Sapphire Reserve 2025 Update: Still a Good Deal at $795?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve, once considered one of the most flexible premium credit cards, has introduced a steep annual fee increase. The cost now stands at $795 per year, up from the previous $550. With this change also come revisions in benefits and reward structures, leaving many cardholders wondering if the card is still worth the price tag.  

What’s New (and What Stays the Same)

 

• Annual Fee: Raised by $245, now $795.
• Earning Categories: 4X points on flights and hotels booked directly with the airline or hotel, 3X on dining (unchanged). Broad travel categories like OTAs, rideshares, and tolls now only earn 1X.
• Monthly Credits: $15 Lyft credits ($180/year)   |   $15 DoorDash credits ($180/year)   |   Dining perks at Sapphire lounges. Existing $300 annual travel credit continues.
• Point Redemptions: Points earned before October 2025 redeem at 1.5¢ through Chase Travel for 2 years. Points earned after may lose value (details unconfirmed).

 

Real-World Impact

The updated reward structure heavily favors those who book flights and hotels directly. If you rely on OTAs like Expedia or Kayak, your rewards potential decreases. Similarly, the monthly credits only provide value if you’re a frequent DoorDash or Lyft user. Otherwise, the effective value is much less.  

Should You Keep or Cancel?

Keep It If You:

• Regularly book travel directly with airlines and hotels.
• Use Lyft and DoorDash consistently enough to maximize the credits.
• Enjoy Priority Pass lounges and Chase Sapphire lounges.

Reconsider If You:

• Depend on OTAs for booking convenience.
• Rarely use Lyft or DoorDash, leaving credits unused.
• Prefer broader, flexible reward categories.

 

Don’t Lose Value on Your Chase Points

If you’ve accumulated a large stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards, remember:

• Points earned before October 2025 keep their higher 1.5¢ redemption value for just 2 years.
• Future points may devalue, meaning they’ll buy you less travel or fewer perks.

At SellMyMiles, we help cardholders like you cash out points at top rates before devaluations strike. Whether you have 100K or 800K+ points, you can turn them into cash quickly and securely.

💳 Get a Free Quote for Your Chase Points

 

Final Thoughts

The Chase Sapphire Reserve update is a double-edged sword. While direct travel bookers and frequent Lyft/DoorDash users can still extract value, many casual cardholders may find the $795 annual fee unjustifiable. If you’re unsure how to maximize your points—or want to avoid losing value—it may be time to consider selling your Chase Ultimate Rewards for guaranteed cash.