5 best alternatives to the Chase Sapphire Reserve in 2025

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) has long been a premier travel credit card favored by enthusiasts for its flexible rewards, comprehensive travel protections, and extensive network of transfer partners. However, recent changes—including a steep increase in the annual fee and a revamp of certain benefits—have prompted many cardholders to reevaluate its place in their wallets.

As of June 2025, the Sapphire Reserve’s annual fee has surged from $550 to $795, positioning it among the priciest consumer travel cards available. The fees for authorized users have also risen significantly, from $75 to $195. Additionally, Chase is phasing out the long-standing 50% redemption boost for points used through Chase Travel℠, opting instead for a new Points Boost program. Existing cardholders will enjoy a two-year grace period before this change takes effect.

During this grace period, which lasts until October 26, 2027, current cardholders will receive the most favorable value between Points Boost and the previous 50% redemption boost.

Despite these alterations, some popular features remain intact, such as the $300 annual travel credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit, access to Priority Pass lounges, and top-notch travel protections.

For some travelers, the new benefits could add significant value. However, for those who don’t spend enough to capitalize on new perks or primarily redeem through Chase Travel, the card’s advantages may no longer seem worthwhile.

If you’re rethinking your wallet strategy, consider these five excellent alternatives that might better align with your spending habits.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve updates: New earning rates and more statement credits for a higher annual fee

If You Prefer Staying with Chase

For those who want to remain within the Chase ecosystem without the imposing annual fee, great options are still available.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Annual fee: $95

If you wish to maintain access to Chase Ultimate Rewards but find the $795 cost of the Sapphire Reserve unjustifiable, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is a fantastic alternative and one of our favorite travel cards overall at Flying Frugal.

This is the card I personally use the most—thanks to no foreign transaction fees—and I frequently recommend it to friends and family looking for flexible points, solid travel value, and a reasonable annual fee.

With the Sapphire Preferred, you can earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3 points on dining, 2 points on all other travel-related expenses, and 1 point on general purchases.

Although it lacks luxury perks like lounge access, it still offers great value for its price, making it perfect for travelers who want to earn Ultimate Rewards points without the pressure of optimizing high-end benefits. If you appreciate the Chase ecosystem but seek a more affordable option, this card is hard to beat.

Related: Is it worthwhile to hold both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve?

How to Downgrade the Chase Sapphire Reserve

If you choose to switch from the Sapphire Reserve to another Chase card, you can initiate a product change by calling the customer service number on the back of your card or using a secure message through your Chase account.

Popular downgrade choices include the Sapphire Preferred (which maintains point transfer capabilities) and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees), a no-annual-fee card that earns 1.5% cash back while keeping your points active.

It’s generally advisable to downgrade rather than cancel to preserve account age, avoid negatively impacting your credit score, and maintain point access. Just ensure your account has been open for at least 12 months, as Chase usually restricts product changes within that timeframe.

Related: When can you downgrade your credit card?

If You Seek a Premium Travel Card

If you’re still interested in luxury perks and airport lounges—but are deterred by the new $795 fee of the Reserve—other premium travel cards may offer better value at a lower cost.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)

With the Sapphire Reserve’s new pricing, The Platinum Card® from American Express has become a more cost-effective option loaded with luxury benefits.

This card grants access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection, $200 in annual airline fee credits for your chosen qualifying airline, $200 in Uber Cash for U.S. Uber purchases, and up to $199 in Clear Plus credits. You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 annually). Note that many benefits require enrollment each month; terms apply.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Annual fee: $395

If you appreciate the high-end offerings of the Sapphire Reserve but seek a more straightforward and cost-effective card, you might want to look at the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Similar to the Sapphire Reserve, this card offers airport lounge access (including Priority Pass, Capital One Lounges, and Plaza Premium Lounges) and a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel. With a lower annual fee and a simpler points earning structure, the Venture X provides a more accessible rewards experience.

However, it’s essential to note that starting February 1, 2026, additional cardholders will lose complimentary lounge access. Primary cardholders can add this feature for $125 per additional card.

In contrast, the Sapphire Reserve allows cardholders to bring up to two guests into Chase Sapphire and Priority Pass Lounges for free, with a fee for additional guests. This gives the Reserve a slight advantage in lounge access, particularly for those traveling in larger groups.

While the Sapphire Reserve earns 3 points per dollar on travel and dining, the Venture X offers 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, plus an impressive 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booked through Capital One. With an added 10,000 bonus miles annually (available via the Capital One portal) and no fee for authorized users, the Venture X delivers remarkable value for frequent travelers who desire premium benefits without a hefty annual cost.

If You Prefer Premium Hotel Benefits

The Sapphire Reserve has traditionally been a favorite for those seeking travel rewards and lounge access. However, as its annual fee rises and many perks favor general travel, you might seek targeted value, especially if you often stay with a particular hotel brand.

Hilton Honors American Express® Aspire Card

Annual fee: $550

The Hilton Aspire Amex card stands out among premium hotel cards. While it differs from the Sapphire Reserve in terms of flexible points, it provides solid elite perks and ongoing value, especially if Hilton properties fit into your travel routine.

The Aspire card grants automatic Hilton Diamond status, a Free Night Reward annually (plus a second after spending $30,000), and up to $400 in annual resort credits. This alone can offset the annual fee if you stay at Hilton locations just a couple of times per year.

Additionally, much like the Sapphire Reserve, it includes Priority Pass Select lounge access and airline fee credits, adding travel perks beyond hotels. However, its value shines most when hotel elite status and luxury benefits matter most to you compared to transferable points.

If You Want Top Dining Rewards

If the dining benefits of the Sapphire Reserve were a significant appeal, there’s good news: another card offers even better perks.

American Express Gold Card

Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)

The Sapphire Reserve has been a top choice for dining enthusiasts, with 3 points per dollar on dining. However, the American Express® Gold Card goes further, offering 4 points per dollar on restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery, up to $50,000 annually) and 4 points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually).

With the Amex Gold, you’ll also earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly or through amextravel.com, plus up to $120 in dining credits and $120 in Uber Cash for U.S. purchases (both as monthly statement credits) (enrollment required for some benefits; terms apply). It’s a perfect choice for anyone whose spending leans more towards dining than airport lounges.

Related: Best dining credit cards of July 2025

Conclusion

The Sapphire Reserve continues to provide tremendous value for those who can fully utilize its benefits—especially with new perks that might attract frequent Chase Travel users or those who spend extensively across categories. But with the annual fee now set at $795, reassessing whether the card aligns with your lifestyle is essential.

Whether you’re sticking with Chase, looking for a more budget-friendly premium card, or seeking one that fits your specific travel or dining preferences, excellent alternatives abound. The best card is the one that offers the most value according to your needs, and this may be the perfect time to explore your options given the changes to the Sapphire Reserve.

Related: Why I’m keeping my Chase Sapphire Reserve — even with its increased $795 annual fee

For rates and fees related to the Amex Platinum, please click here.
For rates and fees related to the Amex Gold, please click here.