Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024

Post Published August 30, 2024

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Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Automatic Rental Car Insurance Coverage





The Chase Sapphire cards, particularly the Preferred and Reserve versions, offer automatic rental car insurance, a valuable feature for budget-conscious travelers. The Preferred card provides coverage for most rental vehicles, matching the actual cash value of the car, though it typically doesn't cover luxury or exotic models. The Reserve card takes it a step further by offering a higher coverage limit of $75,000 and extending that protection to all vehicle types, making it a potentially more comprehensive option. A key benefit of either card is that you can generally decline the rental company's optional collision damage waiver (CDW). Rental companies often aggressively push these waivers, which can be expensive.

However, there are some points to keep in mind. In the US, this type of insurance typically acts as secondary coverage. This means your own personal auto insurance would be the primary source for claims. The situation differs internationally, where it can act as primary insurance, making it more advantageous. Both cards cover rental periods up to 31 days, which is usually more than enough for most trips. They also cover damages related to collision or theft and potentially related towing charges, making these cards particularly attractive for those who anticipate spending time driving during their trips. Just be sure to check the fine print regarding what types of vehicles and situations are covered.

With the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you're automatically covered for damage or theft on most rental vehicles, but there are some caveats. The coverage extends to the actual cash value of the vehicle, which is useful, but it doesn't apply to high-end or exotic cars. This is different from the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which provides insurance up to $75,000 and doesn't have vehicle limitations, making it a more flexible option. It's worth noting that both cards provide primary insurance in certain situations but act as secondary insurance in the U.S.

A key aspect is that to tap into this coverage, you need to decline the rental agency's collision damage waiver (CDW). This allows the card's benefits to be active. The coverage is valid for rentals of up to 31 days and extends internationally. You should keep in mind the duration limit and the validity of this coverage in different regions of the world.

Interestingly, both cards cover damages or theft from collision, and your claim process could either involve a website or a phone call to their support. But it's crucial to remember that the claims procedures can be elaborate, and there's a chance that the card's coverage won't cover things like towing or extra fees associated with repairs that rental companies might charge. Furthermore, it's important to carefully inspect the car for pre-existing damage when you pick it up. If you don't note the existing damage, there's a risk you'll be liable if it's not included in the rental company's records later. It's certainly worth weighing the annual fees, which are lower for the Preferred card, in light of these potential risks. This highlights the importance of understanding the detailed terms and conditions before relying on automatic insurance coverage. While a great benefit for budget-conscious travelers, it's important to be aware of the subtle differences and nuances to avoid issues later on.

What else is in this post?

  1. Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Automatic Rental Car Insurance Coverage
  2. Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Trip Delay Reimbursement for Unexpected Layovers
  3. Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Baggage Delay Insurance for Luggage Mishaps
  4. Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Extended Warranty Protection on Travel Gear
  5. Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Purchase Protection for New Travel Equipment
  6. Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
  7. Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - No Delivery Fees on DoorDash Orders While Traveling

Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Trip Delay Reimbursement for Unexpected Layovers





Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024

Unexpected delays can really throw a wrench into your travel plans, leading to added costs and headaches. Luckily, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a feature that can help ease the burden for budget-minded travelers: trip delay reimbursement. If your flight is delayed for at least 12 hours or forces you to spend the night away from home, the card offers reimbursement of up to $500 per ticket for certain expenses. This can cover reasonable costs like meals, overnight accommodations, and even things like toiletries and medication—all those little things that add up when you're stranded.

This benefit acts as a bit of a safety net for those unforeseen travel hiccups, helping to offset the unplanned expenses that can pop up during a delayed journey. To take advantage, make sure to keep all your receipts and any documentation related to the delay from the airline. It’s worth noting that the process for claiming this reimbursement has its own steps and requirements, so it's smart to be prepared with your documentation. Having access to this type of reimbursement is a useful perk, offering peace of mind and potentially saving you some money if you happen to experience a significant trip disruption.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a trip delay reimbursement benefit of up to $500 per ticket if your trip is delayed by at least 12 hours or requires an unplanned overnight stay. This can be helpful in situations where you end up stuck somewhere unexpectedly.

This reimbursement can cover reasonable expenses like food, temporary lodging, toiletries, and even medication during the delay. But, it's not a free-for-all. You'll need to keep all your receipts and follow Chase's instructions for submitting a claim.

It's interesting to note that both the Sapphire Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve offer similar travel protections, including trip delay insurance and other benefits. This trip delay reimbursement is intended to cover costs that you're not already covered for due to the delay, which can potentially save you quite a bit of money.

Beyond delays, the card provides a range of travel protections, including coverage for rental car damages, lost or delayed baggage, and even travel accident insurance. In addition, you can get reimbursements if your trip is canceled or interrupted, which can help recoup the costs of non-refundable expenses.

To qualify for the trip delay reimbursement, it's crucial to use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card to book the travel. The benefits are quite extensive, going beyond simply trip delays and covering various financial aspects during unforeseen circumstances.

If you need to file a claim, be prepared to show proof of the delay, like confirmation from the airline or travel provider, along with supporting receipts. This is fairly standard for these types of benefits.

It's important to note that these are features that many travel credit cards offer. So while valuable, it is useful to compare a variety of cards and see if the annual fees associated with this card are a good trade-off for you, especially if you are only an occasional traveler. These kinds of travel-related perks can help with unexpected issues, but it's vital to read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid surprises.



Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Baggage Delay Insurance for Luggage Mishaps





Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024

Dealing with delayed luggage can be a real hassle, especially when you're far from home and need essentials. Fortunately, some credit cards, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred, offer baggage delay insurance to help alleviate the burden. This type of insurance essentially reimburses you for things like clothes or toiletries if your luggage is late by more than a few hours. In addition to covering essential replacements, the Chase Sapphire Preferred also provides reimbursement for lost or damaged baggage up to a certain limit. It's important to realize, however, that these perks come with specific conditions and limitations. You'll need to make sure you meet the criteria to qualify for reimbursement. While it's great to have access to these protections, especially in an age of increasingly unpredictable travel, being aware of the nuances of each benefit is crucial. This becomes more relevant as airlines continue to fine-tune their operations and deal with staffing and other operational challenges. Understanding these baggage-related benefits can be a smart move for budget travelers navigating the world in 2024.

When it comes to luggage mishaps during travel, baggage delay insurance can be a valuable safety net, especially for budget travelers. Here's a look at some aspects of this often-overlooked insurance feature:

Firstly, the standard coverage period for delayed luggage is usually around six hours. However, keep in mind that the specific terms can vary, and some policies may not provide coverage for delays that occur shortly before the baggage is delivered, which could leave you in a bind if you're stuck at the airport waiting for an extended period.

It's also crucial to understand the difference between baggage delay insurance and lost luggage coverage. Baggage delay insurance helps cover expenses for essential purchases when your bags are temporarily delayed. This differs from lost luggage coverage, which addresses reimbursement for permanently lost or damaged items, often after a lengthy waiting period (sometimes as long as 21 days).

The specific purchases covered under baggage delay insurance can vary. Depending on the provider, this may include things like clothing and toiletries. Some policies may set daily limits for reimbursement, typically around $100. This helps you buy essentials if you're stranded, but the available funds may be limited depending on the duration of the delay.

Many people aren't aware that airlines are not legally obligated to compensate passengers for delayed luggage. Some mistakenly assume that since the airline is responsible, they'll automatically be compensated. However, the reality is that you need to rely on your travel insurance or your credit card benefits to be covered in these situations.


The claims process for delayed luggage can be a bit tedious. Be prepared to save all your receipts for purchases that you've made while your luggage is delayed, and it might be necessary to send documentation related to the delay from the airline.

Another point to consider is that coverage terms and conditions can change from country to country. For instance, European regulations often hold airlines more accountable for lost or delayed bags. This means that insurance may be less critical in some regions, while it can be more valuable for travel in other locations like the United States.

You might think that a travel credit card's built-in baggage delay insurance is sufficient. However, dedicated travel insurance policies often offer wider and more generous coverage. These standalone plans might include higher limits and fewer restrictions, giving you more protection in case of a serious incident.

Baggage mishandling, including delayed or lost baggage, impacts roughly 3-5% of all flights, with the risk going up on international routes. This illustrates why it’s important to carefully evaluate your insurance options, particularly for longer flights.

It's interesting that despite advancements in technology like RFID tags to track luggage, baggage mishandling remains a problem due to operational errors and human mistakes at airports. This highlights the fact that air travel can be prone to unexpected disruptions.

Lastly, those who experience baggage delays that extend past 24 hours are considerably more likely to file a claim. This implies that it's important to be prepared for these incidents in the event they happen and lead to more than a small inconvenience.

By being aware of these aspects of baggage delay insurance, you can make informed decisions about travel insurance and mitigate the impact of unexpected events that can ruin your trips.



Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Extended Warranty Protection on Travel Gear





Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a lesser-known perk: extended warranty protection on qualifying travel gear. This benefit essentially extends the manufacturer's warranty by an additional year, provided the original warranty is three years or less. For those who invest in new travel equipment like backpacks, hiking boots, or cameras, this can offer some peace of mind, especially when those items are put through rigorous use on the road.

However, there are limitations. Claims are capped at $10,000 per incident and $50,000 total per card account. Furthermore, this coverage is considered secondary. Meaning if you've purchased a separate extended warranty, that warranty takes precedence over this card benefit. You should also prepare yourself for potentially cumbersome claims processes.

Despite these nuances, this coverage can be beneficial, especially for budget-minded travelers who may not want to invest in a third-party extended warranty. It serves as a helpful backup against unexpected repairs or replacements, ultimately influencing the overall travel experience. It's a feature to consider when evaluating travel credit cards, particularly if your trips often involve gear that could experience wear and tear.

### Extended Warranty Protection on Travel Gear: A Closer Look


1. **Warranty Extension**: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card extends the manufacturer's warranty on eligible travel gear by an extra year, specifically for items with an initial warranty of three years or less. While seemingly simple, this can be a helpful way to protect yourself against potentially expensive repairs or replacements.


2. **Claim Limits**: It's worth noting that extended warranty claims through the Chase Sapphire Preferred are capped at $10,000 per incident and $50,000 total per account. While this provides a level of protection, it's important to understand that it doesn't cover everything. The coverage might not be sufficient if your gear is very high-value, especially if you're someone who travels with very expensive camera equipment or drones.


3. **Secondary Coverage**: The card's extended warranty coverage is what's called "secondary." This means that if you already purchased a separate warranty or service contract for your travel gear, the card's benefit kicks in only after those options have been exhausted. In a way, it's a backup plan.


4. **Rental Car Coverage**: The Chase Sapphire Preferred, while generally known for its travel benefits, also has a connection to vehicle protection. You're eligible for up to $750,000 in protection against theft or damage to rental cars. But, similar to the extended warranty, this is generally limited to the actual cash value of the vehicle, not its replacement cost.


5. **Rental Car Exclusions**: As with many cards that provide rental car insurance, there are some vehicle types that are explicitly excluded. Luxurious and exotic cars aren't included in the coverage. So, if you're planning to rent a sports car or a high-end vehicle, you'll need to either take the insurance offered by the rental company or figure out a different solution.


6. **Claim Filing**: Filing a claim for an extended warranty is generally easier than many other types of insurance claims. The Chase Sapphire Preferred lets you do it either online via Card Benefit Services or by phone. That said, it is worth being aware that it is one more step to go through if you have a claim.


7. **Card Fees**: The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee. While this fee can be seen as a hurdle for budget travelers, the extended warranty is a small, but noticeable, add-on that might make the cost worthwhile.


8. **Overall Travel Protections**: Extended warranty coverage is just one aspect of the card's travel benefits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers additional protection, including baggage delay insurance, luggage reimbursement, and purchase protection. This makes it a card that some travelers find beneficial, especially if they're concerned about the potential for things to go wrong on a trip.


9. **Foreign Transactions**: One major benefit that isn't always at the forefront when discussing travel credit cards is the lack of foreign transaction fees associated with the Chase Sapphire Preferred. This is a helpful feature for international travel as it removes any additional expenses that might crop up during purchases or ATM withdrawals in a foreign currency.


10. **Overall Card Value**: Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is generally seen as a solid option for frequent travelers, especially those who care about the various protections it offers. While it's not the only mid-tier travel credit card, its combination of extended warranty and travel benefits does make it a compelling choice for many budget-conscious travelers.

It's worth carefully considering all of the potential benefits and associated costs to determine if this particular card makes sense for your travel needs. The details of the card's benefits and any specific situations you might find yourself in when traveling, can help to figure out if this is the right card for you.



Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Purchase Protection for New Travel Equipment





Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a potentially valuable benefit for budget travelers: purchase protection for newly acquired travel equipment. If you use your card to buy, say, a new backpack or a travel camera, you're covered against theft, damage, or even accidentally losing it for up to 120 days after purchase. This protection can provide a layer of security, particularly for budget-minded travelers investing in essential travel items that might be subject to wear and tear.

The card's purchase protection offers coverage up to $500 per item. While this limit might not be enough for high-end gear, it can still be quite useful for covering the cost of replacement or repair if something unfortunate happens to your newly purchased equipment. But, as with most card benefits, you'll need to jump through some hoops to get compensated. Be ready to document the theft or damage, as that's a common requirement for most purchase protection claims.

Ultimately, the Chase Sapphire Preferred's purchase protection benefit can provide some peace of mind, especially for those who like to travel with newer gear and don't want to worry too much about potential losses or damages. It's a feature that's worth considering if you're looking for a travel credit card that offers a bit of a buffer when you're investing in new travel equipment. Just remember to understand the specific terms and conditions, particularly when it comes to filing a claim.

1. **Purchase Protection's Broad Reach:** Chase Sapphire Preferred's purchase protection can cover a range of new travel gear bought with the card, acting as a safety net against theft or damage while on the road. It's a benefit that's easily overlooked, particularly since the risk of having your gear stolen or damaged is often underestimated, especially in popular tourist hubs prone to theft.

2. **The 120-Day Time Limit:** A key detail that's frequently missed is that purchase protection for travel gear is typically limited to claims submitted within 120 days of the purchase date. This tight timeframe emphasizes the need to act swiftly if something happens to your gear, a requirement that can be easily forgotten amidst the chaos of travel.

3. **Coverage Limits for Valuable Items:** While the purchase protection extends to new travel equipment, it comes with maximum coverage limits, which vary depending on the card. This is a crucial factor to understand, especially for travelers who invest in expensive gear—a stark reminder that not everything is fully covered.

4. **Secondary Coverage - A Potential Hiccup:** The purchase protection offered is secondary to your personal insurance, meaning any claim may need to go through your own insurance first. This extra step in the claims process might introduce unexpected delays, which can be frustrating for those who believe their credit card offers a standalone solution.

5. **The Importance of Evidence:** Proving a claim typically requires detailed records, including receipts and photos documenting damage or theft. This level of documentation might come as a surprise to many travelers and could lead to issues if not properly gathered soon after an incident.

6. **Seasonal Claims Trends:** Interestingly, demand for purchase protection, and claims associated with it, might peak during popular travel seasons like summer or holidays. This pattern suggests that it's wise to be aware of the coverage nuances during peak travel times when the potential for mishaps and losses may be greater.

7. **Business Travel Considerations:** For those using their travel gear for both personal and business trips, it's worth noting that purchase protection rules may change depending on whether the gear is used for business or personal purposes. This can lead to unforeseen challenges if the nature of the expenses isn't clearly stated when filing a claim.

8. **The Warranties of Electronic Devices:** Travel equipment often includes electronics such as cameras or laptops that have their own manufacturer warranties. However, there can be conflicts with credit card purchase protection, as existing warranties often take priority. This can lead to confusion and disappointment for travelers who might assume that their gear is doubly protected.

9. **Extended Travel and Claim Complexity:** Longer travel, like multi-month expeditions, can introduce hurdles into the claims process. Should gear fail towards the end of a longer trip in a different location, navigating claims across borders and various locations might be more complex than expected.

10. **The Impact of Gear Loss on Travel:** Purchase protection becomes increasingly relevant when we realize that a significant portion of travelers (almost 3%) experience lost or damaged essential gear. For budget travelers, the cost of replacing key items can be significant, highlighting the value that these often-overlooked card protections provide.



Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Travel and Emergency Assistance Services





Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a range of travel and emergency assistance services that can be a lifesaver when things don't go as planned during your travels. Beyond the usual travel perks, it provides access to assistance services that can be a real help in unexpected situations. If you run into trouble, you can get help with finding medical or legal professionals, and they can even coordinate transportation if needed. This can be especially valuable when you are far from home and in an unfamiliar environment.

Moreover, the card includes a reimbursement benefit for emergency medical and dental expenses. If you or an immediate family member have a medical or dental emergency while traveling at least 100 miles from home, the card can cover up to $2,500 in expenses not covered by your standard health insurance. This can be a significant relief, especially if you find yourself needing urgent care in a foreign country.

While having a robust travel insurance policy is usually the preferred route for covering such eventualities, these card benefits can provide a valuable layer of protection, allowing you to worry less about the potential costs associated with emergencies while traveling. This added peace of mind, especially for those who travel to locations with less predictable healthcare systems, can be a huge advantage when making travel choices.

## Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - Travel and Emergency Assistance Services


Beyond the well-known perks like rental car insurance and travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a range of travel and emergency assistance services that can be invaluable for budget travelers. These services act as a safety net, providing support and resources in various unexpected situations.


**Real-time Travel Updates:** Many travel assistance programs can deliver current information regarding flight details, gate changes, and local weather conditions. This can be extremely useful in handling unexpected travel delays, providing flexibility to change plans in a timely manner. It's an interesting aspect that has become more relevant due to the increase in flight disruptions and operational challenges that airlines face.


**Medical Emergencies Abroad:** If you find yourself in a medical emergency during your travels, these assistance services can arrange access to nearby medical facilities, including hospitals or clinics. They can also connect you with medical professionals for guidance, which can accelerate the decision-making process in high-stress situations. The extent of services offered can vary depending on the program, so it's helpful to read the fine print to understand what is offered.


**Concierge Support in a Pinch:** Travel plans can take unexpected turns, creating a need for quick solutions. Some travel assistance services include concierge-like features that can quickly secure accommodations, make restaurant reservations, or arrange transportation in a pinch. This kind of ability can be invaluable in alleviating stress when your travel plans encounter unexpected detours. It is, however, important to be aware that concierge services often don't include luxurious accommodations, and these services are often more oriented towards supporting travellers to get through unexpected situations rather than offering a high-end travel experience.


**Global Coverage**: Many assistance programs extend their support beyond borders, often offering help in multiple languages and regions. This wide range of support is essential for travelers heading into less familiar environments, where language challenges can exacerbate issues during an emergency. There are, however, limitations on what you might be able to get in different regions, as there's no single universal emergency system that works everywhere.


**Assistance with Lost Documents**: If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing crucial travel documents like a passport or tickets, some assistance services can help with the replacement process. They can guide you through obtaining replacement travel documents or advise you on local consulates or embassies, a useful perk in an increasingly digitized world where people are relying on digital copies of their passports more and more. It's interesting to see that this aspect becomes increasingly valuable with increased travel to different countries and jurisdictions.


**Theft-Related Travel Interruptions**: Beyond covering medical issues, some travel assistance services extend their support to theft-related situations that disrupt travel plans. If you're a victim of theft while abroad, they can facilitate the necessary arrangements and assist with dealing with local authorities in filing claims. It's a noteworthy aspect given the increase in international crime rates in many travel destinations. The efficacy of assistance in this area depends on the local authorities and the quality of the service that you are being provided with.


**Emergency Cash for Travellers in Need**: A handful of travel assistance programs offer emergency cash advances in cases of serious crises. This capability is very important if you've had money stolen or encountered an emergency that leaves you without cash. The speed and access to funds can be a critical aspect during stressful situations, allowing you to deal with your immediate needs until more permanent arrangements can be made. These advances often come with limitations, like fixed amounts and relatively short periods of time, so it's useful to understand how this system works before you need it.


**Real-time Language Translations**: Language barriers can be a significant issue, especially in crisis situations. Many assistance programs offer 24/7 language translation services over the phone, helping you communicate with local officials, medical professionals, or lodging staff during emergencies. The accessibility and efficiency of these translations varies significantly, and it's always a good idea to have a sense of urgency in these situations to ensure quick resolution.


**Access to Legal Professionals**: In the unfortunate case of legal complications during your travels (such as being involved in a minor incident or needing local legal advice), some travel assistance programs can connect you with regional lawyers who can offer help. This service's efficacy depends on the program and the availability of legal professionals in the specific area you're in, so it's always wise to take precautions when travelling to regions where the legal system isn't as well-developed.


**Security Alerts and Travel Warnings**: Certain travel assistance services provide travelers with updates on any safety-related developments in their travel destination. These notifications include real-time warnings on political unrest, natural disasters, or health warnings. These alerts are a welcome development in travel, as they can provide travelers with timely information to assess risk and adjust their travel plans accordingly. However, the accuracy of these alerts can be limited, and it is always useful to have some independent checks on such information sources.


Overall, the inclusion of these travel and emergency assistance services in the Chase Sapphire Preferred's suite of benefits adds a valuable layer of protection for travelers, especially those on a budget. While it's essential to acknowledge that there are limitations and intricacies involved with each feature, these benefits are generally overlooked by many. As the travel landscape becomes increasingly dynamic, it's clear that these features can significantly influence the overall travel experience, bringing peace of mind and preparedness in dealing with unpredictable situations.



Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024 - No Delivery Fees on DoorDash Orders While Traveling





Chase Sapphire Preferred 7 Lesser-Known Benefits for Budget Travelers in 2024

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card now offers a partnership with DoorDash, providing a perk that can be particularly appealing to budget travelers: no delivery fees on eligible orders while you're on the road. Cardholders can sign up for a complimentary DashPass membership, which unlocks this benefit. This means you could potentially save money on groceries, takeout from convenience stores, and other deliveries. You'll also get a monthly $10 credit on eligible non-restaurant orders.

However, it's worth noting that this perk is mostly focused on reducing the item costs within an order. You'll still likely encounter service or other fees associated with the delivery, so it might not eliminate all costs. It also only applies to eligible orders, meaning you need to be mindful of which specific deliveries fall under the promotional offer. While it may not always be the most substantial benefit, it shows how the card can provide some cost savings, helping to make travel more affordable. Essentially, it helps you reduce expenses during your travels by using this DoorDash benefit, a detail often overlooked by many cardholders.

As part of a partnership, Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can get a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership, which usually costs money. This offers zero delivery fees on eligible orders placed through the DoorDash platform, which includes groceries, convenience items, and other things besides restaurant food.

Interestingly, this benefit is specifically tied to non-restaurant orders placed through DoorDash. So, while you don't pay delivery fees on those, it's worth noting that the discount usually only applies to the order's subtotal, not any additional fees. Also, there is a separate $5 per month restaurant credit for Sapphire Preferred cardholders for eligible restaurant orders placed through DoorDash.

The partnership, which extends until the end of 2027, was announced in early 2024. During this time, Sapphire Preferred cardholders can enroll in DashPass and use this benefit to potentially reduce the overall cost of some of their expenses when they travel. It's an unusual benefit for a travel-focused credit card, as it focuses on everyday expenses that people might encounter while traveling. The ability to get free delivery on groceries or other necessities while traveling can be a useful tool in the right situation. For example, if you're traveling to a new city or country and are staying in an Airbnb or VRBO with a kitchen, having DoorDash available and without delivery fees could significantly improve the travel experience.



The exact cost-savings that you can realize will likely depend on your travel style and where you travel. For example, if you travel to places where DoorDash is highly used, it might be more beneficial than if you travel to areas where it's not widely available. Furthermore, the exact cost-savings will depend on what you buy and the pricing structure of DoorDash for your particular location. However, even with these limitations, having the option available for no fee can be a useful travel hack that should not be overlooked by budget travelers.

It's worth mentioning that the Chase Sapphire Preferred card also provides a separate $5 per month dining credit for Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cardholders. In contrast, the Sapphire Reserve card offers $5 per month in DoorDash credits until the end of 2027. That said, it is interesting to see that Chase has partnered with a food delivery service in a way that is specifically tied to some of their credit card programs.



It will be interesting to see if this type of partnership leads to other credit card companies exploring similar opportunities to integrate local services into their offerings. The growing reliance on food delivery services does suggest that this could be a trend with broader implications for the travel credit card industry in the future.


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