Luxury Upgrades for a Hefty Price
Chase Sapphire Reserve changes signal a luxury push, as JPMorgan Chase hikes the annual fee to $795 and adds new premium perks. The bank hopes that a long list of new travel, dining, and business perks will keep its affluent cardholders engaged—despite the 45% fee increase.
Unveiled on June 17, 2025, the new Sapphire Reserve package is being positioned as a premium lifestyle product, packed with over $2,700 in annual benefits.
What Are the New Sapphire Reserve Perks?
If you’re willing to stomach the steep fee, here’s what the new Chase Sapphire Reserve offers:
- $500 annual hotel credit for bookings at Chase’s luxury collection
- Point redemptions now worth 2X for select travel offers
- $300 dining credit at exclusive Sapphire Reserve network restaurants
- $300 StubHub or Viagogo credit annually
- Free Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions (worth $250 per year)
- Top-tier airline and hotel status with $75,000 annual spend (e.g., Southwest Airlines and IHG Hotels)
These benefits come in addition to previous perks like airport lounge access, 3x points on travel and dining, and trip protections.
Chase Introduces Sapphire Reserve Business Card
Alongside the personal card refresh, JPMorgan launched a Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card—also with a $795 annual fee. It mirrors many consumer perks but adds:
- Credits for ZipRecruiter and Google Workspace
- Enhanced travel and booking support for businesses
This move targets competition with American Express Platinum Business, cementing Chase’s place in the high-end credit card market.
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Chase Sapphire Preferred
With the Sapphire Reserve going more upscale, budget-conscious customers may consider switching to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, which has a more manageable $95 annual fee.
The Preferred version still offers strong travel rewards and flexible point redemptions—without the luxury perks and high price tag.
Is the $795 Fee Worth It?
That depends.
According to Bankrate analyst Ted Rossman, cards like the Sapphire Reserve now target wealthier users who want premium perks—and are willing to pay for them.
“These premium cards are going more luxury, and I wonder if the $800 fees are becoming too much for some to stomach,” Rossman said.
The gamble by Chase is that the upgraded benefits will retain high-spending customers and build loyalty in a saturated credit card market.
Sapphire Reserve: A Shift in Strategy
Once a value-packed travel card for upper-middle-class users, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is shifting its approach. It now leans fully into luxury, mirroring AmEx’s Platinum strategy.
American Express is expected to raise fees later this year. JPMorgan’s move signals a larger trend: credit cards becoming luxury subscriptions with a wide array of lifestyle perks.
“Even at $800 in annual fees, not just anyone can provide the breadth of perks you get,” said KBW analyst Sanjay Sakhrani.
Source: CNBC
