The main rewards and protections that come with Chase Sapphire
Chase Sapphire cardholders earn points on every purchase, with higher earning rates on travel and dining. The card also includes travel protections like trip cancellation coverage, emergency medical and dental abroad, and lost luggage reimbursement. You get purchase protection that covers items against theft or damage for 120 days, and an extended warranty that adds an extra year to manufacturer warranties on may be able to access purchases.
The card comes with no annual fee for the first year, then a flat annual fee after that (the amount depends on which Sapphire version you hold). You can transfer your points to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, or redeem them for cash back, travel bookings, or other rewards through the Chase portal.
Beyond rewards and protections, you get access to Chase's travel concierge service, which can help with restaurant reservations, event tickets, and travel planning. The card also includes cell phone protection that covers damage or theft to your mobile device when you pay your bill with the card.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Sapphire cards earn bonus points on travel and dining purchases, with standard points on everything else.
- Trip cancellation, emergency medical coverage abroad, and lost luggage reimbursement protect you while traveling.
- Purchase protection covers items you buy for 120 days against theft or damage, and extended warranty adds a year to manufacturer coverage.
- You can transfer points to airline and hotel partners or redeem them for cash back and travel bookings through Chase's website.
- A travel concierge service and cell phone protection round out the card's benefits package.
How the rewards structure works
Points accumulate at different rates depending on where you spend. On travel purchases (flights, hotels, rental cars, trains, taxis, parking, tolls) and dining at restaurants, you earn a higher rate per dollar. On all other purchases, you earn a lower base rate. These points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
When you're ready to use your points, you have several paths. You can book travel directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal and your points are worth a set amount per point. You can transfer points to Chase's airline and hotel partners—each partner has its own transfer ratio, though most accept 1:1 transfers. You can also redeem for cash back, statement credits, or gift cards, though the point value is usually lower this way than if you use them for travel.
There's no limit to how many points you can earn or hold. Some cardholders use points strategically by saving them for premium travel redemptions where each point is worth more, rather than cashing them in for smaller rewards.
Travel protections and how they work
Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you if you have to cancel a trip for a covered reason—typically illness, injury, or death of a family member. You must have paid for the trip with your card for this to explore. The reimbursement covers the prepaid, non-refundable portion of your trip up to a set limit per person.
Emergency medical and dental coverage kicks in when you're traveling outside the United States. If you need urgent care while abroad, the card covers the cost up to a limit. This is secondary coverage, meaning your regular health insurance is the primary payer, but it fills gaps if your plan doesn't cover international care.
Lost luggage reimbursement covers baggage and personal belongings if an airline loses your luggage or it's damaged in transit. You need to have paid for your ticket with the card. The coverage applies to items inside the luggage and typically has a per-item limit and an overall limit per trip.
Purchase protection and extended warranty
Purchase protection covers items you buy with the card against accidental damage or theft for 120 days from the date of purchase. If your new laptop is stolen or your phone is damaged, you can file a claim and receive reimbursement up to the purchase price, minus a deductible. You must report the loss or damage within a set timeframe—usually 60 days—for the claim to be valid.
Extended warranty automatically adds one extra year to the manufacturer's warranty on most items you purchase. If a product breaks down after the manufacturer's warranty ends but within the extended period, the card's coverage kicks in. This applies to appliances, electronics, and other may be able to access goods, though some items like jewelry or items used for business may be excluded.
Both protections require you to have paid for the item with your card. Keep your receipt and the original warranty documentation, as you'll need them if you file a claim.
Travel concierge and other perks
The travel concierge service is available 24/7 to cardholders. You can call to book restaurant reservations, get event tickets, arrange transportation, or ask for travel recommendations. The concierge can also help with itinerary planning and provide local information about destinations you're visiting. This service is included at no extra cost beyond your card's annual fee.
Cell phone protection covers your mobile device against damage or theft when you pay your monthly bill with the card. If your phone is damaged in an accident or stolen, you can file a claim for repair or replacement costs, up to a set limit per claim and per year. There's typically a deductible per claim.
Cardholders also get access to special shopping events and discounts through Chase partners, though these vary by time of year and are communicated through your account.
Understanding the annual fee and when it applies
Chase Sapphire cards have an annual fee that varies by card version. Some versions waive the fee for the first year, then charge it starting in year two. The fee is charged once per year on your card anniversary date, and it appears as a line item on your statement.
You can view your annual fee amount in your Chase account online or by calling the number on the back of your card. If you're unsure whether your specific card version has an introductory period, check your welcome materials or log into your Chase account to see the terms.
The annual fee is separate from any interest charges or late fees. Even if you don't use the card, the annual fee will be charged unless you close the account before your anniversary date.
How to view your benefits and file a claim
Your full benefits guide is available through your Chase online account. Log in, navigate to your card details, and look for a link labeled "Benefits" or "Benefits Guide." You can also call the number on the back of your card and ask for a benefits summary or specific information about a protection.
To file a claim for purchase protection, extended warranty, trip cancellation, or any other benefit, contact the claims administrator listed in your benefits guide. You'll need to provide proof of purchase, documentation of the loss or damage, and any other information the administrator requests. Most claims have a filing important date—typically 60 to 90 days from the incident—so don't delay.
Keep copies of all receipts, warranties, and correspondence related to your claim. The claims process usually takes several weeks, and you'll be notified by mail or email once a decision is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I earn points on my annual fee?
No, annual fees do not earn points. Only purchases you make with the card earn rewards. The annual fee is a separate charge that appears on your statement.
Can I use my points if I close my account?
Points are forfeited if you close your account, so redeem or transfer any remaining points before you cancel. Once the account is closed, you lose access to your points balance.
What happens if I dispute a charge on my Sapphire card?
You can dispute a charge by calling the number on the back of your card or through your online account. Chase will investigate and typically issue a provisional credit while the dispute is pending. The process usually takes 30 to 60 days.
Are points taxable income?
Points themselves are generally not considered taxable income by the IRS. However, if you redeem points for cash back or other rewards, that redemption is treated as a discount on your purchase, not income. Consult a tax professional if you have specific questions about your situation.
Can I transfer points to someone else?
You cannot transfer points to another person's account. Points are tied to the cardholder and can only be used by the account owner. You can use points to book travel for other people, but the points themselves stay in your account.