At the end of March I got a new Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card and I must say it’s been the best card I’ve ever had so far. What’s the big deal? Well I just booked a cruise in the Caribbean by using points I earned using the card.
That perk alone was worth about $1200 but it doesn’t stop there. I have been dining out at OpenTable restaurants that have partnered with Chase and my meals have been free. The card comes with a $300 credit ($150 per half year) each year on dining.
We’re also going to the FIFA World Cup and guess which card I used to buy the tickets? Chase Sapphire because I get a $300 credit per year ($150 per half year) on tickets from Stubhub.
I also got a year of Apple TV free and there are many other perks including travel credits, Door Dash credits, and more. The card comes with travel insurance of varying kinds.
It does have a steep $795 annual fee however if you go out, frequently travel and attend various events/venues, the card pays for itself. The best part is points from their network are interchangeable so if you have a ton of frequent flyer miles but not using them, you can use them on a cruise or hotels or other options.
Below are some of the benefits I have already used….
And since I travel a bit, the following benefits are important to me.
AI Agents
To make sure I maximize every benefit of the card, my AI agent is aware and incorporates the benefits of this card on my travel itineraries so that I max the benefits.
Chase Sapphire Reserve isn’t the only card I have but it has become my primary for now. If I can spend $50k/year on it, I will achieve status on every major hotel chain and qualify for upgrades or other perks. I frequently get upgraded to suites or better rooms with my status and often eat free in the lounges and at breakfast.
For me these credit cards aren’t about the points, they are about the status and access to perks that the real benefit.
IHG Platinum Perks
IHG Platinum Elite status is achieved by staying 40 qualifying nights or earning 60,000 qualifying points [OR HAVING A CHASE SAPPHIRE RESERVE CARD] in a calendar year. Key benefits include a 60% bonus on points earned, complimentary room upgrades subject to availability, and a welcome amenity choice of bonus points or a drink/snack.
Additional perks include late checkout until 2:00 PM (subject to availability), early check-in when available, and a 72-hour guaranteed room availability for reservations made in advance. Members also receive reward night discounts, rollover nights toward future status, and access to Milestone Rewards after reaching 40 nights. Note that free breakfast is not a standard Platinum benefit; it is reserved for Diamond Elite or as a specific Milestone Reward.
Hyatt Globalist Perks (After $75k spend)
Hyatt Explorist is World of Hyatt’s mid-tier elite status, requiring 30 qualifying nights or 50,000 Base Points per calendar year. It offers significant upgrades over entry-level Discoverist status, primarily through better room upgrades and bonus point earnings.
Core Benefits
- Room Upgrades: Eligible for upgrades to the best available room at check-in, excluding suites and rooms with Club Lounge access. This applies to most Hyatt brands but excludes Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, and Vacation Club properties.
- Bonus Points: Earns 20% bonus points on eligible stays, totaling 6 Base Points per eligible dollar spent.
- Late Checkout: Guaranteed 2:00 PM late checkout (subject to availability).
- Premium Services: Includes premium high-speed internet and complimentary bottled water in the room.
- Guaranteed Availability: A 72-hour room availability guarantee for paid reservations made at least 72 hours in advance.
- Waived Resort Fees: Resort fees are waived on Free Night Awards only (not on paid rates).
Milestone Rewards
Explorist members unlock additional perks as they progress toward Globalist status:
- 20 Nights: Two Club Lounge Access Awards (each valid for 7 nights).
- 30 Nights: One Free Night Award (Category 1–4) and an additional Club Lounge Access Award.
- 40 Nights: Two Main Cabin Seat Coupons for American Airlines.
- 50 Nights: One Suite Upgrade Award.
Earning Status
Explorist status can be earned organically or through credit card benefits:
- Organic: 30 eligible nights or 50,000 Base Points.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Cardholders spending $75,000 annually (personal) or $120,000 (business) can activate Explorist status.
- World of Hyatt Credit Cards: Spending thresholds on the personal ($65,000) or business ($60,000) cards grant substantial night credits toward status.
Other Benefits
There is a long list of benefits I won’t get into here but it has become my preferred card for all my spend. I am having work done on my house and I am charging all the expenses so I should easily achieve the higher spend to unlock the additional benefits.
As I get ready to travel abroad, I will be using these benefits to the max and my AI agent will be there to make it happen!
Share The Wealth
Is there a credit card you recommend with better perks than Chase Sapphire Reserve?