Unpacking the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s Biggest Update in Five Years: What You Need to Know

Learn how the Chase Sapphire Preferred's biggest refresh in years could change how you earn and redeem travel points.

Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down the latest travel headlines, including Delta's expanded free checked bag perk, a new ride-hailing credit on select Delta cards, a second Delta One Lounge coming to LAX, World of Hyatt's new 12-month advance booking window for cardholders and elite members, and two changes hitting Atmos Rewards members.

Then, they dig into the Chase Sapphire Preferred's first major overhaul in five years. The annual fee is staying at $95 but the card is getting new benefits, updated earning categories, and some trade-offs worth knowing about. Meghan and Sally walk through every change, weigh the pros and cons, and compare the Preferred to other travel cards to help you figure out whether it still deserves a spot in your wallet.

*In this episode, we misstated how the new $100 annual Chase Travel hotel credit applies to existing cardholders. Existing cardholders received an additional $50 credit on June 15, 2026 for their anniversary year.

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Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

• World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost

• Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing

• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers

• Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee

• Bank of America Premium Rewards Review: Big Bonuses for B of A's Best Customers

• Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories

• Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Rare as They Are Valuable

• Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx Review: Pricey for What You Get

• Delta SkyMiles Platinum AmEx Review: One Big Perk Pays the Fee

• Delta Reserve Credit Card: $650 Annual Fee, Sky Club Access

• U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Review: Good for Travel and Gas

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Citi ThankYou Transfer Partners: A Complete Guide

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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