The Secret "Superpower" Hiding in Your Wallet: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Refresh
If you’re a points and miles enthusiast, you probably already know that the Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP) is the "gold standard" for entry-level travel cards. But Chase recently slipped a major update into their latest refresh that effectively turns this $95-a-year card into a powerhouse for everyday drivers—especially those who bleed Kirkland signature red.
Here is why the Chase Sapphire Preferred just became the most important card in your wallet for your next trip to the pump.
The 3x Multiplier: A Rare Win for Chase
For a long time, the Chase ecosystem had a glaring hole: gas stations. While other banks offered dedicated gas cards, Chase fans often had to settle for 1.5x or 2x back on their fuel stops.
The refresh changes the game by adding a permanent 3x category on gas. At a $95 annual fee, this puts the CSP in direct competition with much more expensive cards.
The Costco Connection
This is where the "secret superpower" comes in. If you shop at Costco, you know the struggle: they only accept Visa credit cards. This has historically limited your options for maximizing points on Costco’s notoriously cheap gas.
The Problem with Other Cards: The Citi Custom Cash offers 5% back on gas, but it’s a Mastercard—so you can’t use it at the Costco pump.
The Competition: Many people use the Venture X (2x points) or the Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5x points).
The CSP Solution: Because the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a Visa Signature card, it is welcomed at Costco. You are now earning 3x Ultimate Reward points on gas that is already 20 to 40 cents cheaper per gallon than the station down the street. That is a massive double-win for your budget.
More Than Just a Gas Card
While the gas category is the headline-stealer, the refresh brought several other high-value tweaks that make the $95 annual fee almost irrelevant:
A Massive Signup Bonus: Currently, the card is offering a signup bonus of 100,000 points. That is an incredible amount of value that can be transferred to partners like Hyatt, United, or Southwest.
The $100 Hotel Credit: You now get a $100 annual hotel credit for stays booked through the Chase Travel Portal. Unlike some competitors (who require you to spend $500 to trigger a credit), this one is straightforward. If you stay in a hotel even once a year, the card essentially pays for itself.
Global Entry / TSA PreCheck: Chase has added a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100 every four years). This is a perk usually reserved for "Premium" cards with $400+ annual fees.
Boosted Categories: You’re still getting 3x on dining and online groceries, plus 2x on general travel.
Is It Worth It?
If you are already in the Chase ecosystem, this refresh makes the Sapphire Preferred a "keeper" card. By using it for Costco gas and taking advantage of the annual hotel credit, you are earning high-value transferable points on money you were already going to spend.
Whether you’re looking to fund a family vacation or just want to stop leaving points on the table at the gas station, the new "superpowered" Sapphire Preferred is officially hard to beat.