Chase Sapphire Preferred Hotel Credit

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has many great benefits. However there is one that often gets overlooked or forgotten. That benefit is the $50 annual Chase Sapphire Preferred hotel credit. Many are confused by this perk, as it is not like other credits. Understanding the terms and how to use it will prepare you and set your expectations for using the Sapphire Preferred hotel credit.

Update 5/16/24: With so many people grabbing the increased Chase Sapphire Preferred offer we thought it was worth highlighting this perk, that helps offset the annual fee, once again.

What Is The Hotel Credit Card Perk?

If you hold the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can book a hotel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. You will receive a credit up to the annual maximum of $50. The annual term is based on your account open date through the first statement date after your anniversary. In year 2 and beyond, it is the 12 monthly billing cycles after that each year.

How to Use The Sapphire Preferred Hotel Credit

You must book a hotel through the Chase Ultimate rewards program otherwise known as the Chase portal. You must charge at least $50 of that purchase to your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. This means you can use partial points and cash if you choose. You may also just pay with cash and use no points. As long as you spend $50 on your Sapphire Preferred, you receive a $50 statement credit.

Sapphire Preferred Hotel Credit Warnings

It is important to note the portal is a third party booking, similar to booking through Expedia or Priceline. This means you should not receive any status benefits, hotel points, or qualifying nights for the hotels loyalty program. I use the term “should” because there is always a report or two of members in our ToP Facebook group who received these benefits. Always ask to add your loyalty number to the reservation at check-in. However, loyalty programs' terms and conditions do not allow it and it you should not expect it. We recommend using the Chase Sapphire hotel credit on a booking where you have no status, or a boutique/non-chain hotel. Finally, make sure you follow up with the hotel to make sure they have your reservation. This is a common issue with portal bookings, especially Chase.

When Will The Hotel Statement Credit Post?

Statement credits will post to your account within two days after your purchase posts to your CSP and will appear on your monthly statement within 1-2 billing cycles. Many have reported the credits posting very quickly. There is a tracker of the credit in the benefits section of the CSP portal. This tracker shows $0 (as shown in the picture above) until you use the credit. This also confuses many since Chase uses the term, “earned”. The tracker also confirms the statement closing date that is the deadline for using your Chase Sapphire Preferred hotel credit.

Two things that confuse many people:

• you have a $50 hotel credit to use immediately upon approval for a Chase Sapphire Preferred; and
• you do NOT earn Chase Ultimate Rewards for the $50 statement credit for a hotel booking

Chase Sapphire Preferred Hotel Credit: ToP Thoughts

The hotel credit often goes unused by many Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders. This is either because they forget about it or simply rarely book boutique/non-chain hotels or hotels where they are not interested in status. Regardless, using the Chase Sapphire Preferred hotel credit is a “free” $50 perk each year you hold the card. If you use it, you cover half of your $95 annual fee! Are you using yours? Come over to our ToP Facebook group to discuss.