Learn about major changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve — and how to decide if another premium card is a better fit. Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth it after its major 2025 refresh? What do travelers lose — and gain — with the new credit card benefits? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down this week’s sweeping changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve and compare it with other premium travel cards to help you decide the best fit for your wallet. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the abrupt shutdown of Silver Airways, American Airlines’ new upgrade system, and the latest data on the costs of airfares, lodging, meals, and rental cars. Then, Meghan and Sally dive deep into the Chase Sapphire Reserve overhaul. They unpack a 45% annual fee hike, new perks like hotel and dining credits, and the rollout of the new “Points Boost” redemption system. They discuss which perks actually deliver value, which benefits regional travelers might struggle to use, and how alternatives like the AmEx Platinum and Capital One Venture X compare. From lounge access to statement credits, this episode aims to help savvy travelers determine whether the Reserve still earns a spot in their wallet — or if it’s time to downgrade. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Chase Sapphire Reserve review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve Chase Sapphire Preferred review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred American Express Platinum review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum Capital One Venture X review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x Chase Freedom Unlimited: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-freedom-unlimited Resources discussed in this episode: Chase Sapphire Reserve Makes Big Changes: Higher Fee, New Rates, More Perks https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve-overhaul-june-2025 16 Best Travel Credit Cards of June 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel Cruises Now Searchable on Chase’s Travel Portal https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/chase-travel-cruises In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: travel credit card perks, Chase Ultimate Rewards points value, best travel credit cards 2025, credit card annual fee comparison, dynamic pricing vs award charts, American Airlines upgrade changes, Chase Points Boost explained, travel credit card lounge access, best premium travel cards, how to downgrade Chase Sapphire Reserve, The Edit by Chase Travel, statement credits travel cards, airline price trends 2025, gas prices summer 2025, hotel prices summer 2025, comparing annual fee travel cards, priority pass lounge changes, and best credit cards for luxury hotels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You?

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Learn about major changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve — and how to decide if another premium card is a better fit. Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth it after its major 2025 refresh? What do travelers lose — and gain — with the new credit card benefits? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down this week’s sweeping changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve and compare it with other premium travel cards to help you decide the best fit for your wallet. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the abrupt shutdown of Silver Airways, American Airlines’ new upgrade system, and the latest data on the costs of airfares, lodging, meals, and rental cars.  Then, Meghan and Sally dive deep into the Chase Sapphire Reserve overhaul. They unpack a 45% annual fee hike, new perks like hotel and dining credits, and the rollout of the new “Points Boost” redemption system. They discuss which perks actually deliver value, which benefits regional travelers might struggle to use, and how alternatives like the AmEx Platinum and Capital One Venture X compare. From lounge access to statement credits, this episode aims to help savvy travelers determine whether the Reserve still earns a spot in their wallet — or if it’s time to downgrade. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:     Chase Sapphire Reserve review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve       Chase Sapphire Preferred review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred        American Express Platinum review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum       Capital One Venture X review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x       Chase Freedom Unlimited: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-freedom-unlimited    Resources discussed in this episode:     Chase Sapphire Reserve Makes Big Changes: Higher Fee, New Rates, More Perks https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve-overhaul-june-2025      16 Best Travel Credit Cards of June 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel      Cruises Now Searchable on Chase’s Travel Portal https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/chase-travel-cruises    In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: travel credit card perks, Chase Ultimate Rewards points value, best travel credit cards 2025, credit card annual fee comparison, dynamic pricing vs award charts, American Airlines upgrade changes, Chase Points Boost explained, travel credit card lounge access, best premium travel cards, how to downgrade Chase Sapphire Reserve, The Edit by Chase Travel, statement credits travel cards, airline price trends 2025, gas prices summer 2025, hotel prices summer 2025, comparing annual fee travel cards, priority pass lounge changes, and best credit cards for luxury hotels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Planning your next vacation? Before you budget, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars with Smart Travel.NerdWallet’s trusted travel experts, Sally French and Meghan Coyle, are here to help your travel dollars work even harder. But the travel Nerds don’t just make recommendations; they break down the latest travel details, exploring the pros and cons of specific strategies, practical tools, and tactics. Dive deep with the experts as they lay out all the options so you can finally plan that dream vacation.So put your seat in its full upright position, buckle up, and let’s help that travel budget take you places you’ve only dreamed about.Join hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle, two of NerdWallet’s expert travel Nerds, as they lay out tips, tools, and strategies for your next travel getaway, including:Travel budgeting: What’s the best way to budget for a vacation? How can you save money planning travel? The Nerds compare the best travel budgeting tools.Travel Strategies: Should you use travel points or travel miles? Should you Airbnb or get a hotel? The Nerds have your how-to travel guide for your next trip.Family vacation planning: Thinking of a Disney trip or something more tropical? Should you fly or rent a car? The Nerds lay out your options so you can decide the best way to book your next family vacation.Travel Agents: Can travel agents save you money? Are there better alternatives? The Nerds dive into the actual cost of financial traveling and lay out your best options. Seasonal timing: When’s the right time to book travel for next summer? How far out should you plan a holiday getaway? The Nerds got you covered from Spring to Winter with smart travel strategies.Fee and policy changes: How do the latest TSA rules affect you? The Nerds break down recent regulations and how it impacts your next travel budget. Travel Planning Tools: Not sure about a new travel app? Does that website actually give you the best deals? The Nerds have reviewed all the major platforms and share their pros, cons, and insights.Destination-Specific Booking Strategies: Dreaming of Hawaiian or European getaways? The Nerds can help you and your travel budget when booking popular travel destinations. If you’re planning on traveling within the next 12 months and ready to start researching and booking your next great adventure, then follow Smart Travel to upgrade your getaways. You’ll love Smart Travel if you like podcasts like: Far From Home, Zero to Travel, Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad, Amateur Traveler, Point Me To First Class, Takeoff A Points And Miles Podcast, Frequent Miler On The Air, Women Who Travel, and many other travel related podcasts. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539 NMLS Consumer Access: http:// www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

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