If you’re looking to get started in the world of points and miles travel, there’s no better card to start with than the Chase Sapphire Preferred®. With a generous welcome bonus, flexible redemption options, and a low annual fee, it’s the perfect foundation for anyone looking to travel more for less.

Keep Chase 5/24 in Mind

Before applying for any credit card, it’s crucial to understand Chase’s 5/24 rule. This rule means that if you’ve opened five or more credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months, you’ll likely be denied for any new Chase card. Since Chase offers some of the best travel rewards cards, prioritizing Chase applications first is a smart move.

The Generous Sign-On Bonus

The Chase Sapphire Preferred typically offers a sign-on bonus of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points (sometimes even higher during promotional periods) after meeting the minimum spending requirement, which is usually around $4,000 in the first three months. This bonus alone can be worth $750 in travel when redeemed through the Chase Travel Portal, or even more when transferred to travel partners like Hyatt and Southwest.

A key benefit of Chase’s sign-on bonus structure is that you can only receive the bonus once every 48 months (four years) from the last time you received the bonus, not when you closed the card. So it’s essential to time your application wisely.

Low Annual Fee and Strong Everyday Earnings

The $95 annual fee makes this card an affordable option for beginners, and the earn rates are quite solid:

• 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel
• 3x points on dining, streaming services, and online grocery purchases
• 2x points on all other travel purchases
• 1x point on everything else

Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is the Best Choice

The biggest selling point of this card is that Chase Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most valuable and flexible in the game. You can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to some of the best travel partners, making it easy to get outsized value for flights and hotels.

Why Hyatt and Southwest Are Top Transfer Partners

• Hyatt points stretch further, allowing for luxury stays at a fraction of the cost compared to other hotel programs.
• Southwest’s no-change-fee policy makes booking with points incredibly flexible, allowing you to adjust your flights as needed.

Additionally, the travel protections on the card make it one of the best travel cards at its price point. Key protections include:

• Primary rental car insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Baggage delay coverage
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

For those who prefer more flexibility, Ultimate Rewards points can also be redeemed for cashback or statement credits at 1 cent per point.

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Enhancing Your Travel Strategy with Southwest and Hyatt Credit Cards

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve is a great foundation, pairing it with Southwest and Hyatt credit cards can maximize your travel rewards even further.

Southwest Credit Cards: Perfect for Free Flights

If you frequently fly Southwest, these cards can help you earn more Rapid Rewards points and even work toward the Companion Pass, which lets you bring a companion for free on all your Southwest flights (excluding taxes and fees).

Personal Southwest Cards

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus ($69 annual fee) – Earns 2x points on Southwest purchases and has a lower annual fee.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier ($99 annual fee) – Includes no foreign transaction fees and earns 3x points on Southwest purchases.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority ($149 annual fee) – Best for frequent flyers with annual travel credit, upgraded boardings, and better earning rates.

Business Southwest Cards

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business ($99 annual fee) – Earns 3x points on Southwest and 2x on select business categories.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business ($199 annual fee) – Best for businesses with 4x points on Southwest, free in-flight Wi-Fi, and a better welcome bonus.

Hyatt Credit Cards: Unlock Free Hotel Nights

Hyatt points are some of the most valuable in the industry, and these cards help you earn free nights faster.

Personal Hyatt Card

• World of Hyatt Credit Card ($95 annual fee) – Earn 4x points at Hyatt, plus a free night each year and elite status perks.

Business Hyatt Card

• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card ($199 annual fee) – Ideal for businesses, offering 5 elite night credits per $10,000 spent and a free night after $50,000 spent per year.

Final Thoughts

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is the best first credit card for anyone looking to earn points and miles for travel. With the right card strategy, your dream trips aren’t just possible—they’re practically free. Start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, and the world is yours to explore. When opening a new credit card, to earn the sign up bonus you’ll typically need to meet the minimum spending requirement which typically between $2000 to $5000 in the first 3 months in most cases. For tips on meeting these spending requirements read our Guide to Meeting Minimum Spending Requirements.