Why I'm Waiting Until June 23rd to Apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve (and You Should Too!)
Hey Blerd Fam! Your boy is about to put y'all on to some knowledge, and if you've been eyeing that Chase Sapphire Reserve like I have, you're gonna want to lean in. We're on the cusp of some major changes to Chase's premium travel card, and while the siren song of an upgrade might be tempting, I'm personally holding off until Monday, June 23rd. And trust me, it's not just about patience; it's about playing the game smart to maximize those sweet, sweet rewards.
The Rumors Are True: A Sapphire Revolution is Upon Us!
For what feels like eons, Chase has had some pretty strict rules when it comes to their Sapphire card lineup. The infamous 48-month rule has been a major sticking point, preventing cardholders from earning a sign-up bonus on a new Sapphire card if they'd received one on any Sapphire card within the last four years. And then there's the equally frustrating "one Sapphire rule," which essentially meant you could only hold either the Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve, but not both.
Well, buckle up, buttercups, because reliable whispers (and increasingly, confirmed reports) suggest that Chase is doing away with both of these restrictions! This is monumental news for points enthusiasts like myself.
Let's break down why this is a game-changer for my strategy:
Goodbye, 48-Month Rule! Hello, New Bonus Potential! I snagged my Chase Sapphire Preferred in July of 2022. Under the old rules, I'd be waiting until July 2026 to even think about getting a new Sapphire bonus. But with the 48-month rule reportedly being scrapped, applying for the Sapphire Reserve on June 23rd could make me eligible for a brand-new sign-up bonus, even though I'm still relatively new to the Sapphire ecosystem! That's a massive win.
The End of the "One Sapphire Rule" is Here! Currently, you're only allowed to hold one Chase Sapphire card at a time – either the Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve. But with this restriction reportedly being lifted, the door opens for applying for a new Sapphire Reserve even if you already hold a Sapphire Preferred. While I won't be keeping both in the long run, this change is critical for my immediate strategy.
Why Not Just Upgrade My Preferred Now? The Timing Is Everything.
You might be thinking, "Why not just upgrade my current card to the Reserve and lock in that lower annual fee if you're so keen?" Great question, and here's why that's a no-go for me:
First, let's talk about the annual fees. The Chase Sapphire Reserve's annual fee is increasing from $550 to a new, higher $795. On the surface, sticking with the old fee by upgrading might seem like the smarter play.
You can typically upgrade a Chase Freedom Unlimited or your existing Chase Sapphire Preferred to a Reserve, provided your current card has a credit limit of at least $10,000. However, even with that option, I'm still choosing to apply fresh on June 23rd for these crucial reasons:
New Benefits Activation: If I were to upgrade now, the new, enhanced benefits of the Sapphire Reserve wouldn't actually kick in until later this year (October 26, 2025, for existing cardholders). What's the point of paying a premium annual fee if you can't immediately enjoy all the perks? By applying for a brand-new Sapphire Reserve on June 23rd, I'll have immediate access to those shiny new benefits from day one.
The Bi-Annual Credit Bonanza: A Week of Double Dipping! This is the real secret sauce, and why Monday, June 23rd is the magical date. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers several fantastic bi-annual credits that reset on July 1st. These include:
$250 The Edit Credit: This exclusive credit can be used towards stays and experiences within a curated collection of luxury hotels.
$150 StubHub Credit: Catching that concert or game just got easier on the wallet.
$150 Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables Credit: Unlock access to unique dining experiences.
Here's the genius move: by applying and getting approved for the Sapphire Reserve right when these changes hit on June 23rd, I'll have access to these credits for about a week before they reset on July 1st. This means I can potentially utilize each of these credits twice within a super short timeframe – once before July 1st, and then again after July 1st!
Think about it: even with the new, $795 annual fee for the Sapphire Reserve, I could potentially unlock $550 in value ($250 The Edit + $150 StubHub + $150 Exclusive Tables) from these credits alone, essentially doubling their benefit in a single week. So, while the annual fee is going up, the immediate and double-dipping potential of these credits means I'm getting back $1,100 in value ($550 from each "cycle" of credits) within just a week of paying that $795 fee. That's a massive offset and a fantastic way to kickstart my Sapphire Reserve journey, making the higher fee easily justifiable for me.
What Does This Mean for You, Blerd Fam?
If you've been eyeing the Chase Sapphire Reserve, or even if you're currently a Sapphire Preferred or Freedom Unlimited holder considering an upgrade (and have that $10k+ credit limit), I urge you to wait until June 23rd. The potential to:
Earn a new sign-up bonus (even if you've had a Sapphire card recently).
Gain immediate access to all new Sapphire Reserve benefits.
Double-dip on those valuable bi-annual credits ($550 in potential value that can be accessed twice!).
These are opportunities too good to pass up. Do your own research, consider your spending habits, and make sure the Sapphire Reserve aligns with your financial goals. But for me, the strategy is clear: I'm setting my alarm for Monday, June 23rd, ready to jump on this incredible opportunity to maximize my points and perks.
Are you planning to apply for the new Chase Sapphire Reserve? Let me know your thoughts and strategies in our social media comments! And stay tuned for my follow-up post once I've got that shiny new card in hand.
Nigel's Take
For those of you already holding the Sapphire Reserve, you might be wondering what these changes mean for you. Our very own Nigel, a current Reserve cardholder, has been strategizing for the October 26, 2025 transition. Here's a quick look at his game plan before he drops a full, detailed post:
Maximize the $300 Universal Travel Credit: Nigel plans to use his existing $300 universal travel credit, hoping for a double-dip opportunity when the new benefits officially roll out for existing cardholders in October.
Utilize DoorDash Credits: He'll keep using the current DoorDash credits, which offer $125 in value between June and October.
Renew DashPass: To keep the delivery perks flowing, renewing DashPass for $120 is on his list.
One Last 1.5x Chase Travel Portal Redemption: Nigel aims to make one final redemption through the Chase Travel portal at the 1.5x valuation. While higher valuations are possible in other scenarios, this has always been a solid and reliable option for many bookings.
Target New Bi-Annual Credits: Once the new benefits activate in October, he'll be ready to utilize all the new bi-annual credits ($250 The Edit, $150 StubHub, $150 Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables) between October and December.
Stay tuned for Nigel's full breakdown on how current Sapphire Reserve holders can best navigate these exciting (and sometimes complex!) changes!