Everyone in the Points and Miles world should already know that Chase released their most efficient travel card coined as the “Chase Sapphire Preferred,” and word got out that Chase will be extended the Sapphire portfolio with a competitor to high end premium travel cards like the AMEX Platinum and Citi Prestige. With this new Sapphire Elite Card, set to launch on August 21, 2016, you’ll be able to get your hands on a rewarding 100 UR Points sign-up bonus (unclear as to what the spend must be, possibly around $5,000).
Chase Sapphire Reserve Direct Link
The annual fee has been confirmed at a $450 price tag and you should expect some matched benefits similar to the AMEX Platinum/Citi Prestige (Airlines Credit, and Priority Pass Membership).
It will be very interesting to see what the benefits of this card are relative to the Prestige and Plat in the coming months. Now, in my honest opinion, I say that it’s about time! Taking into consideration that Chase’s Premium card line has been, for quite some time now, missing something, and this is exactly what we need! Of course, this is just a rumor, but, fingers crossed that Chase will be able to launch such a card. In Speculation, since they’ve already released a signature Chase Sapphire Reserved Trademark, this will become a spanking new card for Chase’s portfolio.
Alternative Credit Card Bonuses:
| BONUS LINK | OFFER | REVIEW |
| Chase Business Complete Checking® | $300 or $500 Cash | Review |
| Chase Private Client | $3,000 Cash | Review |
| Chase Total Checking® | $300 Cash | Review |
| Chase College CheckingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
| J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing | Up To $700 Cash | Review |
| Chase Secure BankingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
Chase Sapphire Reserve/Elite Card Key Features:
- Card will be launched on August 21st, 2016
- Earn 100,000 Ultimate Rewards (UR) points after spending $4000 in first 3 months!
- Annual fee of $450 ( Unclear if AF will be waived first year )
- 3X Points Travel
- 3X Points Dining
- $300.00 Airline Credit
- Priority Pass Select
- Made via bonded metal
Chase Sapphire Reserve/Elite Card Airlines Credit:
Keep in mind that Airlines credit is not cash, but this could potentially be quite rewarding given that it’s valued at $300. Now, there’s a reasonable chance that the airlines credit will be for incidentals only. Airlines credit can be used for possible lounge access, or to pay off your annual fee. This could be quite a rewarding perk for cardholders that enjoy premium lounge access or the ability to reduce their annual fee. Now where the true rewards come from is the expected VISA Infinite x Chase, and ultimately, the rewards you get from VISA Ultimate alone is worth the annual fee.
Comparatively to the CNB Crystal VISA Infinite Card, each authorized users get up to $250 per calendar year in Airlines Fee credits. CNB lets cardholders add up to 3 authorized users for free with one $400 annual fee attached making it possible to get $1,000 in airlines fee rebates per year.
the big question is if Chase will do the same? Will Chase be able to hold their composure to allow up to $300 per year in airlines fee credits for up to four cards? It’s a considerable possibility but odds are slim. Quite possibly they’ll just make it to where only primary cardholders will receive airlines fee credits or charge a fee for each authorized user. It’s certainly one of the aspects I’m looking forward to regarding to how the authorized use cards will be handled.
Other Chase Sapphire Reserve/Elite Card Perks:
While the $1200 airlines fee credit seems highly unlikely to say the least, the CNB card has a few exceptional benefits that I find will be very likely to be found on the new Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Free In-Flight Gogo Wifi: Get 12 Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi Passes per year. Passes can be used for single flight-segments. This is undoubtedly a great benefit for those that fly often.
Global Entry Application Fee Rebate: This has become a standard perk for most higher-end cards so I’m positive that Global Entry will be offered.
Discount Air Benefit: There may be a chance that Chase will offer a “Save $100 total” on each 2 or more person round trip domestic flight purchased through their UR site or something along those lines.
Chase Sapphire Reserve/Elite Card 3x Category:
It’s evident that Chase will release this card with a 3x times category offered towards Dining and Travel needs. If they chose to put the 3x category for Gas and Groceries as well, this card would definitely well-compensate the high annual fee tag. I’m positive that Chase will stick to 3X just for travel and dining. If anything, this card will still be the first time that a major card issuer offers best-in-class point earnings on a high end card.
Take into consideration that the Amex Platinum earns ($450 AF) earns just 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar in any category. This new card will offer the most optimal travel and dining spend bonuses across their entire portfolio and Chase has potential in setting an even higher standard on Higher-end cards with a generous point earning system. Rewarding those who spend more is definitely an applicable basis that all premium cards should abide by.
Chase Sapphire Reserve/Elite VISA Infinite:
- Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection: Best available rate guarantee, Automatic room upgrade upon arrival, when available, Free in-room Internet, Complimentary continental breakfast, 3PM check-out, when available, VIP Guest status, $25 food or beverage credit)
- Visa Infinite Discount Air Benefit: You can save yourself $100 on air travel when using your VISA Infinite issued card to book a qualifying U.S. domestic round-trip coach airline itinerary for 2 to 5 travelers through the Visa Infinite Discount Air Benefit website
- Visa Infinite Car Rental Privileges : Enjoy special discounts and upgrades, when you use your Visa Infinite Credit Card to book with Avis, National and Silvercar.
- VISA Infinite Entertainment: Get and up-close and personal VISA Infinite Music Series experience with Advance tickets and VIP lounge access @ TIFF Festival.
Conclusion:
The Chase Sapphire Elite is just what Chase needed to push the bar a little higher. Considering that there’s been quite a demand for a card of this caliber to be placed in the market for quite some time now, there’s a huge possibility that this rumor could in fact be up for grabs in the near future. Of course, there’s not much speculation on the points earning and exclusive benefits attached to this card, but it’s confirmed to rival with the AMEX Platinum and Citi Prestige. Now, I’m excited just to even confirm that this card will be a VISA Infinite, 2 of it’s kind in the United States.
Applicants will be subject to the 5/24 Rule with this card, which could be quite a let-down for a few. As for me, my chances are slim with the approval, but we’ll just have to wait it out and see what the future has in store for us. Now, it’d be nice if we were offered the option to upgrade our Chase Sapphire Preferred to Elite/Reserve. I will be sure to commit my every effort to keeping you guys updated on the cards details and so on so forth. Be sure to also check out our Chase Card Promotions, as well as our complete list of Credit Card Promotions from our exclusive list!
