 Sign-Up Bonus ($500) Review.

Posted by Noob Master on May 9, 2012 in Chase Bank, Credit Cards, Miles, Sapphire Preferred, Ultimate Rewards, Uncategorized | 12 comments

Noob Review: The Chase Sapphire Preferred is my everyday card and comes with a sign-up bonus of 40,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $3,000 in 3 months.

Link: Chase Sapphire Preferred®

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the first card I recommend to new consults. Whenever I pull it out to pay it out- I get instant respect because of it’s cool design. It’s made a metal lining and all the personal information is on the back of the card. Sweeet.

Ultimate Rewards Points

I use the Ultimate Rewards points I earn with my Chase Sapphire Preferred to fly internationally, domestically, and for hotels all over the world. If I wanted I could use my Ultimate Rewards points for a statement credit or a check in the mail. Cash money. The 40,000 points for signing up would be good for $400 in cash. But I easily get over $600 in value for 40,000 Ultimate Rewards points when I fly internationally.

For domestic travel, I transfer my Ultimate Rewards points into Southwest Airlines or British Airways. If I need to top off my Hyatt Gold Passport balance, where do I turn? Yep, my Ultimate Rewards balance. But my preference is to transfer my Ultimate Rewards points into United Airlines where I can fly a Star Alliance partner internationally. That’s where the true value is. Here are all the Ultimate Rewards transfer partners:

• United/Continental
• Southwest
• Korean Air
• British Airways
• Hyatt
• Marriott
• Priority Club
• Amtrak

Chase Sapphire Preferred Perks

Also, you are still the getting the great perks the Sapphire Preferred offers:

There is no foreign transaction fee, so it’s great for international travel. That’s a 0% charge to use this rewards card internationally. Most cards will charge you a 3% fee. Lame.

You also get 2 reward points for every $1 spent on dining and travel! I eat of more than I should, so this is a great perk for me. I also love earning 2x points on all my traveling. Major score.

The hits keep coming… You get a 7% annual miles bonus on all miles earned. Sweetness. This is my everyday card and I would highly suggest that it be at the top of your list.

There is a $3,000 minimum spend to meet in 3 months, so be sure you’re comfortable with that requirement before you apply. Some other cards to think about are the British Airways Visa (review) which gets you 50,000 Avios Points on first spend (plus you have the possibility to earn much more), and the United Explorer is also a card worth pondering over.

HEADS UP: The British Airways card bonus offer is going away June 18, so you may want to give it some extra thought when weighing your options. But, only apply if it makes sense for you and meets your travel needs.

But back to the Sapphire Preferred. Yes, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great deal at 40,000 Ultimate Rewards Points (over $500). Over $500 in value is not too shabby and the flexibility of UR points is very nice.

Noob Endings

This is the first card I recommend to everyone, because of it’s very valuable sign-up bonus and the flexibility of Ultimate Rewards points. This is especially a great card for people  who are just diving into the rewards card game. I also love how you can earn points in bunches with the many perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

If you are new to the game and want to bounce off any thoughts or need someone to help you process a card, don’t hesitate to email me.

Apply Now: Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Disclaimer is: I do receive a referral if you use my link; I appreciate the support if you do!

— Noob Master