Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways
Episode: Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You?
Hosts: Sally French & Meghan Coyle
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Introduction and Overview
In this compelling episode of Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways, hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle delve deep into the significant changes announced for the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. They meticulously unpack the modifications, evaluate the new benefits, and offer strategic advice to both current and prospective cardholders. The discussion is enriched with insightful commentary, noticeable humor, and actionable takeaways tailored for savvy travelers looking to maximize their travel budgets.
Airline News: Silver Airways and Play Airlines Cease US Operations
The episode kicks off with a discussion on recent upheavals in the airline industry. Silver Airways, a regional carrier based in Florida, abruptly ceased operations last week, leaving passengers scrambling for refunds. Sally expresses concern, highlighting the sudden nature of the shutdown:
[02:07] Sally French: "Oh my gosh, how terrible for those travelers. I hope they got refunds."
Similarly, Play Airlines, an Icelandic budget carrier, announced the termination of its US flights, refocusing efforts on European routes. Meghan provides context about the airline’s struggles:
[02:49] Meghan Coyle: "This isn't a huge surprise since Play began cutting US Flights last year. And honestly, they just haven't been profitable."
American Airlines Introduces Instant Upgrade Options
Transitioning to major airline updates, the hosts discuss American Airlines’ shift to an instant upgrade system. This new feature allows passengers to upgrade their seats with cash or miles without the uncertainty of waitlists. However, this change comes at the cost of eliminating the traditional award chart, a move that many frequent flyers find unfavorable:
[03:33] Sally French: "Oh, no, the people hate this."
[04:12] Sally French: "Bad words because it means the price goes up in most cases."
The hosts elaborate on the implications, noting that existing award chart benefits will phase out by October 2027, urging cardholders to utilize their points before the transition.
Travel Expense Pricing Trends: Airfares and Hotels Decline
Sally shares optimistic news regarding the latest Consumer Price Index released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In May 2025, airfares decreased by 7% compared to the previous year—a significant drop amidst rising costs in other sectors:
[04:59] Sally French: "Airfares in May 2025 were down 7% compared to the same time last year."
Hotel prices also saw a modest decline of nearly 2%, providing additional relief for travelers:
[05:34] Sally French: "Hotel prices are down almost 2%. I know that's not as significant as airfares, but still really surprising and really good news."
Moreover, the average gas price in the US has tapered down to approximately $3.10 per gallon, down from $3.50 a year earlier, benefiting road trip enthusiasts:
[05:50] Meaghan Coyle: "The average gallon of gas is close to $3.10 right now, and that's down from about $3.50 a year ago."
Major Changes to Chase Sapphire Reserve
The heart of the episode centers on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card's overhaul. With the annual fee soaring from $550 to $795—a staggering 45% increase—the hosts scrutinize whether the enhanced benefits offset the higher costs.
Annual Fee Hike and New Benefits
Meghan announces the fee escalation, highlighting the introduction of a suite of new benefits purportedly valued at over $2,700 annually:
[06:13] Meghan Coyle: "This is huge news in the travel credit card space... the annual fee went up to $795."
[07:53] Sally French: "Dude, Megan, that was pretty good. We should get you a job as an auctioneer."
Breakdown of New Credits and Benefits
The hosts meticulously list the newly introduced credits, though they express skepticism about their practicality:
[08:09] Meghan Coyle: "$500 annual the Edit credit, $300 annual dining credit and primetime reservations at Chase Sapphire Reserve exclusive tables..."
[09:00] Sally French: "These credits are so complicated."
They critique the DoorDash credits, sharing personal anecdotes that underscore the complexities and limitations of these new perks.
Hotel Credit Limitations
Discussing the $500 annual hotel credit through Chase’s Edit program, Megan and Sally point out restrictive conditions such as the two-night minimum stay requirement, diminishing the credit's real-world value:
[11:10] Sally French: "But don't fall for that $500 figure... you have to stay a two night minimum."
[12:18] Sally French: "And also you're only locked in for the two night minimum on the hotel collection."
Earning and Redeeming Points: A Shift in Value
A significant portion of the conversation addresses changes in how points are earned and redeemed. The hosts lament the reduction in earning rates for certain categories and the transition to Points Boost, a less favorable redemption structure:
[20:04] Sally French: "And then let's talk about all the changes to redeeming points."
[21:14] Sally French: "They're basically like forcing you to book through Chase travel."
These adjustments potentially erode the card's previous superiority in points value, making it imperative for users to reassess their point utilization strategies.
Signup Bonus: To Chase or Not to Chase
While Chase has yet to disclose whether the signup bonus will remain unchanged post-relaunch, the hosts debate its importance in deciding whether to apply for the card. Sally remains skeptical about its influence compared to the long-term value:
[23:52] Sally French: "I really don't try to factor in the welcome offer when I judge a credit card."
Conversely, Meghan emphasizes the appeal of a substantial signup bonus in her decision-making process:
[24:04] Meghan Coyle: "For me, the signup bonus doesn't really decide whether I get the card."
Advice for Current and Prospective Cardholders
The hosts offer pragmatic advice for listeners contemplating whether to retain or cancel their Chase Sapphire Reserve card amidst its changes:
- Keep the Card: If the enhanced benefits align with your spending habits and can offset the increased fee.
- Downgrade: Transition to a no-annual-fee Chase card to preserve credit history without the hefty cost.
- Explore Alternatives: Consider other premium travel cards that might better suit your needs.
Sally shares her personal experience of downgrading her card in response to previous fee increases, highlighting the ease of the process:
[25:35] Sally French: "It's really easy to downgrade. All you have to do is you just call Chase and you just say, hello, I would like to downgrade to a Freedom or any other no annual fee Chase card."
Alternatives to Chase Sapphire Reserve
The discussion transitions to alternative premium travel cards, primarily the American Express Platinum and Capital One Venture X. The hosts compare annual fees, benefits, lounge access, and overall value:
[27:05] Sally French: "But can we just talk about some of these alternatives?"
[27:08] Meaghan Coyle: "Yeah. So, Sally, you and I have what is easily the closest competitor to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Platinum card from American Express."
They commend the Amex Platinum for its expansive lounge network and superior lounge amenities, positioning it as a formidable competitor despite its own high annual fee:
[27:30] Meaghan Coyle: "They also both have lounge access... So for the lounge access alone, this card is amazing."
Conversely, they evaluate the Capital One Venture X as a more affordable option with substantial benefits, though noting some shortcomings in its lounge offerings.
Conclusion and Listener Engagement
Wrapping up the episode, Sally and Meghan encourage listeners to evaluate their travel spending, credit card benefits, and personal preferences to determine the best course of action regarding the Chase Sapphire Reserve. They invite feedback and reviews to foster community engagement and ensure the show's continued relevance and quality.
[31:24] Sally French: "I really want to know what people think about these changes."
[31:50] Meaghan Coyle: "This is the currency of our show. If we get those five star reviews, we get to keep making this show and that's what we love doing most."
Key Takeaways
- Chase Sapphire Reserve has undergone significant changes, including a substantial annual fee hike and revamped benefits that may not universally justify the increased cost.
- The removal of the traditional award chart and introduction of Points Boost may diminish the card's appeal for point earners and redeemers.
- Other premium cards like American Express Platinum and Capital One Venture X offer competitive benefits that might better align with certain travelers' needs.
- Prospective and current cardholders should meticulously assess their travel habits, spending patterns, and how they utilize card benefits to make informed decisions.
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as an essential guide for travelers navigating the evolving landscape of premium travel credit cards. With expert analysis and candid discussions, Sally and Meghan equip listeners with the knowledge to optimize their travel budgets and make strategic financial decisions.
For more insights and detailed comparisons, visit NerdWallet's official website and check out their curated list of the best travel credit cards.