What Purchases Count Towards Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Credit?

Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a general travel credit card that doesn’t require loyalty to a specific airline or hotel chain . But can it compete with premium cards like the Citi Prestige® Card or The Platinum Card® from American Express?

Like those cards, it has an annual fee of $550. But its high rewards rate and top-shelf perks can actually cover the fee. Aside from the sign up bonus of 50,000 with a $4,000 spend within the first 3 months, one of the best benefits of this card is the $300 annual credit for travel purchases.

But the question is, what qualifies as “travel purchases” for the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

I also suggest reading up on how to maximize your Ultimate Rewards points from your Chase Sapphire Reserve when determining how to spend your 50k sign up bonus.

According to Chase, a travel purchase is money spent on:

Airlines

Purchases are not limited to any specific airline, which means the card holder can enjoy the convenience of their flight with the airline of their choice. Even for airfare and incidentals like change fees or checked bags, this card can be used.

I use my $300 credit to purchase upgraded seats after I’ve booked an economy ticket.

Hotels & Motels

Any accommodations, whether they be the top hotels of your dream vacation destination, motels, or even AirBnB — any amount spent will be converted to points.

Timeshares

When you make arrangements with several joint owners  to have the right to use a property as a vacation home under a time-sharing agreement or for just a one-time event.

Campgrounds

Useful and a practical way to spend the night, especially for traveling backpackers. It also happens to be one of the cheapest options too. But even campgrounds fees are counted as a travel credit for your Chase card.

Car rental agencies

An easy and convenient way to visit places on your vacation is to rent a car. Most Car rental companies have options for car types that could accommodate a certain number of passengers.

Cruise lines

Depending on the packages the cruise line is offering, 3 day cruises, week-long or even longer (as long as it was booked directly) can be converted to points using your Chase Travel Credit card.

Travel agencies

Some travelers would prefer booking their reservations through a travel agency. Some Travel agencies gives options, better deals or packages for passengers to choose from, all for a cheaper price.

Discount travel sites

The advantage of making a reservation through discount travel sites is that they have the BPG, or the Best Price Guarantee, that can give you the best deals. For example, if you booked a hotel and found a cheaper price with another website on the same day, your website will offer you a refund for whatever the price difference turns out to be.

Passenger trains

The fastest way to travel by land is by train. It is especially convenient for backpackers, who want to see a lot of places in a short amount of time. Some countries even offer train vacations and train trips for various destinations, allowing you to relax and enjoy some beautiful scenery while you travel.

Buses

When you are traveling with a group, choosing a bus is more convenient. Some places can even only be reached through a bus.

Taxis

If you haven’t decided yet which car rental or limousine service to take, you might as well get a taxi from the airport to your hotel or from your hotel back to the airport so you won’t waste time. Even Uber and Lyft count towards Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel.

Limousines

For luxurious trips or occasions that require a vehicle with a higher standard, one would need a limousine. Don’t worry about the extra cost either, because every dollar you spend will be converted to points when you use your Chase travel card to book.

Ferries

Some places can only be reached through a ferry boat. Not only is it relaxing, but it is extremely convenient too.

Toll bridges & highways

Usually a sign that you will be entering a new boundary or a new  city, or simply a point of entry or exit, is when you get to toll gates. It may be a public or private roadway for which assesses fee for passage. Use your card to earn points while making your way through tolls.

Parking lots & garages

There are some buildings that force customers to pay to park their cars. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry too much because you can pay for your parking with your Chase card and get the money right back.

Please note that some merchants that provide transportation and travel-related services are not included in this category, like real estate agents, websites or owners that rent vacation properties, in-flight goods and services, on-board cruise line goods and services, sightseeing activities, tourist attractions, merchants within airports, and merchants that rent vehicles for the purpose of hauling. In addition, the purchasing of points or miles does not qualify in this category.