Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards are both popular choices among cardholders who travel often, as the Chase Sapphire cards offer generous rewards on travel. Although the names may be similar, these two cards offer very different rewards programs.

Comparing the cards

The best way to ensure you're getting the card you want is to compare the Chase Sapphire Preferred side by side with the Sapphire Reserve.

The Sapphire Reserve has a hefty $550 annual fee but offers 3x points on travel and dining at restaurants immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. You also earn 1x points on all other purchases and get an Ultimate Rewards bonus of 50%. The Sapphire Reserve also offers a variety of other bonuses, including Priority Pass Select lounge access (valued at $429), Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit of up to $100 every four years, return protection, and lost luggage reimbursement.

The Sapphire Preferred, on the other hand, has a much more affordable $95 annual fee but offers only 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases. In addition, it has an Ultimate Rewards bonus of 25%, meaning your points are worth 25% less with the Sapphire Preferred when you redeem points for travel. Cardholders with either card can enjoy bonuses including no foreign transaction fees, a free DashPass (worth up to $200) for a minimum of one year, and purchase protection.

So, can I have both cards?

Since both of these cards offer generous rewards, many cardholders may wonder if they can have both cards. Unfortunately, cardholders cannot have both Sapphire cards and must pick one. Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can choose to upgrade their cards if they want the Reserve.

In order to upgrade, you need to wait at least 13 months after opening your Chase Sapphire Preferred account. It is also important to note that you do not qualify for the Sapphire Reserve’s sign-up bonus when upgrading, because these cards are in the same family and are therefore considered the same product.

To upgrade from the Sapphire Preferred to Reserve, you can call Chase customer service at 1-800-432-3117, enter your account information and ask to speak to a customer representative. You can then tell the representative you would like to upgrade your Sapphire card to the Reserve, and he or she should be able to give you a decision within a few minutes after looking at your file. You can also request an upgrade online by logging into your Chase account, going to the Secure Message center and sending a message saying you would like to switch to Sapphire Reserve. You should hear back within four hours.

If you decide to downgrade to the Sapphire Preferred, follow the same steps as those listed above except request a downgrade instead. 

Conclusion

Even though you cannot have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards, both cards offer excellent rewards, and you can always upgrade or downgrade if you change your mind.