Current Welcome Bonus & Value
As of June 2026, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 points. This bonus is estimated to be worth $905 when redeemed strategically, particularly through Chase's travel portal or by transferring to airline and hotel partners.
Minimum Spend to Earn It
To earn the 100,000-point welcome bonus, you must spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. Meeting this requirement is crucial for securing the bonus.
Who's Eligible? (Application Rules)
Applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with specific eligibility criteria:
- Excellent Credit Score: You generally need an excellent credit score to be approved for this card.
- Chase 5/24 Rule: Chase will not approve your application if you have opened 5 or more personal credit cards (from any issuer, not just Chase) in the last 24 months. This rule is a critical hurdle for many churners.
- Once-Per-Lifetime Rule: You are not eligible for the new cardmember bonus if you currently have an open Sapphire credit card or if you have received a new cardmember bonus for any Sapphire credit card in the past. This rule applies to you as the primary cardmember. If you are an authorized user on someone else's Sapphire credit card, you are still eligible to apply for your own card and bonus.
Is It Worth It? (Pros/Cons)
Weighing the benefits against the restrictions is key for any churning strategy.
Pros:
- High Welcome Bonus Value: The 100,000-point bonus, valued at $905, is a significant boost to your travel fund.
- Low Annual Fee: The card carries a modest annual fee of $95.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This makes it an excellent card for international travel.
- Flexible Reward Currency: Chase Ultimate Rewards points are highly versatile, offering strong redemption options through the Chase travel portal or 1:1 transfers to numerous airline and hotel partners.
Cons:
- Strict Eligibility Rules: The Chase 5/24 and once-per-lifetime rules can make it challenging to qualify, especially for experienced churners.
- High Minimum Spend: A $5,000 spend in 90 days can be substantial for some applicants.
How to Apply
To apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you typically do so directly through Chase's official website. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements, especially the Chase 5/24 rule and the once-per-lifetime bonus rule, before submitting your application.
Alternatives
If the Chase Sapphire Preferred isn't the right fit for you, or if you're looking to diversify your points strategy, consider other co-branded cards from Chase that offer valuable welcome bonuses. These include:
- IHG One Rewards Premier
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- Aeroplan Card
- Southwest Priority
- IHG Rewards Premier Card
- IHG Premier