Sapphire Preferred vs Sapphire Reserve
Head to head on annual fee, rewards by category, and net value over a typical year of spending.
| Category | Sapphire Preferred | Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $550 |
| Welcome bonus (est.) | $1,260 | $1,260 |
| Dining | 6% | 6% |
| Groceries | 2% | 2% |
| Gas | 2% | 2% |
| Travel | 2% | 6% |
| Online shopping | 2% | 2% |
| Entertainment | 6% | 2% |
| Transit | 2% | 2% |
| Everything else | 2% | 2% |
| Net rewards / yr | $656 | $297 |
The verdict: Sapphire Preferred vs Sapphire Reserve
On a typical US spending profile, the Sapphire Preferred comes out ahead — about $359 more in net annual rewards. But the winner for you depends on where you actually spend. Compare them on your own numbers, or use WalletFlo with your real transactions.
Annual rewards breakdown
Sapphire Preferred: ~$751 in rewards before fees. Sapphire Reserve: ~$847 before fees.
Reviews & calculators
Sapphire Preferred review · Sapphire Reserve review · Sapphire Preferred calculator · Sapphire Reserve calculator · Interactive compare
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve better?
- On a typical US spending profile, Sapphire Preferred delivers about $359 more in net annual value. Your winner depends on where you actually spend.
- What is the annual fee on Sapphire Preferred vs Sapphire Reserve?
- Sapphire Preferred: $95/year. Sapphire Reserve: $550/year.
- How is net annual value calculated?
- WalletFlo projects annual rewards from category earn rates on a default spend profile, adds credits and perks, and subtracts the annual fee.