Chase Sapphire Preferred: 16 Actions You Must Take ASAP
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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has been a staple card in travel rewards communities for quite some time now but very few people are aware of how to use the card to its full potential. Whether you’ve had this card for a while or you’re thinking about adding it to your wallet, I hope this post give you inspiration about things you must do when you first get it.
1. Set up auto-pay on the website
One of the initial steps to take is to set up an auto-pay feature on your account. This convenient feature ensures your credit card bill is paid automatically on its due date, sparing you from potential late fees and safeguarding your credit score. You can set this up by visiting Chase's auto-pay feature.
2. Set Spending Alerts on the Chase website
Keeping a close watch on your credit usage is key to managing your financial health and optimizing your rewards goals. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you have the option to set up spending alerts that keep you aware of your spending habits. To activate this, visit Chase's alerts page and follow the instructions provided.
3. Educate yourself about your Intro Offer Bonus
For those new to the Chase Sapphire Preferred, it's important to familiarize yourself with the enticing introductory offer - you can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This equates to $750 when you redeem these points through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Some cardholders find it beneficial to frontload their expenses to reach this target swiftly, making it a wise strategy to use this card for all purchases until you've earned your introductory offer.
4. Connect your Lyft account to earn 5x points on Lyft rides
The benefits of this card extend beyond travel and dining, and into your daily commute. By linking your Chase Sapphire Preferred with your Lyft account, you can earn 5x total points on all your Lyft rides until March 31, 2025. This includes 3x points in addition to the 2x points you already earn on travel. Whether you're taking a Lyft ride or using a CitiBike, your commute can now become even more rewarding.
5. DashPass Subscription
With the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can enjoy complimentary access to DashPass, a membership service for both DoorDash and Caviar. This subscription waives delivery fees and lowers service fees on eligible orders for a minimum of one year, as long as you activate it by December 31, 2024. It's a great opportunity to indulge in your favorite meals without the extra cost of delivery.
6. Instacart+ Benefits
The benefits of this card extend right to your doorstep. You can enjoy 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ service, enabling you to have your groceries delivered straight to your home. Don't forget to activate this benefit by July 31, 2024. Note that the membership auto-renews, but as an Instacart+ member, you can earn up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024.
7. Combine Points with Other Chase Cards
Your rewards can grow even more when you combine your Chase Sapphire Preferred points with those from a Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Freedom Flex card. This way, you can maximize your rewards, so consider reading more about Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex to decide if these cards might be a good fit for you.
8. Link the Card to Other Loyalty Programs
For even more point-earning potential, consider linking your Chase Sapphire Preferred to other loyalty programs like Bilt Wallet. When you link your credit and debit cards, you can automatically earn bonus Bilt points on eligible spend. For instance, you can earn 2X points on Lyft rideshares when your accounts are linked. To learn more, visit Bilt.
9. $50 Hotel Credit
Every account anniversary year, you can earn up to $50 in statement credits for hotel stays purchased through Ultimate Rewards. It's a perfect incentive to plan a getaway and save on your accommodation costs.
10. Connect Your Transfer Partner Accounts
Linking your Chase Sapphire Preferred card to transfer partner accounts like Hyatt or Hilton is an essential move. The beauty of the Sapphire Preferred card is its versatility and compatibility with a variety of loyalty programs. By connecting these accounts, you can consolidate your rewards and leverage them for more significant benefits, whether it's an upgraded room or a free hotel stay. This strategy optimizes your reward earning and redemption, providing you more value from your travel experiences.
11. Download Gopuff for a Monthly Credit
Gopuff is a service that delivers drinks, snacks, and other household essentials right to your doorstep, quickly. If you download Gopuff and connect it with your Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can receive a $10 monthly statement credit. This promotion runs through December 2023, so it's a handy way to save on your everyday essentials.
12. Set it as Your Go-To Card for Takeout Restaurants
With all the benefits and rewards from dining, it's a good idea to make Chase Sapphire Preferred your default card for takeout. Every time you order in, you're not just satisfying your hunger, you're also accumulating points that can translate into future savings.
13. Make it Your Default Card for Streaming Services
Love binging on Netflix or enjoying music on Spotify? Setting the Chase Sapphire Preferred as your default card for all streaming services can earn you 3x points. It's a rewarding way to enjoy your favorite entertainment.
14. Use it for Online Grocery Shopping and Meal Kits
The benefits also extend to online grocery shopping and meal kit services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and RealEats. Making the Chase Sapphire Preferred your default card for these services can earn you 3x points, bringing value to your meal planning and cooking adventures.
15. Check Chase Shopping Deals Frequently
Chase Shopping Deals can provide a fantastic way to earn extra rewards on your purchases. Although the deals exclude stores like Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs, there are plenty of other participating retailers. Make it a habit to check for new deals frequently and maximize your reward potential.
16. Use Card for Peloton Purchases
If you're a fitness enthusiast, this benefit is for you. Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card for Peloton purchases over $150 and earn 5x total points. This includes Peloton Bike, Tread, Row, and Guide purchases, and you can earn a maximum of 25,000 total points. This offer is valid through March 31, 2025, so you can enrich your fitness journey while earning points.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is more than just a tool for purchases; it's a multifaceted rewards program that can bring you significant value if used effectively. From setting up auto-pay to linking your card with transfer partner accounts, every step can bring you closer to maximizing your rewards.
The card is versatile, providing benefits not just for travel and dining, but for daily commuting, online streaming services, meal kit purchases, and more. You can even earn additional points on your fitness purchases with Peloton. Regularly checking Chase Shopping Deals and connecting your card to the Earny app can bring you further benefits and make purchase protection a breeze.
Adding the Sapphire Preferred to other loyalty programs and combining points with other Chase cards can amplify your reward potential. With enticing intro offers and the ability to set spending alerts, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is designed to make your spending more strategic and rewarding.
Enjoy earning rewards!