Chase Sapphire Reserve Rumored to Increase Fee to $795: Are the New Perks Worth It?
Chase Sapphire Reserve is rumored to increase its annual fee to $795—but is it worth it? This post breaks down the new credits, earning changes, and elite perks travelers need to know in 2025.
There has been a lot of buzz on the rumored Chase Sapphire Reserve Card annual fee increasing from $550 to $795. That’s no small jump. But Chase is adding quite a bit to offset the cost, but is it worth it? According to reliable reports, they’re rolling out a new “coupon book-style” collection of credits and elite perks designed to make that higher fee worth it—at least for some.
Here’s everything you need to know, including a breakdown of new benefits, how the earning rates are shifting, and whether this card is still worth keeping in your wallet in 2025.
What’s Changing With the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has long been a favorite among premium travel cards, known for its simplicity, strong points-earning structure, and practical perks like a $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass lounge access. But now, Chase appears to be repositioning the card for a post-pandemic, lifestyle-focused traveler—and that’s a big shift.
Here’s what’s reportedly changing:
1. A Higher Annual Fee—$795
The rumored increase from $550 to $795 puts Sapphire Reserve in direct competition with The Platinum Card® from American Express.
It’s the largest fee hike since the card launched in 2016—and not everyone will find it justified.
However, Chase is also offering more credits and milestone perks to balance the cost for power users.
2. Shift in Points Earning Focus
Chase is reshuffling how points are earned, with a new emphasis on portal bookings and direct flights/hotels—and a big devaluation for general “other travel” purchases.
This may encourage users to stick within Chase’s travel ecosystem for maximum value, especially with the 8× earn rate on portal flights.
Casual travelers who rely on booking outside the portal (e.g. Airbnb, Amtrak, or tolls) may see less benefit from everyday spending.
3. A Move Toward “Coupon Book” Credits
Like American Express Platinum, Chase is leaning heavily into targeted lifestyle credits: DoorDash, StubHub, Apple Music, Lyft, and Peloton.
These aren’t automatic savings—you have to opt-in and actually use them.
For travelers who don’t use these services regularly, much of the “value” may go unused, creating the illusion of benefit.
4. Loyalty Status & Milestone Incentives
Chase is borrowing a play from the airline and hotel loyalty world by introducing spend-based milestone rewards.
If you hit $75,000 in annual spending, you’ll unlock Southwest A-List Status, IHG Diamond Elite Status, and a $250 luxury credit—all designed to mimic the loyalty perks of heavy travelers.
New Earning Rates
\
Alongside the increased annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is rumored to introduce updated points-earning rates that shift how cardholders are rewarded for travel spending. Under the new structure, users may earn 8× points on flights and hotels booked through the Chase Travel portal. Direct bookings with airlines and hotels are expected to increase from 3× to 4× points, making the card more valuable for those who prefer booking outside the portal. However, the earn rate for “other travel” purchases—such as public transportation, tolls, and third-party bookings—is reportedly dropping from 3× to just 1×, a notable devaluation. Dining remains unchanged at 3× points worldwide, while Lyft will switch from 10× points to a flat 5% cashback plus a $120 annual credit. These updates suggest a push toward portal loyalty and structured benefits, favoring users who travel frequently and book through Chase’s ecosystem.
New Package of Credits with Rumored Increase
To justify the rumored jump to a $795 annual fee, Chase is reportedly rolling out a robust package of annual credits that resemble a “coupon book” of travel and lifestyle perks. Cardholders may receive a $500 travel credit for bookings made through the Chase portal or concierge, along with $300 in dining credits at select partner restaurants. Additional rumored benefits include $300 in StubHub credits for events and concerts, $300 in DoorDash + DashPass credits, $250 toward Apple TV+ and Apple Music, and $120 each for Lyft and Peloton. There’s also a $250 credit dubbed “The Shops,” rumored to apply to luxury retail purchases. While the total value of these benefits could exceed $2,000, their usefulness depends on how many align with your actual lifestyle and spending habits.
Total: Up to $2,140 in annual credits
(Of course, these only help if you already use these services)
$75K Annual Spend Milestone Perks
If you spend $75,000 in a calendar year, you may unlock these top-tier travel benefits:
Southwest A-List Status
Priority boarding (Group A)
Free same-day standby
25% bonus Rapid Rewards points
Priority check-in and security lane access
Value: $100–$300/year
IHG Diamond Elite Status
Complimentary room upgrades (including suites)
Free breakfast (where offered)
Late checkout, welcome amenities, bonus points
Value: $300–$500/year
“The Shops” Credit
Worth $250, tied to high-end retail or Chase partners
So... Is It Worth It?
✅ It Might Be Worth It If You...
Frequently use DoorDash, StubHub, Apple services, Lyft, or Peloton
Travel often with Southwest or stay in IHG properties
Spend over $75K per year and want elite status benefits
Book most of your travel through Chase’s portal
❌ It Might Not Be Worth It If You...
Prefer flexibility and don’t use Chase’s travel platform
Use few of the listed credit categories
Don’t spend enough to unlock milestone perks
Already carry another premium card like Amex Platinum
What Should You Do Now?
Wait for official announcements (expected Summer 2025)
Monitor your renewal date—any annual fee billed before the change will stay at $550
Evaluate how many credits you’d actually use (not just how many are offered)
Explore alternatives like Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, or even Chase’s own Sapphire Preferred if you want to downgrade
Final Take: A Card for Power Users
If this rumor holds, Chase isn’t just raising the price—they’re repositioning Sapphire Reserve as a luxury lifestyle + travel card, not just a premium travel rewards tool. For high spenders and frequent travelers, the new benefits may outweigh the fee. But for more casual users, it could be time to reconsider.