Is paying $795 for the Chase Sapphire Reserve Still Worth It in 2025?
Breaking down the new Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits and justifying its steep fee
The new Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR) benefits are rolling out starting June 23, 2025 for new applicants (and October 26 for current cardholders). At first glance, the annual fee jump from $550 to a steep $795 seems a bit ridiculous - and definitely caught me off-guard - but after breaking down the benefits, I think it’s still a winner.
I did this deep dive on the new benefit structure, how to qualify for them, and what to watch out for as a guide for myself, but thought others might find it useful as well. Here’s what I found:
Top Benefits & How They Work
Points & Travel Perks
8x points on Chase Travel bookings
4x points on direct flight and hotel purchases
3x points on dining
Redeeming Points
Points can be redeemed at 2x value on select flights/hotels through Chase Travel
Points earned prior to October 2025 can be redeemed at 1.5x; after October 2025, these prior earned points can be redeemed at 2x.
Moral of the story, hold on to your points until October.
Annual Credits
$300 annual travel credit — broad definition, applies to nearly all travel (it does not apply to gas and fuel, so road-trippers are out of luck)
$500 “The Edit” hotel credit — 2-night minimum at curated hotels booked via Chase Travel
$300 dining credit — on curated OpenTable restaurants
$300 entertainment credit — on StubHub and viagogo
Apple TV+ & Apple Music — free for up to 24 months (worth ~$250/year)
$120 Peloton credit (plus 10x points on Peloton gear)
$120 Lyft credit ($10/month) + 5x points
DoorDash DashPass + $300 in promos — worth about $420/year
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck — $120 credit every 4 years
Travel Enhancements
Lounge access — Priority Pass Select, Chase Sapphire Lounges, Maple Leaf Lounges on Star Alliance routes
IHG Platinum Elite status — automatically earned when you link your CSR card
Comprehensive travel insurance (trip delay, interruption, rental car coverage)
Dedicated Travel Designers to help you plan and book
Premium Tier (if you spend $75K+/year)
Southwest A-List status + $500 Chase Travel credit
IHG Diamond Elite status
$250 Shops at Chase credit — Dyson, Sony, Tumi, and other brands
Things to Know
Many credits are split monthly or semi-annually, so you’ll need to track and activate them
The “Edition” hotel credit requires a 2-night minimum stay
The premium tier only unlocks after $75,000 in annual spend
Older points will retain 1.5x redemption, but only through October 2027
Value vs. Cost
Here’s how the value stacks up against the $795 annual fee:
For heavy spenders hitting the $75,000 spending minimum for the premium tier:
Final Verdict
If you’re someone who actively travels, dines out, and buys concert or event tickets, you can easily extract $1,500+ in net value each year. If you also hit $75K in spend, the value grows even further, but let’s be honest, that’ll only apply to a few select folks.
Other Existing Benefits: Insurance & Purchase Protections
Beyond the travel credits and lifestyle benefits, the Sapphire Reserve quietly includes one of the strongest sets of travel insurance and protection benefits of any premium credit card. It’s been my favorite aspect of the card and why I’ve been a CSR cardholder since it launched in 2016.
Auto Rental Coverage
Primary coverage (no need to file with your personal auto insurance)
Up to $75,000 for theft or collision
Valid on rentals up to 31 days worldwide
Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance
Up to $10,000 per person (max $20,000 per trip)
Covers prepaid, non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled for covered reasons
Trip Delay Reimbursement
Delayed 6+ hours? You get up to $500 per ticket for meals, lodging, and incidentals
Baggage Delay
If bags are delayed 6+ hours, up to $100/day, max 5 days
Lost Luggage Reimbursement
Up to $3,000 per person for lost, stolen, or damaged bags
Includes carry-on and checked baggage
Emergency Evacuation & Transportation
Up to $100,000 for emergency medical evacuation
$1,000 repatriation of remains
Emergency Medical & Dental Coverage
Up to $2,500 (with $50 deductible) for emergency treatment while traveling
Plus $75/day hotel benefit post-hospitalization
Travel Accident Insurance
$1 million in common carrier accident coverage
$100,000 in 24-hour accident coverage while on your trip
Roadside Assistance
4 service calls per year, up to $50 per call
Includes towing, battery jump, tire change, lockout, and fuel delivery
Purchase Protection
Covers new purchases against theft, damage, or accidental parting
$10,000 per item, $50,000 annual limit
Coverage lasts 120 days (90 days in NY)
Extended Warranty
Adds 1 year to manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less
Up to $10,000 per item, $50,000 annual limit
Return Protection
If a merchant won’t take your return (within 90 days), Chase will reimburse you
Up to $500 per item, $1,000 per year
Travel & Emergency Assistance Services
24/7 hotline for medical, legal, and travel assistance referrals
Let me know if you think the CSR is still worth it these days.