IHG Traveler vs Sapphire Reserve
IHG Traveler
$0/yr
7.0/10
VS
Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr
7.0/10
Quick Answer
IHG Traveler charges no annual fee with 1X base rewards. Sapphire Reserve charges $795/yr with 1X base rewards. IHG Traveler offers better overall value for most spenders when comparing fees, rewards, and benefits side by side.
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Winner by Category
Annual Fees
IHG Traveler
Lower annual fee ($0 vs $795)
Rewards Earning
IHG Traveler
5 earning categories
Benefits & Protection
Sapphire Reserve
12 benefits vs 0
Statement Credits
Sapphire Reserve
$2348 in annual credits
Flexibility
Sapphire Reserve
Transferable points to airline/hotel partners
OUR PICK
IHG Traveler wins for most people
The $795 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for IHG TravelerPREMIUM PICK
Sapphire Reserve wins for heavy spenders
If you can offset the higher fee with credits and perks, this card delivers more value.
Apply for Sapphire ReserveRewards Earning: Detailed Comparison
IHG Traveler
| IHG Hotels & Resorts | 5.0X |
| Dining | 3.0X |
| Gas stations | 3.0X |
| Groceries | 3.0X |
| Everything else | 2.0X |
Sapphire Reserve
| Chase Travel purchases including The Edit | 8.0X |
| Flights booked directly with airlines | 4.0X |
| Hotels booked directly | 4.0X |
| Dining worldwide | 3.0X |
| All other purchases | 1.0X |
Card Benefits: Detailed Comparison
IHG Traveler (0 benefits)
See full review for benefits details.
Sapphire Reserve (12 benefits)
- Emergency Medical and Dental (up to $2,500)
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement (up to $3,000)
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance (up to $10,000)
- Trip Delay Reimbursement (up to $500)
- Baggage Delay Insurance (up to $100)
- Primary Auto Rental Coverage (up to $75,000)
- Purchase Protection (up to $10,000)
- Extended Warranty Protection
- Emergency Evacuation/Transportation (up to $100,000)
- Priority Pass Select + Chase Sapphire Lounges (up to $469)
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Credit (up to $120)
- IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status