Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Gets a Major 2026 Refresh: New Benefits, Bonus Categories & More

Chase Sapphire Preferred Just Got Its Biggest Update in Five Years

If you've been holding off on committing to a premium travel rewards card because of steep annual fees, 2026 might be the year that changes your mind — without breaking the bank. Chase has announced a significant refresh of its beloved Sapphire Preferred card, and the timing couldn't be better for summer travelers and road trip enthusiasts alike. The updates, set to take effect on June 15, 2026, bring new earning categories, expanded travel protections, additional credits, and even a Global Entry benefit — all while keeping the card's annual fee locked at just $95.

This is the most meaningful update to the Sapphire Preferred in roughly five years, and according to Chase executives, the changes are driven by a simple goal: attracting more cardholders and keeping existing ones happier than ever.

Why This Refresh Matters for Everyday Travelers

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has long been considered one of the best entry-level travel rewards cards on the market. It occupies a sweet spot for travelers who want meaningful perks and strong point-earning potential without committing to the triple-digit annual fees of cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the American Express Platinum. For years, the Sapphire Preferred has maintained its reputation largely on the strength of its original design — but the travel rewards landscape has evolved significantly, and Chase clearly recognizes that it's time to keep pace.

Chris Reagan, president of Branded Cards at Chase, put it plainly during a media briefing: "It's been about five years since we last made any material updates to Sapphire Preferred, and we are super proud of the fact that it's still recognized as one of the best travel cards out there, but it's time for an update. Our objective in this is really simple: we want more card members and more happy card members."

That philosophy shows clearly in the nature of the changes being introduced.

New Bonus Categories: More Ways to Earn Points

The most impactful changes arriving with this refresh are on the rewards-earning side. Starting June 15, 2026, Sapphire Preferred cardholders will gain access to new bonus spending categories that are designed to reflect how modern consumers actually spend their money. Whether you're fueling up for a summer road trip, booking hotels, or grabbing groceries for a weekend getaway, the updated card is being built to reward a wider variety of everyday and travel-related purchases.

This expansion in earning categories is significant because it directly increases the card's value proposition for a broader audience. Previously, the Sapphire Preferred was particularly strong for dining and travel spending. With the new categories in play, casual spenders and frequent travelers alike will have more opportunities to accumulate Chase Ultimate Rewards points — one of the most flexible and valuable points currencies available.

Expanded Travel Benefits and New Protections

Beyond the earning side, Chase is also beefing up the travel benefits that come packaged with the Sapphire Preferred. The refresh introduces richer travel credits that can offset real out-of-pocket costs for cardholders who use the card for trips throughout the year. These credits are particularly appealing for summer travelers planning vacations, road trips, or even just extended weekend travel.

The card is also receiving additional travel protections, which have historically been one of the Sapphire Preferred's strongest selling points. Things like trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance have made this card a go-to choice for frequent flyers. The 2026 refresh builds on this foundation by expanding and strengthening those protections, giving cardholders more peace of mind when plans go sideways — as they sometimes inevitably do.

Global Entry Credit: A Premium Perk at a Mid-Tier Price

One of the most exciting additions in the 2026 refresh is the introduction of a Global Entry credit. Previously, perks like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits were largely the domain of premium cards with annual fees of $250 or more. Including this benefit on a $95/year card is a meaningful upgrade that will resonate with frequent travelers who spend considerable time moving through airport security and customs.

Global Entry, which costs $100 every five years, allows pre-approved travelers to move through U.S. customs more quickly when returning from international trips, and also includes TSA PreCheck access for domestic travel. Having this credit bundled into the Sapphire Preferred effectively reduces the card's net annual cost significantly for anyone who uses it.

Two Changes Worth Watching Closely

Not every aspect of the refresh is unambiguously positive. Along with the enhancements, Chase is also making two adjustments that are likely to draw scrutiny from points enthusiasts and rewards maximizers.

First, the card's 10% anniversary bonus — which rewarded cardholders with bonus points equal to 10% of all points earned over the prior year — is being eliminated. For heavy spenders who have leaned on this feature as a meaningful annual boost to their points balance, this is a notable loss.

Second, Chase is reducing the value of point transfers to World of Hyatt. Hyatt transfer partners have traditionally been among the most lucrative redemption options in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, offering outsized value for those who know how to use them. A reduction here may prompt some power users to reassess how they optimize their points strategy going forward.

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Still Worth It in 2026?

For the vast majority of travelers — especially those who don't want to pay hundreds of dollars per year for a premium card — the Chase Sapphire Preferred remains an exceptionally strong option after this refresh. The addition of new earning categories, expanded travel credits, stronger protections, and a Global Entry benefit represent genuine, tangible value improvements that more than justify the unchanged $95 annual fee.

The loss of the anniversary bonus and the Hyatt transfer adjustment will sting for a specific subset of points hobbyists, but for the everyday cardholder hitting the road this summer, the refreshed Sapphire Preferred card is shaping up to be one of the best values in its class. With the changes taking effect June 15, 2026, now is a great time to evaluate whether this card belongs in your wallet.