Hi Travel Junkies,

Big news in the points/miles world today courtesy of Doctor of Credit. This broke just minutes ago.

Before sharing it let me just say that this is not “official” just yet, but it certainly looks to be legitimate. I have not personally confirmed this with any of my own sources.

But here is what is rumored to be happening to the Chase Sapphire family of cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, and Chase Sapphire):

As of August 27, Chase will no longer approve you for one of these cards if you have already had another one of them. Specifically, you cannot receive more than one bonus from any of these cards in a 48 month period.

Or said in plain English, you can no longer get multiple Sapphire card bonuses.

Here is the text from today’s memo:

Beginning August 27 our same-product eligibility requirements have been updated for all Sapphire Credit Card products, which include Chase Sapphire, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Here’s a look at what’s new:

  • Going forward, a customer may no longer have more than one Sapphire-branded credit card. For example, if a customer has a Sapphire Preferred card, they are no longer eligible for a Sapphire Reserve card.
  • While this change impacts all new and existing customers (including CPC clients), there is no impact to existing customers who presently have more than one Sapphire product. These customers continue to retain their Sapphire products as usual.
  • If existing Sapphire customers wish to upgrade or downgrade their product, they made so if eligible. However, no bonus points will be available with this upgrade or downgrade. The customer may call the number on the back of their card OR you may contact Banker Support with customers who are in the brand or already on the phone.
  • If an account is closed, a customer will not be eligible for any Sapphire-branded credit card if they have earned a cardmember bonus on a Sapphire-branded product within the last 48 months.

One bit of good news is that it appears Chase is not restricting product changes between these products.

Also, the Chase Ink cards are not mentioned at all, meaning you are still able to get them in addition to one of the Sapphire cards.

Here are some rapid fire thoughts that I have based on today’s news:

  • This rule is already in effect, so don’t run out and apply for a Sapphire card today to try to get ahead of it.
  • I think Sapphire Preferred is the best choice for anyone who doesn’t currently have any of Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Chase Sapphire. After you’ve had the Chase Sapphire Preferred for a year, if you decide the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, product change to it.
  • I think anyone with a Chase Sapphire Preferred should strongly consider upgrading it to a Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Overall it is a better long term play for anyone who travels more than once or twice a year.
  • I am concerned that Chase will apply this same rule to the two personal versions of the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card in the very near future. Just speculation, I have zero insider information on that.

From a business perspective this rule makes all the sense in the world for Chase. So I am not overly surprised by this new rule, though I am certainly disappointed just like the rest of you.

Happy Travels,

Bryce