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Chase Sapphire Reserve $250 Hotel Credit: New 2026 Benefit Explained

Chase just announced a new limited-time benefit for Sapphire Reserve cardholders.

Written by: Sebastian FungLast updated: January 05, 2026
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Chase recently announced that Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ cardholders will receive a $250 statement credit for select hotels booked through Chase Travel℠ throughout 2026. Note that this $250 perk is in addition to the annual $500 credit for stays with The Edit℠.
Here's everything you need to know about this new perk.

What Is the New Chase Sapphire Reserve $250 Hotel Credit?

From January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, Sapphire Reserve cardholders can get up to $250 in statement credits when booking prepaid hotel stays through Chase Travel℠ at select hotel chains.

Key Details:

  • Credit amount: Up to $250 in statement credits
  • Valid dates: January 1 - December 31, 2026
  • Booking requirement: Must book through Chase Travel℠ using the prepaid "Pay Now" option
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights required
  • No activation needed: Just use your Sapphire Reserve card to book
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New $250 credit for select Chase Travel hotels
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Which Hotels Qualify for the $250 Credit?

The credit applies to stays at these hotel chains:
  • IHG Hotels & Resorts (Holiday Inn, Kimpton, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, etc.)
  • Omni Hotels & Resorts
  • Virgin Hotels
  • Pendry Hotels & Resorts
  • Montage Hotels & Resorts
  • Minor Hotels
  • Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts
Pro tip: IHG's extensive portfolio makes this benefit relatively easy to use, despite the 2-night minimum. You'll find IHG properties at airports, along highways for road trips, and at vacation destinations.

How to Redeem the Sapphire Reserve Hotel Credit

  1. Book your hotel stay through Chase Travel℠
  2. Select the prepaid "Pay Now" option
  3. Pay with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card
  4. Book at least 2 nights at an eligible hotel chain
  5. Statement credit will post after your stay
Important: Direct bookings on hotel websites (like IHG.com) won't qualify; you must book through Chase Travel℠.

Can You Still Earn Points and Elite Benefits?

Yes! According to Chase:
  • Chase Ultimate Rewards points are earned on any spend above $250
  • Hotel loyalty points are earned in the chain's program
  • Elite night credits count toward hotel status
  • Elite benefits like room upgrades and late checkout apply
This means purchases that qualify for the $250 credit won't earn Ultimate Rewards points, but any amount spent beyond $250 will earn points normally.

Is the $250 Chase Travel Credit Worth It?

The 2-night minimum stay requirement means you can't use this for quick one-night stays. However, the credit could still provide value for:
  • Weekend getaways (2+ nights)
  • Road trip accommodations
  • Airport hotels for extended trips
  • Business travel with multi-night stays
Real-world example: $250 could cover two nights at an airport Holiday Inn or help reduce costs on a longer vacation stay at an InterContinental property.

Why Is Chase Offering This Benefit?

This announcement, along with Chase's move to make The Edit credit easier to redeem, suggests that Chase may be concerned about cardholder retention. The fact that they're announcing these changes 3.5 months before they take effect could indicate higher-than-expected cancellation rates at renewal.
This is a limited-time benefit for 2026 only, not a permanent addition to the Sapphire Reserve card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Hotel Credit FAQs

Is this a permanent benefit? No, this benefit only applies to stays from January 1 - December 31, 2026.
Can I use this credit multiple times? Yes, up to the $250 total throughout the year.
Do I earn points on the $250 credit amount? No, but you'll earn Ultimate Rewards points on any spending above $250.
Can I book one-night stays? No, a minimum 2-night stay is required.

Bottom Line

The new $250 Chase Sapphire Reserve hotel credit adds value for cardholders planning multi-night hotel stays in 2026. While the 2-night minimum and Chase Travel booking requirement limit flexibility, the ability to earn both Ultimate Rewards points (on spending over $250) and hotel loyalty points makes this more valuable than typical third-party bookings.
With IHG's large footprint among the eligible chains, finding opportunities to use this credit should be relatively straightforward for most cardholders.

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