Hey there, it’s Ernest from Trip Astute.
In this video, we’re discussing some tips to maximize your card benefits once you get
a Chase Sapphire Reserve.
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The Chase Sapphire Reserve is currently my favorite credit card, and for so many reasons.
It has a ton of travel perks and a generous earning structure, and also allows me to redeem
my Ultimate Rewards points at a minimum 1.5 cents per point.
In this video, we’re going to cover some things to do once you get your new card.
Number 1: Register rewards accounts with Chase’s travel partners.
If you don’t already have a rewards account with many of their reward partners, you may
want to set them up now.
You’ll the need to have these accounts ready if you want to transfer points over.
These include partners like Southwest, United, British Airways, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and
many more.
Number 2: Add your Reserve card to travel, restaurant delivery, and ride sharing accounts.
Since you earn 3 points per dollar spent on the dining and travel, it makes sense to make
your Reserve card the default payment type.
Also, a lot of folks are not aware that restaurant delivery and ride sharing services count toward
dining and travel.
We actually did a video on “Chase Sapphire & Ink Bonus Categories”, so check it out
for more details.
Number 3: Activate lounge and rental card benefits online.
The Reserve card offers access into Priority Pass airport lounges, but you still need to
first register with the service through the Reserve’s Card Benefits.
Just click on Use Points, then select Card Benefits.
Once you’re on the Travel Benefits page, just activate the Airport Lounge Access for
Priority Pass.
Priority Pass will then send you a membership card in the mail that will allow you access
their lounges.
Also, while you’re there, register for your rental car benefits too.
This is similar to the benefits you might receive if you have a corporate account.
Basically, you’ll be able to expedite your rental car experience by walking directly
to your rental car for pick-up and bypassing the reservation desk.
It’s a small perk that can save you quite a bit of time when traveling.
Number 4: Sign-up for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Definitely take advantage of this benefit.
Chase will reimburse the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $100 every
4 years.
Keep in mind that Global Entry include TSA PreCheck, so if you’re debating between
the two programs, definitely go for Global Entry.
It basically allows you to bypass the normal customs line when coming back into the US.
Also, if you’re already enrolled in one of these programs, consider gifting it to
a friend or family member.
The charge will need to show up on your account in order to get credited, but it’s great
way to give a loved one more efficient travel in the airport.
Number 5: Transfer any current Ultimate Rewards points to your Chase Sapphire Reserve.
This may not seem necessary, since it won’t change the total number of points in that
you’re just moving the points out of another account (like a Chase Freedom or Ink), and
transferring it under the Reserve card.
However, the benefit comes from the redemption value.
Since the Reserve card offers a 1.5 cent redemption minimum for using their travel portal, it
essentially increases the point value when using the Chase travel portal, since the other
Ultimate Rewards earning card have a 1.25 cent redemption minimum.
While you can still use those other cards to earn a ton of points, it pays to redeem
them using the Reserve card.
Number 6: Track your travel credit: The Reserve card offers it’s card members a yearly $300
annual credit that is automatically applied to travel expenses.
You’ll notice on your account and statement that you are receiving credits for those expenses.
For example, since we are based in Los Angeles, we drive a lot and our parking charges often
qualify as travel expenses.
The same goes for Uber and Lyft charges.
So, don’t assume that it has to be an airline or hotel charge for the travel credit to be
applied.
Also, you can monitor your travel credit spend on your account website.
From the Ultimate Rewards dashboard, click on your points balance, then click on Rewards
Activity.
Just scroll to the bottom of the page and you’ll see a diagram in the Travel Benefits
section that shows the amount of the $300 travel credit that has been redeemed.
Number 7: Monitor your spending and bonus.
As with the previous tip, keep an eye on your charges and whether you are getting the points
awarded to your account.
Chase makes it easy to see by showing the points on your account activity screen.
All you have to do is click on the plus sign on the left side of the charge of your posted
activity to expand and see the points awarded.
If there is a discrepancy, Chase is usually pretty good about correcting it and awarding
you points.
Number 8: Plan your card strategy.
Once you start building points, you’re going to want more of them!
I suggest planning out your long-term card strategy.
Chase has several cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, so it definitely pays to build
a portfolio of cards that can earn points with your daily spend.
Keep in mind that Chase has some quirky rules about the number of credit card applications
you have over the past two years.
For more information on cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points and some of Chase application
rules, check out our “Chase Ultimate Rewards 101” video.
Do you have any tips for new Reserve card members?
If so, please leave them in the comment section below.
Also, if you have any questions, please let us know too.
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Until next time, travel safe and travel smart.