3 Little-Known Perks of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a popular travel rewards credit card -- and for good reason. This Chase credit card provides significant value to frequent travelers. Some of the most talked about features include free airport lounge access and an up to $300 annual travel statement credit. 

But there's more to love about this card. Don't ignore the following lesser-known perks if you're considering adding the Chase Sapphire Reserve® to your wallet. 

1. Shopping protections

While this credit card is known as a travel rewards card, it also provides non-travel perks. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® features purchase and return protections and extended warranty coverage. Here's an overview of the coverage you can expect with your card. 

Purchase protection

New purchases with your card are covered for up to 120 days against damage or theft. You're eligible for up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 annually. Some exclusions exist -- for example, living plant purchases don't qualify for this coverage. 

Return protection

Want to make a return but the retailer's return policy doesn't allow it? You can get reimbursement for the cost of eligible items purchased with your card for up to 90 days from the purchase date. This coverage applies to items the store won't take back. Cardholders qualify for up to $500 per claim and $1,000 per account. 

Extended warranty 

Your card also includes extended warranty protection, which extends the warranty coverage period by one year on original eligible warranties of three years or less. 

Coverage is limited to the original price of the purchased item minus shipping and handling fees. Up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account is covered. You must have used your card to pay for the qualifying item to be eligible for coverage. 

2. Primary rental car insurance 

This credit card offers primary rental car insurance coverage. The Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver benefit reimburses damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000. 

To qualify for coverage, you must decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver and pay for the rental with your card. Rental periods of up to 31 days are covered. Some exclusions exist -- antique vehicles and cargo vans are not eligible for coverage. But this is still a valuable card perk. 

Some credit cards include rental car insurance, which provides secondary coverage. That means it will only kick in for costs the cardholder's primary insurance doesn't cover. If you rent vehicles when traveling, take advantage of the fact that your card includes primary coverage. 

3. Elevated rewards on eligible travel booked through Chase Travel 

You'll earn rewards when you use your card to make dining, travel, and everyday purchases. When you swipe your card for travel purchases, you'll earn 3x points per $1. But you can get a rewards boost when you book eligible hotel stays and rental cars with Chase Travel. This online portal is easy to use and functions similarly to other travel booking tools. 

You'll earn 5x points per $1 on eligible flights and 10x total points per $1 on qualifying car rentals and hotel bookings (excludes The Edit properties) made through Chase Travel when paying with your Chase Sapphire Reserve®. This elevated rewards rate kicks in after the first $300 spent on travel purchases annually. 

This additional boost could help you reach your reward goals sooner to get closer to a redemption. 

Maximize the value you get from your credit cards 

Before applying for a new credit card, review the benefits offered so you know what to expect. It's also wise to review the perks provided at least once a year, because benefits can change over time. If you're looking for a new credit card, check out our list of the best travel credit cards.