The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (view rates and fees) is a favorite here at Flying Frugal. It’s a highly recommended travel rewards card for both newcomers and seasoned travelers, thanks to its strong earning potential, versatile redemption options, and manageable annual fee.
If you’ve heeded our advice and already signed up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you might now find the decision for your next card a bit more challenging. The good news is, there are plenty of fantastic options to elevate your points and miles experience. You can’t make a wrong choice as long as you keep a few considerations in mind.
Let’s explore three primary approaches to selecting a complementary card that aligns with your Sapphire Preferred, helping you gauge which strategy fits you best.
Three Strategies
Your options can be categorized into three approaches. Remember, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, so assess your situation, such as your spending categories, preferred loyalty programs, and whether you aim to concentrate on Chase before exceeding the 5/24 rule.
Related: The advantages of the Chase Trifecta
Option 1: Earn More Ultimate Rewards Points
This choice is ideal if you appreciate Chase’s transfer partners and want to accumulate as many Chase Ultimate Rewards points as possible for that dream vacation.
By leveraging one of the Chase Freedom cards, you can optimize your spending categories and earn more points across your daily purchases.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (view rates and fees) and Chase Freedom Flex® are typically marketed as cash-back cards. However, if you also hold the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can pool your rewards and transfer them to any of Chase’s transfer partners.
If you’re ready to manage several cards while continuing to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, using all three cards (Sapphire Preferred, Freedom Unlimited, and Freedom Flex) is a great strategy. Flying Frugal’s credit card editor, Olivia Mittak, employs this method to maximize her Ultimate Rewards earnings.
Just keep in mind to time your applications to improve your chances of approval.
Note: The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex was independently collected by The Points Guy and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Annual fee: $0
Welcome bonus: Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening.
Rewards rate: The Freedom Unlimited offers:
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3% cash back on dining
- 3% cash back at drugstores
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
Why this card works well: This card pairs excellently with your Chase Sapphire Preferred because it earns 1.5% (or points per dollar spent) on every purchase, which is 50% more than the Sapphire Preferred’s earning rate (1 point per dollar on non-bonus category purchases). Even advanced card portfolios often include this option because it offers a solid return on purchases that don’t align with the usual bonus categories. With the current welcome bonus, this card is a wise addition for most Sapphire Preferred users.
To learn more, check out our complete review of the Freedom Unlimited.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Flex
Annual fee: $0
Welcome bonus: Currently, this card is not open for digital applications, but potential cardholders may apply in-branch and possibly receive a welcome offer.
Rewards rate: The Freedom Flex earns:
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter, activation required
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 3% cash back at drugstores
- 3% cash back on dining
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Why this card works well: This card provides 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) on relevant purchases in specific categories that rotate quarterly (on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter). For instance, during the third quarter of 2025 (July 1–Sept. 30), the bonus categories will include electric vehicle charging stations, gas stations, Instacart, and select live events. Activation is required.
This option allows you to maximize your Chase Ultimate Rewards points across diverse spending categories.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
Option 2: Earn Additional Points with a Chase Transfer Partner
If you frequently transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards to a specific partner like United MileagePlus or World of Hyatt, consider a cobranded card. This approach can maximize your point-earning potential while providing benefits linked to that partner, including perks like complimentary checked bags or elite hotel status.
United Quest Card
Annual fee: $350
Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.
This bonus is valued at approximately $1,300 as per Flying Frugal’s July 2025 assessments.
Rewards rate: The United Quest℠ Card offers:
- 8 miles per dollar on United flights
- 5 miles from bookings made through Renowned Hotels and Resorts
- 3 miles on eligible United purchases
- 2 miles on all travel, dining, and select streaming services
- 1 mile on all other purchases
Why this card works well: Since United is one of Chase’s top travel partners, this card enhances the value of your Ultimate Rewards points when transferred to United. Benefits include a free first checked bag for you and a companion, priority boarding, and various discounts, making this card a top choice for frequent United flyers.
To learn more, check out our full review of the United Quest card.
Apply here: United Quest Card
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Annual fee: $95
Welcome bonus: Earn two free nights after spending $4,000 within the first three months. You’ll also get 25,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 in six months, valued at approximately $425.
Rewards rate: The World of Hyatt Credit Card earns:
- 4 points per dollar at Hyatt properties
- 2 points per dollar on dining
- 2 points on direct airline purchases, local transit, and gym memberships
- 1 point on all other purchases
Why this card works well: The Hyatt rewards program is notably one of the best offers through Ultimate Rewards, giving you access to valuable perks when redeeming your rewards for Hyatt stays.
You’ll also receive Hyatt Discoverist status and can earn additional credits toward the next elite tier, along with a free night after your card anniversary.
However, the welcome offer could improve; it’s advisable to wait for a better opportunity before applying.
To learn more, check out our full review of the World of Hyatt card.
Apply here: World of Hyatt Credit Card
Option 3: Diversify Your Rewards
If you’re ready to explore another issuer’s loyalty program, consider opening a card that will help you accumulate another set of transferable rewards. Here are some great choices:
American Express Gold Card
Annual fee: $325 (view rates and fees)
Welcome bonus: New members may receive an offer up to 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first six months, valued at up to $2,000 based on Flying Frugal’s July 2025 assessments.
Rewards rate: The Amex Gold Card allows you to earn:
- 4 points per dollar on dining worldwide (up to $50,000 per year, then 1 point)
- 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000; then 1 point)
- 3 points for flights booked directly or on amextravel.com
- 2 points for prepaid hotels and eligible purchases on amextravel.com
- 1 point on all other purchases.
Why this card works well: The Sapphire Preferred doesn’t offer bonus points for grocery purchases, so this card complements it perfectly. Additionally, it provides various annual dining credits to help offset its $325 fee. Most importantly, you’ll expand your rewards portfolio with American Express Membership Rewards, giving access to unique transfer partners unavailable with Chase.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual fee: $95
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months, valued at around $1,388.
Rewards rate: The Capital One Venture Rewards Card offers:
- 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2 miles on all other purchases
Why this card works well: While the Sapphire Preferred has great transfer partners, it doesn’t cover all travel purchases. The Venture Rewards allows you to redeem miles for nearly any travel expense. Additionally, it provides access to various airline and hotel programs, including those not covered by Chase, which is valuable for maximizing your earning potential.
For extra benefits, it also offers up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees.
To learn more, review our full review of the Venture Rewards.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Citi Strata Premier Card
Annual fee: $95
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months, valued at approximately $1,110.
Rewards rate: The Citi Strata Premier® Card earns:
- 10 points per dollar on hotel, car rental, and attraction purchases (excluding flights) booked through CitiTravel.com
- 3 points per dollar at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
- 3 points per dollar on flights and hotel purchases made outside CitiTravel.com
- 1 point on other purchases
Why this card works well: The Citi ThankYou Rewards program offers transfer partners not found with Chase, such as Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles. It also has valuable bonus rates at supermarkets and gas stations which the Sapphire Preferred lacks.
Additionally, you can receive an annual hotel discount of $100 on a $500 hotel stay booked through CitiTravel, but this may limit its utility.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Citi Strata Premier.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card
Conclusion
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card stands out on its own, but its value increases when paired with other cards. Whether you aim to enhance your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, build a stash with a Chase transfer partner, or diversify your rewards portfolio, there are excellent options available.
Whichever route you choose, you’ll expand upon the knowledge you’ve gained from the Sapphire Preferred and move one step closer to funding your next dream trip with your rewards.
Related: How I selected my next credit card with assistance from fellow TPGers
For rates and fees on the Amex Gold Card, click here.
