The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has undergone significant changes, with a mix of positive and negative updates. One of the most notable changes is the alteration of point transfer ratios to Hyatt, which will negatively impact travelers who frequently transfer points from their Sapphire Preferred to Hyatt. However, this change won't affect current cardholders until October 1, 2026, and new cardholders will see the new ratio immediately. The 1:1 transfer ratio remains intact for the Sapphire Reserve, providing a silver lining for those who frequently transfer points to World of Hyatt. Additionally, the Sapphire Preferred is adding new bonus categories, including gas stations, EV charging, and vacation home rentals booked at Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com, and Vacasa. These categories join the existing lineup of bonus categories, which remain intact. The annual hotel statement credit has also increased from $50 to $100, making it more meaningful for cardholders. Furthermore, the Sapphire Preferred is adding a new statement credit of up to $120 every four years to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or Nexus. The card is also adding a complimentary one-year Apple TV subscription. The Sapphire Preferred now comes with enhanced travel protections, including emergency evacuation and transportation protections. Despite these changes, the annual fee remains at $95, and the card can easily pay for itself with very little effort year after year. In conclusion, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is now even more compelling overall, despite the change in transfer ratio, and it's a strong fit for casual travelers.
