Chase Sapphire Preferred Adds 3x Gas and Airbnb, But Hyatt Transfers Take a Hit

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is getting a major update on June 15, 2026. The annual fee remains $95, but the card is adding more bonus categories, a higher hotel credit, a trusted traveler program credit, and expanded travel protections.

The update is not all upside. The card is also losing the 10% Anniversary Bonus Benefit for new applicants, and Ultimate Rewards® points from the Sapphire Preferred will transfer to World of Hyatt® at a 4:3 ratio instead of 1:1.

For many travelers, the Sapphire Preferred becomes more useful for everyday spending and vacation rentals. For Hyatt loyalists, the card becomes less valuable than it was before.

Chase Sapphire Preferred 2026 changes at a glance

What’s new with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?

Starting June 15, 2026, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card adds several benefits that make the card more useful for daily travel spending.

The biggest additions are:

• 3x points on gas and EV charging
• 3x points on vacation homes booked directly through eligible platforms, including Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa
• Up to $100 Chase Travel Hotel Credit each account anniversary year, up from $50
• Up to $120 statement credit every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS
• Emergency Evacuation and Transportation coverage
• One year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026

The update makes the Sapphire Preferred easier to justify for people who drive, charge an EV, book vacation rentals, use Chase Travel once per year, or want a $95 travel card with stronger built-in protections.

The Hyatt transfer change is the main drawback. If your best use of Ultimate Rewards points has been transferring to World of Hyatt, the new version of the card is meaningfully weaker.

New 3x points on gas and EV charging

The Sapphire Preferred will earn 3x points on gas and EV charging.

This is a useful everyday category because gas and charging are common expenses for road trips, commuting, rental cars, and domestic travel. It also makes the Sapphire Preferred more competitive as a primary travel card instead of a card used mainly for dining and travel purchases.

Before this update, many cardholders used a separate card for gas. With 3x gas and EV charging added to the Sapphire Preferred, that may be less necessary for people who want to keep their wallet simple.

New 3x points on Airbnb, Vrbo and vacation homes

The Sapphire Preferred will also earn 3x points on vacation home purchases made directly through eligible platforms.

Eligible vacation home platforms include:

• Airbnb
• Vrbo
• Plum Guide
• HomeAway
• Homestay.com
• Vacasa

This is one of the strongest additions because vacation rentals can be a large part of travel spending. Families, groups, ski travelers, bachelor and bachelorette trips, and longer stays often use Airbnb or Vrbo instead of hotels.

The card also earns 5x points on Chase Travel purchases, including vacation homes booked through Chase Travel. That means there are two possible earning rates for vacation rentals:

The higher 5x rate through Chase Travel is not automatically the better deal. Compare the final price, cancellation terms, fees, support options, and refund policy before booking.

Chase Sapphire Preferred earning categories after the update

After the June 15, 2026 update, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns:

This earning structure is stronger than before because it covers more common spending categories. The card is still weaker for non-bonus spending because purchases outside the listed categories earn 1x point.

Chase Travel Hotel Credit increases to up to $100

The Chase Travel Hotel Credit is increasing from $50 to up to $100 each account anniversary year.

The credit applies to eligible hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel. It does not require activation, but it does require a prepaid hotel booking through Chase Travel.

For many cardholders, this will be the easiest way to offset the card’s $95 annual fee. If you use the full credit without overpaying through Chase Travel, the card can be easy to justify.

Do not automatically value the credit at $100. Before booking, compare:

• Chase Travel pricing versus booking directly with the hotel
• Cancellation and refund rules
• Whether the stay is prepaid
• Whether you will earn hotel points or elite-night credit
• Whether elite benefits apply
• How much you value direct hotel support if something goes wrong

The credit is easier to use for independent hotels, short stays, or trips where Chase Travel pricing matches the direct rate. It may be less valuable for chain hotels where elite status benefits matter.

New Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS credit

The Sapphire Preferred is adding a statement credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS.

To use the benefit, pay the application fee with the Sapphire Preferred Card. The statement credit is then applied automatically.

This is a strong addition for a $95 annual-fee card. Many premium travel cards already offer this type of credit, but the Sapphire Preferred is easier to justify for people who do not want to pay a premium-card annual fee.

For most U.S.-based international travelers, Global Entry is usually the best option because it includes TSA PreCheck eligibility. NEXUS can be valuable for frequent U.S.-Canada travelers, but appointment logistics can be less convenient depending on where you live.

New Emergency Evacuation and Transportation coverage

The Sapphire Preferred is adding Emergency Evacuation and Transportation coverage.

Eligible covered travelers can receive up to $100,000 in coverage for eligible medical services and transportation if they become sick or injured during a trip 100 miles or more from home and require emergency evacuation.

This is a useful addition for international trips, cruises, ski trips, remote destinations, and other trips where transportation to proper medical care could be expensive.

This benefit does not replace every type of travel insurance. It has terms, limits, and exclusions. Depending on the trip, separate travel medical insurance may still make sense.

One year of complimentary Apple TV

Cardholders will be eligible for one year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026.

Activation is required through the Benefits & Rewards section on Chase.com or in the Chase mobile app, and cardholders must link an Apple ID. Terms apply.

This is a useful extra if you already use Apple TV or planned to subscribe. It should not be the main reason to get the card because it is a limited-time benefit.

The 10% Anniversary Bonus Benefit is being discontinued

The 10% Anniversary Bonus Benefit is being discontinued for cardholders who apply on or after June 15, 2026.

Existing cardholders who applied before June 15, 2026 can still earn the 10% Anniversary Bonus Benefit on eligible purchases made through October 1, 2026. Eligible bonuses will be awarded by January 31, 2027.

This benefit was often misunderstood. It did not mean 10% cash back. It also did not mean 10% more on every bonus category. Cardholders received bonus points equal to 10% of their total purchases from the previous account anniversary year.

For example:

The loss is modest for light spenders. It matters more for cardholders who put significant annual spending on the Sapphire Preferred.

World of Hyatt transfers are getting worse

The most important negative change is the new transfer ratio for World of Hyatt.

Ultimate Rewards points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred will transfer to World of Hyatt at a 4:3 ratio. That means 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points will become 750 World of Hyatt points.

For new Sapphire Preferred cardholders who apply on or after June 15, 2026, the 4:3 transfer ratio applies immediately. For existing Sapphire Preferred cardholders who applied before June 15, 2026, the new ratio takes effect on October 1, 2026.

This is a major devaluation because World of Hyatt has been one of the strongest uses of Ultimate Rewards points. Hyatt award pricing can still be attractive compared with cash rates, but the new transfer ratio makes those awards more expensive when using Sapphire Preferred points.

Here is the updated math:

The new ratio means you need about 33% more Ultimate Rewards points to book the same Hyatt award through this transfer path.

For casual travelers, the new credits and earning categories may outweigh the Hyatt change. For points-and-miles users who mainly transfer Chase points to Hyatt, this is the biggest reason to rethink the card.

Should existing Sapphire Preferred cardholders transfer points to Hyatt before October 1, 2026?

Maybe, but only with a specific redemption in mind.

Existing Sapphire Preferred cardholders who applied before June 15, 2026 keep the 1:1 World of Hyatt transfer ratio until October 1, 2026. That creates a window to transfer points before the new 4:3 ratio applies.

A transfer can make sense if you have a specific Hyatt stay you expect to book. Speculative transfers are riskier because Ultimate Rewards points are more flexible than Hyatt points. Once you transfer points to World of Hyatt, you cannot move them back.

Consider transferring before October 1, 2026 if:

• You have a specific Hyatt redemption planned.
• Award space is available or likely to be available.
• The points rate is meaningfully better than the cash rate.
• You are comfortable holding Hyatt points if the trip changes.

Consider holding Ultimate Rewards points if:

• Your travel plans are uncertain.
• You may want airline transfer partners instead.
• Chase Travel pricing is competitive.
• You value flexibility more than locking in the old Hyatt ratio.

The deadline matters, but flexibility still has value.

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred still worth it?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred can still be worth it, but the answer depends on how you use the card.

The card is stronger for travelers who want a $95 card with useful bonus categories, a hotel credit, a trusted traveler program credit, flexible points, and travel protections.

It is weaker for travelers who mainly hold the card to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt.

The updated card makes the most sense if you can use the up to $100 Chase Travel Hotel Credit each year without overpaying. That credit alone can offset the $95 annual fee if the booking works for your travel plans. The new 3x categories on gas, EV charging, and vacation homes also make the card more useful for common travel expenses.

The card makes less sense if you avoid Chase Travel, already have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits from other cards, do not book vacation rentals, and mainly want the old 1:1 Hyatt transfer ratio.

Who benefits from the 2026 Sapphire Preferred update?

The updated Sapphire Preferred is better for:

• Travelers who want a $95 travel card
• Cardholders who can use the Chase Travel Hotel Credit
• People who spend on gas or EV charging
• Travelers who book Airbnb, Vrbo, Vacasa, or other eligible vacation homes
• Road-trip travelers
• People who want Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS credit without paying for a premium card
• Cardholders who value built-in travel protections
• Travelers who use Chase Travel, Points Boost, or multiple Ultimate Rewards transfer partners

Who loses from the 2026 Sapphire Preferred update?

The update is worse for:

• Hyatt loyalists who relied on 1:1 World of Hyatt transfers
• Heavy spenders who valued the 10% Anniversary Bonus Benefit
• Travelers who avoid booking through Chase Travel
• People who already have Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS credits from other cards
• Cardholders who do not value Apple TV
• People who prefer simple cash back over flexible travel rewards

Existing cardholders vs. new applicants

The timing depends on when you applied for the card.

New applicants on or after June 15, 2026

New applicants receive the updated benefits starting June 15, 2026.

They do not receive the 10% Anniversary Bonus Benefit, and the updated 4:3 World of Hyatt transfer ratio applies immediately.

Existing cardholders who applied before June 15, 2026

Existing cardholders receive the new benefits on June 15, 2026.

They can still earn the 10% Anniversary Bonus Benefit on eligible purchases made through October 1, 2026. Eligible bonuses will be awarded by January 31, 2027.

They also keep the existing 1:1 World of Hyatt transfer ratio until October 1, 2026. After that, the 4:3 ratio applies.

Chase Sapphire Preferred 2026 verdict

The 2026 Chase Sapphire Preferred update makes the card better for everyday travelers and worse for Hyatt-focused points users.

The strongest additions are 3x points on gas and EV charging, 3x points on eligible vacation homes, the higher Chase Travel Hotel Credit, and the new Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS credit.

For a $95 annual fee, the card remains a strong mid-tier travel card if you use Chase Travel at least once per year and value flexible Ultimate Rewards points.

The World of Hyatt transfer change is the biggest downside. A 4:3 transfer ratio meaningfully reduces one of the best historical uses of Ultimate Rewards points. Existing cardholders who use Hyatt should review upcoming travel before October 1, 2026.

For most casual travelers, the Sapphire Preferred remains competitive. For Hyatt loyalists, it is still useful, but less powerful than it used to be.

FAQ

When do the new Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits start?

The new Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits start on June 15, 2026 for new and existing cardholders.

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred annual fee increasing?

No. The annual fee remains $95.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred earn 3x points on gas?

Yes. Starting June 15, 2026, the Sapphire Preferred earns 3x points on gas and EV charging.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred earn 3x points on EV charging?

Yes. EV charging is part of the new 3x points on gas and EV charging category.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred earn 3x points on Airbnb?

Yes. The Sapphire Preferred earns 3x points on eligible vacation home purchases made directly through eligible platforms, including Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred earn 5x points on vacation homes through Chase Travel?

Yes. Vacation homes booked through Chase Travel can earn 5x points. Eligible vacation homes booked directly through listed platforms earn 3x points.

What is the Chase Travel Hotel Credit?

The Chase Travel Hotel Credit gives Sapphire Preferred cardholders up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for eligible hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel.

Does the Chase Travel Hotel Credit require activation?

No. The Chase Travel Hotel Credit does not require activation, but the hotel stay must be purchased through Chase Travel.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred have a Global Entry credit?

Yes. The Sapphire Preferred is adding a statement credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred have Emergency Evacuation and Transportation coverage?

Yes. The Sapphire Preferred is adding Emergency Evacuation and Transportation coverage, with up to $100,000 in coverage for eligible covered situations. Terms apply.

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred losing the 10% Anniversary Bonus Benefit?

Yes. The 10% Anniversary Bonus Benefit is discontinued for cardholders who apply on or after June 15, 2026. Existing cardholders who applied before that date can still earn eligible bonuses on purchases made through October 1, 2026, with eligible bonuses awarded by January 31, 2027.

Is Chase changing World of Hyatt transfers?

Yes. Ultimate Rewards points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred will transfer to World of Hyatt at a 4:3 ratio. That means 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points become 750 World of Hyatt points.

When does the World of Hyatt transfer change take effect?

For new Sapphire Preferred cardholders who apply on or after June 15, 2026, the 4:3 World of Hyatt transfer ratio applies immediately. For existing Sapphire Preferred cardholders who applied before June 15, 2026, the change takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Should I transfer Chase points to World of Hyatt before October 1, 2026?

If you are an existing Sapphire Preferred cardholder and have a specific Hyatt redemption in mind, transferring before October 1, 2026 may make sense. If your plans are uncertain, keeping Ultimate Rewards points flexible may be better.

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred still worth it in 2026?

The Sapphire Preferred can still be worth it if you use the Chase Travel Hotel Credit, spend on gas or EV charging, book vacation homes, value travel protections, or want flexible Ultimate Rewards points. It is less attractive if your main use case is transferring points to World of Hyatt.