Switching from Sapphire Preferred to Sapphire Reserve®
Quick insights
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® cardmembers can switch to the Sapphire Reserve card via their online account, by visiting a Chase branch or by calling customer service.
- The Sapphire Reserve card has a higher annual fee than the Sapphire Preferred card.
- Sapphire Preferred cardmembers who switch to the Sapphire Reserve card are not eligible for the card’s welcome offer.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards are both travel credit cards that offer enhanced rewards on travel purchases, statement credits and travel protection coverage. However, the Sapphire Reserve card also offers airport lounge access, reimbursement for application fees on Trusted traveler programs and access to The Edit by Chase Travel (but also has a higher annual fee).
Lounge access and the ability to earn enhanced rewards are a few reasons you may want to upgrade from the Sapphire Preferred to Sapphire Reserve card, but there are some considerations to make before deciding if an upgrade is right for you.
Read on to find out how you can switch as well as some things you may want to consider before becoming a Reserve cardmember.
Upgrading to Sapphire Reserve
There are many reasons someone may want to switch from the Sapphire Preferred to Sapphire Reserve card. Even though the Sapphire Reserve card has a higher annual fee, it has some perks the Preferred card does not, including (but not limited to):
- A $300 annual travel credit
- Complimentary access to any Chase Sapphire Lounge by The club location and over 1,300 airport lounges with a Priority Pass™ Select membership
- A statement credit every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged for TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
- Access to The Edit by Chase Travel℠ as well as a $500 credit for stays booked through The Edit
Previously, cardmembers could not have both the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards at the same time. However, with the relaunch of the Sapphire Reserve card in 2025, Chase allows cardmembers to have both.
But if you don’t want both or have determined the Sapphire Reserve card is a better fit for you, you can upgrade—or as Chase calls it—request a product change.
How to upgrade to Sapphire Reserve
You can make the switch from Sapphire Preferred to Sapphire Reserve a few ways, including:
- Over the phone: Call the customer service number on the back of your card and speak to a representative. In order to upgrade, you will need to provide the last four digits of your card and ZIP code to verify your account with the customer service representative.
- In person: You can visit a Chase branch to talk to a customer service representative about switching.
- Online: Cardmembers can log into their Sapphire Preferred account and request a product change. Keep in mind, this process can take 24-48 hours.
Considerations before upgrading your credit card
Before you request a product change from Sapphire Preferred to Sapphire Reserve, there are a few considerations and requirements you may want to note.
Welcome bonus offer eligibility
While the Sapphire Reserve card offers a welcome bonus offer, it is only available to new account owners. Sapphire Preferred cardmembers upgrading their card are ineligible for the welcome bonus offer (sometimes referred to as a sign-up offer).
Credit limit
Sapphire Reserve requires a minimum $10,000 credit limit. If your Sapphire Preferred card credit limit is lower than $10,000, you’ll need to request a credit limit increase as well. Keep in mind, this could trigger a credit check, which may affect your credit score. There are many factors that go into approving a credit increase, so increases are not guaranteed.
Account history
If you’re a newer Sapphire Preferred cardmember, you may not be able to upgrade just yet. Cardmembers must have their Sapphire Preferred card for at least a year before they can upgrade to a Sapphire Reserve card.
In summary
Sapphire Preferred cardmembers who are looking to upgrade to the Sapphire Reserve card may be able to request this product change by visiting a branch, making the request in their online account or calling the customer service number on the back of their card.
Cardmembers who do choose to upgrade are ineligible for the Sapphire Reserve welcome bonus offer, need at least a $10,000 credit limit and should be a Sapphire Preferred cardmember for at least a year.
The Sapphire Reserve card has a higher annual fee but provides many perks including airport lounge access; a $300 travel statement credit, a statement credit for the application fee associated with TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS; access to The Edit and more.
