The current Chase Sapphire Preferred sign-up bonus

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months. You also earn an additional 25,000 points if you add an authorized user and that person makes a purchase within the first three months, bringing the total to 100,000 points for active cardholders.

The bonus structure has changed over time. Chase periodically adjusts the spending requirement and point total to match market conditions. The current offer is what appears when you visit Chase's website or the card's landing page, and that is the only version you can receive — Chase does not honor previous bonus amounts for new applicants.

Points from the sign-up bonus count toward your total balance when ready and can be transferred, redeemed, or held indefinitely. There is no separate "bonus points" category that expires or carries different rules than points you earn through regular spending.

Key Takeaways

  • The sign-up bonus is 75,000 points for $4,000 spending in three months, or 100,000 points if you add an authorized user who also makes a purchase.
  • Points are worth roughly 1.25 cents each when redeemed for travel through Chase's portal, or more if you transfer them to airline and hotel partners.
  • You must meet the spending requirement within the first three months from account opening, and the bonus posts after Chase verifies the spending.
  • The card carries a $95 annual fee that is not waived in the first year, so the bonus value must outweigh the fee for the card to make financial sense.
  • You cannot receive the bonus again if you have held this card in the past 24 months, even if you closed it.

How much the bonus is actually worth

The value of 75,000 points depends on how you use them. Chase's own travel portal values points at 1.25 cents each for flights, hotels, and rental cars, which would make 75,000 points worth about $937.50. However, that valuation is a baseline, not a may provide of what you will receive.

If you transfer points to airline partners like United, Southwest, or American Airlines, or to hotel partners like Hyatt or Marriott, the per-point value often rises to 1.5 cents or higher — sometimes significantly higher during promotional transfer bonuses. A transfer to Hyatt, for example, might be worth 2 cents per point depending on the hotel category and your travel dates.

The lowest value occurs if you redeem points for cash back, which typically pays 0.8 cents per point. This is why most cardholders who earn the sign-up bonus use it for travel rather than cash.

Meeting the spending requirement

The $4,000 threshold must be met within three months of opening the account. Chase counts most purchases toward this requirement: groceries, gas, restaurants, online shopping, and bills all count. Cash advances, balance transfers, and fees do not count.

If you do not reach $4,000 in three months, you do not receive the bonus. Chase does not award a partial bonus or extend the important date. The spending window is fixed, so mark your calendar for the exact date your account opens.

The authorized user bonus requires that person to make at least one purchase on their card within the first three months. It does not need to be a large purchase — even a single dollar transaction qualifies. The authorized user does not need to be a family member, though most cardholders add a spouse or adult child.

When the bonus posts to your account

Points typically post within one to two billing cycles after you meet the spending requirement. If you hit $4,000 on day 85 of your three-month window, the bonus may not post until your next statement closes, which could be several weeks later.

Chase sends a notification when the bonus posts, and the points appear in your account balance when ready. You can then transfer them, hold them, or redeem them without any additional waiting period.

If you believe you met the requirement but the bonus has not posted after two full billing cycles, contact Chase customer service with your account opening date and a record of your spending. Chase can verify whether the requirement was met and manually post the bonus if there was an error.

The annual fee and whether the bonus covers it

The Sapphire Preferred charges a $95 annual fee that is not waived in the first year. This fee posts to your account shortly after you open the card, usually within the first billing cycle.

At the lowest valuation (1.25 cents per point through Chase's portal), 75,000 points are worth $937.50, which easily covers the $95 fee and leaves $842.50 in value. Even at the conservative 0.8-cent cash-back rate, 75,000 points are worth $600, still well above the fee.

However, the fee recurs every year on your card anniversary. The bonus is a one-time event. If you close the card before the second annual fee posts, you pay only $95 total. If you keep it open, you must earn enough value through ongoing rewards to justify the annual cost.

Bonus restrictions and timing rules

You cannot receive the sign-up bonus if you have held the Sapphire Preferred (or its predecessor, the Sapphire Preferred for Business) within the past 24 months. This 24-month window is measured from when you closed the previous card, not from when you opened it.

If you closed the card 18 months ago, you must wait six more months before you are may be able to access for the bonus again. Chase's system will reject your process if you fall outside this window, and you will receive the card without a bonus.

The bonus is available to new cardholders and to existing Chase customers. There is no requirement to have a Chase checking account, savings account, or other product. Your credit score and income must meet Chase's standard approval criteria for this card, which typically means a score of 670 or higher, though approval is not may provide at any score.

Comparing this bonus to other travel cards

The Sapphire Preferred bonus is competitive but not the highest in absolute point value. The American Express Platinum offers up to 150,000 points for higher spending, and the Capital One Venture X offers 75,000 miles plus a $300 annual travel credit. However, those cards carry annual fees of $695 and $395 respectively, which changes the net value calculation.

The Sapphire Preferred's advantage is flexibility. Points can be transferred to 10 different airline and hotel partners, or redeemed through Chase's portal for any travel expense. American Express Platinum points are harder to redeem outside of Amex's own ecosystem, and Capital One miles are less transferable. For someone who has not yet committed to a specific airline or hotel program, the Sapphire Preferred offers more options.

The card also earns 2x points on dining and travel purchases, and 1x on everything else, which means the bonus is just the starting point — ongoing rewards add value over time. If you plan to keep the card for multiple years, the combination of the sign-up bonus and ongoing earning can justify the annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the bonus if I already have another Chase card?

Yes. Having a Chase Freedom, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or any other Chase card does not disqualify you from the Sapphire Preferred bonus. The only restriction is the 24-month rule specific to the Sapphire Preferred itself — you cannot have held this exact card within the past 24 months.

What happens if I don't spend $4,000 in three months?

You do not receive the bonus. Chase does not award partial bonuses or extend the important date. If you fall short, you keep the card and earn regular rewards on your purchases, but the sign-up bonus is forfeited permanently.

Can I meet the spending requirement with manufactured spending or balance transfers?

No. Balance transfers and cash advances do not count toward the requirement. Most manufactured spending (like buying gift cards or making payments to yourself) also does not count. Stick to regular purchases: groceries, gas, restaurants, utilities, and online shopping all count.

Do I have to use the bonus for travel, or can I cash it out?

You can redeem the points for cash back at 0.8 cents per point, which would give you about $600 for 75,000 points. However, travel redemptions through Chase's portal or transfers to partners are worth more per point, so most cardholders use the bonus for travel rather than cash.

What if I close the card before the second annual fee posts?

You pay only the first $95 annual fee. If you close the card before your one-year anniversary, you avoid the second fee. However, you must wait 24 months from the closing date before you can receive the sign-up bonus again if you reapply.