Episode Details
Back to EpisodesThe Sapphire Saga: Why I'm Not Sorry for Spending $800 on a Credit Card Annual Fee
Description
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth its $795 annual fee after the 2025 overhaul — and what does the Chase Sapphire Preferred's new 4:3 Hyatt transfer ratio mean for your points? This episode breaks down every change to both Sapphire cards this year, why Melissa upgraded back to the Reserve with no welcome bonus, and exactly how she used Chase's "The Edit" hotel program to book two rooms for four nights in Amsterdam for 100,000 points and fifty dollars.
In this episode:
- What the Chase Sapphire Reserve looked like in 2016 vs. what it costs and covers now
- Why Melissa and her husband downgraded to Freedom Unlimited in 2023 — and why that trick doesn't work anymore
- The Chase Sapphire Preferred's June 2026 overhaul: the Hyatt transfer ratio drop, the doubled hotel credit, and what's grandfathered until October
- Three reasons Melissa upgraded to the $795 Reserve without a welcome bonus
- A full breakdown of The Edit: split reservations, price-matching, and stacking Points Boost to book Amsterdam's Kimpton De Witt for next to nothing
- Why Melissa isn't sure she'll keep chasing Hyatt Globalist status, and what that means for her hotel strategy going forward
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome
03:15 Chase Sapphire Reserve Refresh
04:51 Chase Sapphire Preferred Refresh
09:08 Why I Upgraded Again
13:16 Chase Travel's The Edit (My Booking Hacks)
18:13 More Resources and Wrap Up
Resources:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: What's Changing and What You Should Do About It
- 3 Reasons I Upgraded to the Chase Sapphire Reserve (Even Without a Bonus)
- Case Study: The Edit Shines in Amsterdam
Cards mentioned
- Chase Sapphire Reserve / Preferred
- Chase Ink Business Preferred / Sapphire Reserve for Business
- Chase Freedom Unlimited
General resources
Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.
Blog The Family Voyage
Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel
Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!