The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ are making big changes to their travel benefits. Starting January 1, 2026, cardholders will get up to $250 for prepaid bookings with The Edit twice per year, totaling $500 annually. This credit will be more flexible than the current system, which splits the credits into two fixed time periods. In addition, cardholders will receive a new $250 credit for select Chase Travel hotels to use during 2026. This hotel credit works with brands like IHG, Montage Hotels, Virgin Hotels, and others. The best part? You’ll still earn hotel loyalty points and elite night credits on these bookings.

These improvements make the cards more valuable for frequent travelers. Cardholders can stack multiple credits – the $500 The Edit credit, the new $250 hotel credit, and the existing $300 annual travel credit – on eligible stays. Chase says these changes come from listening to what customers want rather than just matching competitors.

Our Take

These updates to the Chase Sapphire Reserve cards are exactly what points and miles enthusiasts need. By making the credits more flexible and easier to use, Chase has addressed one of the biggest frustrations with premium travel cards – actually being able to use the benefits you’re paying for. The ability to stack these credits means cardholders can get $1,050 in value, which more than covers the $795 annual fee.

Our team believes this move puts serious pressure on competitors like The Platinum Card® from American Express. The timing is perfect too, as many travelers are planning big trips for 2026. If you don’t have one of these cards yet, the current welcome offers are worth considering – 125,000 points for the personal card after spending $6,000 in three months, or 200,000 points for the business version after spending $30,000 in six months. With these new benefits coming, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is cementing its place as a top choice for serious travelers who want to maximize their points and perks.