$795 For A Credit Card? How Recent Grads Can Get Triple The Value – Forbes Advisor

Graduating into adulthood means juggling new responsibilities—from rent and utilities to job interviews and travel. For recent graduates looking to make the most of their expenses, choosing the right  credit card can make a powerful difference.

While the $795 annual fee of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® might raise eyebrows, it can be a smart choice for grads ready to maximize rewards and elevate their lifestyle.

High Annual Fee? High Value When Fully Leveraged

With the 2025 revamp, Chase elevated the Reserve’s earning potential and added a new lineup of statement credits. Cardholders now earn 8 points per dollar on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠, 4 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked direct, 3 points per dollar on dining worldwide and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

As for statement credits, cardholders enjoy up to $500 in hotel credits via The Edit by Chase Travel, a $300 dining credit for exclusive reservations, up to $300 toward entertainment tickets through StubHub and viagogo, plus $250 in Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions and $120 toward Peloton—all annually.

Additionally, cardholders can access these benefits:

• Lyft. Cardholders can get up to $10 in ride credits every month through September 30, 2027, for $120 in value each year. Plus, members earn 5x points on all Lyft rides until that date. These can be valuable perks for recent grads who do not own a car or live in an urban location and frequently rely on rideshare services.
• DoorDash. When activated by December 31, 2027, cardholders receive a complimentary 12-month DashPass membership (valued at $120), which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders.
• Monthly DoorDash promos. DashPass members can claim up to $25 in monthly DoorDash savings through December 31, 2027. This includes a $5 credit toward restaurant orders and two $10 credits for groceries, retail purchases or other eligible categories.

All of these perks can easily offset the annual fee for a recent grad who frequently travels, enjoys dining out and already utilizes these subscriptions.

Elevated Travel Protections and Perks

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® isn’t just for everyday spending—it also protects your travel and experiences. Cardholders receive:

• A $300 annual travel credit, automatically applied toward travel purchases.
• A statement credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS.
• Robust travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, emergency evacuation coverage, baggage delay insurance, roadside assistance and primary auto rental coverage.
• Priority Pass Select membership, granting lounge access globally, plus access to Chase Sapphire Lounges.

For recent graduates embarking on their career path, these benefits can eliminate stress and reduce unexpected costs, like a delayed flight or lost luggage during a job-hunting trip.

Flexibility and Future-Focused Rewards Redemptions

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are exceptionally flexible. With the Sapphire Reserve card, you can get up to 2x the value on select hotels—especially those in The Edit℠—and flights with participating airlines when you book through Chase Travel using Points Boost. That means 100,000 points could be worth up to $2,000 when redeemed this way, as compared to the $1,000 they would be worth when redeemed for cash back.

Additionally, you retain complete 1:1 transfer access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, allowing for even greater potential value on long-haul flight or premium hotel redemptions.

Bottom Line

For a recent graduate seeking a  meaningful card that unlocks travel, dining, lifestyle and security benefits—not just credit—the Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands out. It’s an investment in experiences, mobility and peace of mind. The net worth justifies the cost if you predict frequent travel, restaurant outings and wish to redeem points flexibly.

Still, it’s important to ass your spending habits. The Reserve shines brightest when you’re able to utilize every benefit in full. If you’re ready to commit—and maximize—a premium card, the Sapphire Reserve could be your passport to premium value in your first chapter after college.