Deciding between the Apple Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card depends on your spending habits and loyalty. The Apple Card offers a straightforward cash back system, while Chase Sapphire Preferred caters to travel enthusiasts with its points-based rewards program. Let’s peel back the layers to see which card best suits your needs.
Crunch the Numbers: Apple Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred
| Feature | Apple Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards | 3% Daily Cash back when using Apple Pay at select merchants, 2% Daily Cash back on all other purchases using Apple Pay, 1% Daily Cash back if using the physical card | 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on all other purchases |
| Annual Fee | None | $95 |
| Travel Perks | None | Travel insurance (trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage), rental car insurance, travel credit (up to $95 annually) |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
Also See: Capital One Venture Card Vs Chase Sapphire Preferred
Features:
- Apple Card: Simplicity is key. Earn tiered Daily Cash back based on how you use the card. It integrates seamlessly with Apple devices and the Apple Wallet for easy tracking and contactless payments.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Offers a higher rewards rate on travel and dining (3x points with the combined category bonus), but requires keeping track of spending. Points hold more value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® (1.25 cents per point). It boasts comprehensive travel insurance and a travel credit.
Who Should Get Which Card:
- Apple Card: Ideal for Apple enthusiasts who frequently use Apple Pay and make significant purchases within the Apple ecosystem. It’s also a good option for those who prefer a no-fee card with straightforward cash back rewards.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: A good fit for frequent travelers who value travel insurance, flexible rewards redemption options, and bonus points on travel and dining. The annual fee can be offset by the travel credit and the potential for higher rewards accumulation.
Pros and Cons: Apple Card
- Pros: No annual fee, easy to use with Apple devices, tiered cash back rewards for Apple Pay users.
- Cons: Lower rewards rate compared to Sapphire Preferred on most purchases, limited redemption options (cash back only), requires Apple devices for full functionality.
Pros and Cons: Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Pros: Higher rewards rate on travel and dining, travel insurance, travel credit, transferrable points for more redemption options.
- Cons: Annual fee, requires tracking bonus categories, points potentially less valuable if not redeemed through Chase travel portal.
Requirements:
Both cards typically require good credit (generally a score of 700 or above). Apple doesn’t disclose a specific income requirement, while Chase Sapphire Preferred recommends a minimum annual income of $40,000.
The Verdict:
The Apple Card is a solid choice for Apple fans who prioritize simplicity and cash back. Chase Sapphire Preferred is a well-rounded travel rewards card with valuable perks, but comes with an annual fee. Consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and brand loyalty to pick the card that sweetens your financial journey.