Chase hikes annual fee for Sapphire Reserve credit card amid new benefits

On June 23, 2025, a significant change was announced regarding the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Chase has raised the annual fee for its flagship credit card from $550 to a higher amount, prompting cardholders to evaluate the card's value. This fee adjustment comes with new benefits that could make the increased cost worthwhile for certain cardholders. Importantly, existing cardholders will not incur the new fee if their renewal occurs before October 26, 2025, allowing them some time to assess the changes. In conjunction with the fee increase, the new benefits may appeal particularly to frequent travelers. Chase will offer an enhanced points earning structure, wherein cardholders will earn eight points per dollar when booking travel directly through the Chase travel portal, an increase from the previous five points per dollar. This upgrade is a relevant factor, as it allows cardholders to offset the higher fee with additional rewards, especially if they spend significantly on travel-related purchases with airlines and hotels. To fully compensate for the fee increase, cardholders need to spend between $12,250 and $24,500 annually on those categories to make it beneficial. Another exciting feature being introduced with these changes is the new Points Boost program, designed to allow cardholders to redeem points at a rate of up to two cents per point when making travel bookings through the Chase travel portal. However, it is important to note that not all flights or hotel rates available through external sites will be found within the portal, which could limit the redemption options. This new initiative aims to make the Chase Sapphire Reserve even more competitive, especially when compared to other premium credit cards like the American Express Platinum. In summary, while the increase in the annual fee may initially raise concerns among current and prospective cardholders, the additional benefits and adjustments in points earning capabilities could provide sufficient value for frequent travelers. Those who can optimize their spending to take full advantage of the points rewards may find that the Chase Sapphire Reserve remains a worthwhile investment despite its increased cost.