In a major update for premium credit card users, Chase Bank has officially increased the annual fee for its flagship travel card — the Chase Sapphire Reserve® — from $550 to $795.
The change is effective starting July 2025 for new applicants, and will roll out to existing cardholders on their next renewal date. The $245 fee hike is the first significant price increase since the card’s launch in 2016.
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Learn more: Official Chase Sapphire Reserve Terms
💡 What’s Driving the Fee Increase?
According to internal communications and updates shared with financial outlets like NerdWallet and The Points Guy, Chase is revamping its benefits to justify the price hike.
Here’s what’s reportedly being added or enhanced:
- New $300 Annual Travel Credit (unchanged)
- Priority Pass Select Membership (continued)
- $20 Monthly Lifestyle Credit (usable on select streaming, dining, or wellness purchases)
- Expanded travel insurance and trip delay protections
- Increased points on lifestyle categories (details pending)
Chase says these benefits now total over $1,200+ in potential annual value, if maximized.
🧮 Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Still Worth It?
Whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve is still worth it at $795 depends largely on your travel habits and ability to use the card’s perks.
🟢 Still Worth It If You:
- Travel frequently (especially internationally)
- Max out the $300 travel credit annually
- Use Priority Pass lounges multiple times per year
- Redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for travel with 50% boost
🔴 Not Worth It If You:
- Rarely fly or stay at hotels
- Don’t use Chase’s travel portal
- Can’t justify the new $245 increase with lifestyle credits
🔁 How It Compares to Competitors
Let’s compare the Sapphire Reserve’s new pricing with other elite credit cards:
| Card | Annual Fee | Lounge Access | Travel Credits | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $795 | Yes (Priority Pass) | $300 travel + $240 lifestyle | 3X travel & dining |
| Amex Platinum | $695 | Yes (Centurion, Priority Pass) | $200 airline, Uber, Saks, more | 5X flights & hotels |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | Yes | $300 travel portal | 2X on all purchases |
Despite being the most expensive, Sapphire Reserve remains competitive due to its travel protections and flexible rewards system, powered by Chase Ultimate Rewards.
📅 When Does the New Fee Take Effect?
- New Applicants: The $795 fee applies immediately starting July 2025.
- Existing Cardholders: The increase will apply on your next renewal anniversary date after July 1, 2025.
- Chase is expected to send emails and in-app alerts to notify users 45 days prior to renewal.
❓FAQs
Q: Will Chase grandfather existing users under the old $550 fee?
A: No. All renewals after July 2025 will pay the $795 annual fee.
Q: Can I downgrade the card to avoid the increase?
A: Yes. You can request a product change to Chase Sapphire Preferred® ($95 annual fee), though you may lose some benefits.
Q: Is the $300 travel credit still automatic?
A: Yes, it remains unchanged and auto-applies to eligible travel purchases annually.
Q: Do the new lifestyle credits roll over?
A: No. They’re use-it-or-lose-it each month, similar to American Express-style perks.
📌 Final Takeaway
The Chase Sapphire Reserve’s $795 fee marks a bold move by Chase — one that reflects the premium card market’s evolution toward stacking high-value, lifestyle-based perks. While some users may see more value, others will feel the pinch.
If you’re a frequent traveler or rewards optimizer, the enhanced benefits may justify the bump. But if you’re not using every credit or don’t need lounge access, it might be time to rethink your wallet.
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