Rakuten vs Sapphire Preferred
Rakuten
$0/yr
7.0/10
VS
Sapphire Preferred
$95/yr
8.0/10
Quick Answer
Rakuten charges no annual fee with 1X base rewards. Sapphire Preferred charges $95/yr with 1X base rewards. Rakuten 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
Rakuten
Lower annual fee ($0 vs $95)
Rewards Earning
Sapphire Preferred
6 earning categories
Benefits & Protection
Sapphire Preferred
6 benefits vs 0
Statement Credits
Sapphire Preferred
$170 in annual credits
Flexibility
Sapphire Preferred
Transferable points to airline/hotel partners
OUR PICK
Rakuten wins for most people
The $95 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for RakutenPREMIUM PICK
Sapphire Preferred wins for heavy spenders
If you can offset the higher fee with credits and perks, this card delivers more value.
Apply for Sapphire PreferredRewards Earning: Detailed Comparison
Rakuten
| Rakuten partner stores | 3.0X |
| Everything else | 1.0X |
Sapphire Preferred
| Travel via Chase Portal | 5.0X |
| Dining | 3.0X |
| Online Grocery | 3.0X |
| Streaming | 3.0X |
| Other Travel | 2.0X |
| Everything Else | 1.0X |
Card Benefits: Detailed Comparison
Rakuten (0 benefits)
No benefits data available
Sapphire Preferred (6 benefits)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (up to $10,000)
- Trip Delay Reimbursement (up to $500)
- Baggage Delay Insurance (up to $100)
- Rental Car Collision Damage Waiver
- Purchase Protection (up to $500)
- Extended Warranty Protection (up to $10,000)