CSR vs CSP: One is always better
With the Chase “One Sapphire” rule and the recent expansion of the 5/24 rule to extend back to 5/48 for Sapphire cards, you really only get to have one of the Sapphire cards. There is a clear answer which it should be.
Always get the Chase Sapphire Reserve! If you’re like me and already had the Chase Sapphire Preferred during the rule change you should seriously consider upgrading that card to the CSR as soon as you are able to.
But the annual fee is $450 vs. $100! While technically true, the CSR also comes with a $300 annual travel credit. You get a statement credit when anything that codes as travel is charged to the card up to $300 in a cardmember year. This includes Uber and Airbnb so if you are a traveler, this should be easy to get back.
This lowers the effective annual fee to $150, only $50 more than CSP.
Two huge advantages of CSR over CSP:
- 1.5x vs 1.25x point redemption rate through the Chase travel portal. All UR you earn are more valuable, across all cards, when you transfer them to your CSR.
- Priority Pass lounge access is included with CSR.
If the annual fee of the CSR is still daunting, start with the Chase Ink Preferred. This business card has many other advantages as well.
