Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You?

Learn about major changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve — and how to decide if another premium card is a better fit.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth it after its major 2025 refresh? What do travelers lose — and gain — with the new credit card benefits? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down this week’s sweeping changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve and compare it with other premium travel cards to help you decide the best fit for your wallet. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the abrupt shutdown of Silver Airways, American Airlines’ new upgrade system, and the latest data on the costs of airfares, lodging, meals, and rental cars. 

Then, Meghan and Sally dive deep into the Chase Sapphire Reserve overhaul. They unpack a 45% annual fee hike, new perks like hotel and dining credits, and the rollout of the new “Points Boost” redemption system. They discuss which perks actually deliver value, which benefits regional travelers might struggle to use, and how alternatives like the AmEx Platinum and Capital One Venture X compare. From lounge access to statement credits, this episode aims to help savvy travelers determine whether the Reserve still earns a spot in their wallet — or if it’s time to downgrade.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve  

• Chase Sapphire Preferred review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred   

• American Express Platinum review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum  

• Capital One Venture X review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x  

• Chase Freedom Unlimited: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-freedom-unlimited 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Makes Big Changes: Higher Fee, New Rates, More Perks https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve-overhaul-june-2025 

• 16 Best Travel Credit Cards of June 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel 

• Cruises Now Searchable on Chase’s Travel Portal https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/chase-travel-cruises 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: travel credit card perks, Chase Ultimate Rewards points value, best travel credit cards 2025, credit card annual fee comparison, dynamic pricing vs award charts, American Airlines upgrade changes, Chase Points Boost explained, travel credit card lounge access, best premium travel cards, how to downgrade Chase Sapphire Reserve, The Edit by Chase Travel, statement credits travel cards, airline price trends 2025, gas prices summer 2025, hotel prices summer 2025, comparing annual fee travel cards, priority pass lounge changes, and best credit cards for luxury hotels.

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