Many Chase Ultimate Rewards cardholders are reevaluating their strategies due to recent changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The card’s overhaul eliminated key perks, making its high annual fee harder to justify. A compelling alternative for many is the Ink Business Preferred credit card, offering superior value at a significantly lower cost.
The Shift in Travel Rewards
The Sapphire Reserve previously earned 3x points on all travel purchases. However, Chase removed this benefit in summer 2023. The card now offers 3x or 4x points on flights and hotels booked through Chase Travel℠, but only 1x on all other travel expenses. For frequent travelers who rely on Airbnb, tours, or non-bonus travel, this change reduced the card’s overall appeal.
The Ink Business Preferred, at a $95 annual fee, provides 3x transferable Chase points per dollar spent on general travel purchases. This perk alone offsets the annual fee for many users. The card also earns 3x points on select business categories (up to $150,000 annually) and 1x on all other purchases.
Avoiding Perk Fatigue
Chase’s Sapphire Reserve now comes with over $2,000 in credits from travel and lifestyle perks. However, these credits require effort to maximize. For those already managing multiple credit cards, justifying an expensive annual fee based on unused credits can be tedious.
The Ink Business Preferred offers simplicity: a low annual fee with straightforward rewards. This is valuable for those who want to earn points without managing complex redemption systems. The card also includes standard benefits like extended warranties, cellphone protection, and no foreign transaction fees.
Generous Welcome Bonus
The Sapphire Reserve offers a 125,000-point welcome bonus after $6,000 in spending within three months. This bonus is substantial but feels less impressive given the card’s high annual fee.
The Ink Business Preferred currently offers 100,000 points after $8,000 in spending within the same timeframe. This is still a highly valuable bonus for a $95 card. The author plans to use the Ink Preferred for a safari trip, earning 3x points on the trip’s expenses and exceeding the bonus from the Sapphire Reserve.
Ultimate Rewards Flexibility
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are highly flexible, transferable to airline and hotel partners like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt. This makes them valuable currency for maximizing travel rewards. The Ink Business Preferred provides a straightforward path to replenishing these balances at a lower cost than the revised Sapphire Reserve.
For many, the Ink Business Preferred offers the best balance between rewards, cost, and simplicity. The decision depends on individual spending habits, but for those who prioritize general travel spending, this business card is the clear winner.
