Enhanced Discussions on Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card Alterations (Episode 13, The Upgraded Points Podcast)
In the latest episode of "The Upgraded Points Podcast," hosts Katie Corrigan Seemann and Chris Hassan delve into the significant changes that have recently occurred with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, RSS Feed, and other platforms, provides a comprehensive analysis of the updates affecting the card's earning rates, fees, and benefits.
One of the most notable changes is the increase in the annual fee, which now stands at $795, making it the highest annual fee in the premium travel rewards market. However, the episode also highlights a best-ever welcome bonus offering 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points plus a $500 Chase Travel credit for those who spend $5,000 in the first three months. The $500 travel credit must be used within 12 months and applies to various Chase Travel purchases like flights, hotels, and rentals.
The episode also discusses a shift in the points redemption value, with new cardholders applying after June 23, 2025, no longer able to redeem points earned post-change at the previously popular 1.5 cents per point travel redemption rate through Chase Travel. Instead, these points will only be worth 1 cent each unless cardholders qualify for Points Boost offers. Existing cardholders can still redeem points earned before October 26, 2025, at the 1.5 cent rate.
In addition to these changes, multiple new statement credits with specific merchants have been added to help offset the higher fee, but they require active management and meeting spending requirements. This reflects a shift toward a "coupon book" style benefits program.
The hosts also discuss the opening of a new Delta Sky Club and a new Delta One Lounge in Seattle. Furthermore, they clarify what aspects of the card are remaining unchanged and aim to answer whether the card is still worth it after the changes. The answer, they suggest, depends on one's ability to maximize the new perks, as the card now requires extracting nearly $500 in additional value beyond the $300 travel credit to break even due to the fee hike.
Lastly, the episode includes a discussion on the perks of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and encourages listeners to email their questions or comments for the show to podcast@our website. Tune in to the Upgraded Points Podcast to learn more about these changes and whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve card remains a valuable option for your travel rewards needs.
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/22/chase-sapphire-reserve-card-receives-significant-updates.html [2] https://www.thepointsguy.com/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-changes-annual-fee-travel-credits-welcome-bonus/ [3] https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase/chase-sapphire-reserve-review [4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/thepointsguy/2025/06/22/chase-sapphire-reserve-card-changes-announced-heres-what-you-need-to-know/?sh=73b4f1e249e8
- The latest news on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card shows that the podcast "The Upgraded Points Podcast" Talks about the impact of travel rewards, finance, business, and technology with the card's recent updates, including a higher annual fee and new statement credits.
- Amidst the discussions on the podcast, the introduction of the latest technology, like specific merchant statement credits, have become part of the card's benefits, reflecting a change in the traditional rewards system towards a more targeted approach.
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