Chase has begun clawing back the new $100 hotel credit on the Sapphire Preferred card for cardholders who cancel their Chase Travel hotel reservations after receiving the statement credit. This move follows the recent refresh of the Sapphire Preferred, which doubled the annual hotel credit from $50 to $100 while keeping the annual fee at $95.
Our Take
Mixed. This is a fair but important policy clarification: you can't keep the $100 hotel credit if you cancel your booking, but it also means no more 'free' credits from canceled stays. It's a sensible move for Chase, but cardholders who relied on booking and canceling to trigger the credit will lose out.
What Changed
- Hotel credit: Increased from $50 → $100 on Sapphire Preferred (recent refresh)
- Policy: If you book a hotel through Chase Travel, receive the $100 credit, and then cancel, Chase will now reverse (claw back) the credit
- Applies to: Canceled reservations booked via Chase Travel using the Sapphire Preferred hotel credit
Who Benefits Most
- Sapphire Preferred cardholders who complete their hotel stays: You still get $100 off per year on Chase Travel hotel bookings, which by our estimate can save you the full $100 if you use it annually.
- Travelers booking non-refundable rates: If you know your plans are firm, you can maximize the credit without fear of reversal.
- Cardholders who use the credit for high-value stays: For example, a $300 hotel booking through Chase Travel now effectively costs $200 after the credit.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Cardholders who book and cancel to trigger the credit: The loophole is closed; you won't keep the $100 if you don't actually stay.
- Travelers with uncertain plans: If you need to cancel, you lose the credit, so the benefit is less valuable for flexible or last-minute travelers.
- Anyone expecting the credit to work like a general statement credit: This is strictly tied to completed Chase Travel hotel bookings now.
What To Do Right Now
- Check your recent Chase Travel hotel bookings—if you canceled and saw a $100 credit, expect a reversal.
- Only use the $100 hotel credit for stays you are confident you'll complete.
- If you need flexibility, consider booking refundable rates or waiting to use the credit until your plans are firm.
- Monitor your Chase account for any unexpected statement credit reversals related to hotel bookings.
