Chase Sapphire Reserve Sign-up Bonus Changes!

Update: Tomorrow is your last chance for the 100,000 points bonus!

Last year Chase announced what has been the hit credit card of 2016. Unfortunately, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Sign-up Bonus changes from 100,000 to 50,000 points next week. This is a HUGE cut. However, the good news is, you have until January 11th to get the card with the 100,000 bonus after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. There are reports that you may still be able to get the 100,000 bonus when you apply in a Chase branch until March 12th. If you were on the fence about applying for this card; now is the time to get it. Be aware that Chase’s 5/24 rule applies to this card.

Let me remind you of the AMAZING benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card:

• Earn 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points after $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
  • This is a HUGE bonus. Given the power of Chase’s transfer partners like Singapore Airlines and Hyatt, you can get a lot of use from the 100,000 points.
• $300 annual travel credit for travel purchases charged to the card
  • Seems like this will be an automatic credit unlike the credit with the Chase Ritz Carlton card. It will also apply towards a range of purchases such as, airlines, hotels, cruise lines, car rentals and more! This will also be a calendar year benefit similar to the Amex Platinum and Citi Prestige; which means you’ll get $600 in the first account year.
• $100 statement credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee
• Enjoy complimentary access to hundreds of VIP lounges through Priority Pass^TM Select membership.
• Transfer points at 1:1 ratio to British Airways Executive Club, Korean Air SKYPASS, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards®, United MileagePlus®, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Hyatt Gold Passport®, IHG® Rewards Club, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-CarltonRewards®.
• 50% bonus when redeeming points through Chase Ultimate Rewards for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises.
  • This means the bonus is worth at least $1,500
• 3X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide.
• No foreign transaction fee.
• Annual fee: $450
• Authorized users: $75

Bottom Line:

This card is a no-brainer for me. The transferable 100,000 bonus points is amazing. You can easily get a minimum of $1,500 out of it by redeeming them for travel purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal. To get even more value, you can transfer to Singapore Airlines to experience one the best first class suites in the air. You can also transfer points to Hyatt and enjoy a luxurious stay at many of Park Hyatt hotels around the world.

The $300 travel credit effectively reduces the annual fee to $150 especially with the wide definition of the “travel” category. Between airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruise lines and more; you have plenty of ways to earn back that $300 credit.

Are you going to apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

If you have any questions please comment below, tweet me @pointspointers or email me at pointspointers@gmail.com