Rave Reviews for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

When I posted that I had finally got a points-based credit card (though the points can also be redeemed for cash), I was shocked at the set of positive comments I received. Here's the first comment about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card:

I got this card a couple months back and am very pleased. The booking engine for flights seems to mirror Orbitz, so the prices are exactly as I'd get elsewhere. When you go to book your reward travel, it tells you in bold that you have X amount of points that is worth X amount of dollars. VERY EASY. It's 2% points on travel and dining purchases and the lack of a foreign transaction fee was important because we're taking a big trip this year. Basically, if you only spend on those items it works out to 2% cash back or 2.5% on travel when it comes to redemption, so if you don't travel it's still not a bad deal.

I didn't know about the no foreign transaction fees. Looks like this might be the card I take on my cruise next year.

The same poster then followed up with this comment:

Oh, and I should note that you don't have to spend in 25k point increments or anything like that. If you're booking a $300 ticket and you only have 1,000 points in your account, you can use your points for $25 off your ticket. If you have 1,378 points, it's $34.45 off your ticket. None of that nonsense about needing a certain number of points to redeem or weird blackout stuff.

And then there was this comment:

Ahh...the best travel related card out there. The flexibility between Continental, British Airways, Korean, Hyatt, Priority Club, and Marriott is KILLER! It's my #1 card. Enjoy!

Not a bad endorsement, huh?

And another:

That Ultimate Rewards points will transfer to a number of different airlines and hotels. The value is often even more than the $500 or $625 value you get by using points for travel with Chase.

Leave the card open until it comes time to pay the fee in a year. If they'll waive it or credit your account just keep using it and enjoy the benefits. This is one of the main cards I use when I'm not chasing the big sign up bonuses available on other cards.

And finally this:

I got this card for the bonus and it was great. The flights we got were competitively priced. The credit card is actually the same rewards platform as the chase freedom card so I think you can use your chase freedom card points for the same travel booking bonus.

That's an interesting point. I also bank with Chase, so I wonder if I can get it hooked to my bank account so I see it when I log in to the bank's site.

I guess what threw me most about the comments above was that there were so many positive thoughts about a CREDIT CARD. Really? I guess I'll find out if it's as cool as they say.

I must admit that my first reaction has been good. I received the card shortly after applying and it is VERY COOL. It's a dark blue card with only my name on the front. The card number is on the back. But the really cool part is that it's made out of metal. Yep, that's right, metal. Or at least I thought it was metal. It's noticeably heavier than any other credit card I've ever had.

When I activated the card I got a live person. She confirmed that the card was made of metal (though she didn't know if it would set off airport security scanners) and told me that the card has a special phone number exclusively for holders of this card. That's pretty neat IMO. Not that I think I'll need it, but perhaps I will. It could be a valuable perk in times of potential trouble (like being away from home on travel).

We'll see how it goes -- I'll keep you posted. Next step will be receiving and redeeming my bonus rewards.

Comments

[Kris @ Everyday Tips]

I think I may switch to Chase Sapphire and get rid of my Capital One Visa. I like that competition is growing amongst the credit card companies to offer better rewards. Finally a benefit for consumers! (Especially those that pay off their balance every month.)

However I am still loyal to American Express Blue Cash and only use Visa where Amex is not accepted.

[Brian]

My one year anniversary with this card is quickly approaching, which means I'll be getting hit with that annual fee. Has anyone had any success getting Chase to waive the annual fee for the second year?

[Sunil l Entrepreneurship & Personal Finance]

i signed up for this when they were offering the $500 promotion. this card is well worth applying for. customer service has been stellar - i too loved the fact that a real person helped me activate it.

[John @ Frugal Gearhead]

I love the metal card, but after getting the 500 bucks, I couldn't really justify keeping it. I have to say this has been the only time I felt a little sad cancelling a credit card.
@Brian-Let us know if you succeed in getting your second year fee waive. I might have to sign up again.

[Greg]

Another reason to like it -- it now transfer points 1:1 into United Mileage Plus -- the program of the combined United and Continental.