The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is widely recognized as one of the best premium credit cards for frequent travelers. With its valuable sign-up bonus, powerful travel perks, and ongoing rewards, the $795 annual fee can be well worth it for the right cardholder. Perks like Priority Pass lounge access, annual travel credits, and Chase Sapphire Lounge entry make this card a go-to option.
In this article, TheMilesAcademy breaks down what happens when you add an authorized user to your Chase Sapphire Reserve card. What perks do they receive? What’s the cost? And is the price increase still justified?
Keep in mind: the details discussed here apply only to the personal Chase Sapphire Reserve—not the Chase Ink Business cards. Business versions don’t charge for additional users, but they also don’t provide premium perks like lounge access.
What’s the Annual Fee to Add an Authorized User to the Sapphire Reserve?
Chase currently charges $195 per authorized user on the Sapphire Reserve. That’s charged annually, per person. So if you add one authorized user, expect to pay $195 on top of your own annual fee. Add two, and you’ll pay $390.
This marks a significant price hike from the previous $75 per user. If you’ve held the card for a while, this change is definitely something to factor in before adding anyone new.
How to Add an Authorized User to Your Account
Adding someone to your Chase Sapphire Reserve is quick and simple:
- Sign into your Chase account online.
- Select your Sapphire Reserve card.
- Click the “More” option.
- Go to “Account Services.”
- Choose “Authorized Users” from the list.
You’ll need to provide their full name, birthdate, and mailing address. Once Chase processes your request, the card will be mailed to you (the primary cardholder). It’s then your responsibility to get the card to your authorized user.
Also good to know:
- Authorized users can later apply for their own Sapphire Reserve account and still qualify for the welcome offer.
- No credit check is required—Chase does not run a soft or hard inquiry when you add someone.
Which Chase Sapphire Reserve Perks Do Authorized Users Receive?
Authorized users on the Sapphire Reserve card get access to several key travel benefits, many of which mirror those of the primary cardholder. Here’s what they’ll enjoy:
- Same elevated earning on purchases: Authorized users earn rewards at the same rates, including 3x on dining and 10x on Chase Travel hotel and rental bookings, and 5x on Chase Travel flights. However, all points go to the primary account holder.
- Full Priority Pass Select access: They’ll be able to enter over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, with the ability to bring two guests at no charge—just like the primary user.
- Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges: Authorized users can also use Chase Sapphire Lounges and select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges without restriction.
- Travel insurance and rental coverage: When paying with their card, authorized users are covered under the card’s primary rental car insurance, trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation insurance, and more.
- Visa Infinite extras: They get access to luxury hotel perks through the Visa Infinite Hotel Collection and can use the Visa Infinite Concierge for travel bookings, dining reservations, and more.
For many travelers, the lounge access alone justifies the $195 per year. If your authorized user travels even a few times annually, this perk can pay for itself quickly.
What Benefits Are NOT Extended to Authorized Users?
Even though the authorized user gets many of the top travel perks, there are some exclusions to be aware of:
- No separate annual credits: The authorized user won’t receive their own $300 travel credit, $300 dining credit, or $500 hotel credit. These benefits are issued once per account, no matter how many users are on it.
That said, their spending can count toward the primary cardholder’s credits. But don’t expect additional credits for every user.
Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve: Authorized User Comparison
If you’re debating between the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Sapphire Preferred, consider the costs and benefits of adding extra users.
The Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee and lets you add authorized users for free. However, the perks are more limited. There’s no lounge access included.
Here’s how to choose:
- If your additional users travel often and would take advantage of airport lounges and travel protections, paying $195 on the Sapphire Reserve could be a strong value.
- If they’ll mainly be using the card to earn points or need basic travel protection, the Sapphire Preferred might be the smarter move—and it costs nothing to add them.
Other Popular Chase Credit Cards Worth Considering
If you’re exploring your options beyond the Sapphire lineup, here’s a look at a few more Chase credit cards that are well-suited for travel and everyday spending. This comparison includes benefits and easy access to apply:
| Credit Card | Key Benefits | Annual Fee | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | – 1.5% cash back on all purchases- 3% on dining and drugstores- No annual fee | $0 | Apply Now |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | – 2x points on travel and dining- 5x on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards- Primary rental car insurance | $95 | Apply Now |
| Chase Ink Business Preferred® | – 3x on shipping, advertising, travel, internet- Strong business-focused perks- Cell phone protection | $95 | Apply Now |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | – 5% cash back on rotating categories- 3% on dining and drugstores- 1% on all other purchases | $0 | Apply Now |
These cards cater to different needs—whether you’re maximizing rewards on business expenses, looking for no-annual-fee cash back, or pursuing luxury travel perks, Chase offers something for every type of cardholder.
Is the $195 Fee Worth It?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the best travel cards available, and adding an authorized user can significantly extend its value—if that user will benefit.
For $195 per year, an authorized user gets full access to Priority Pass lounges, Chase Sapphire Lounges, Air Canada lounges, premium travel insurance, and the same elevated points earning. If they travel regularly, this package is a steal.
However, the higher fee means you’ll want to be sure they’ll make full use of what’s offered. If they’re not flying often or visiting lounges, it may not make sense.
Alternatively, the Chase Sapphire Preferred remains a cost-effective option. You won’t get lounge access, but it still offers strong rewards and excellent travel coverage with no fee for additional users.
At TheMilesAcademy, we suggest evaluating how often your potential authorized user flies, whether they visit lounges, and how likely they are to make the most of these perks. That’s the real deciding factor in whether the $195 upgrade is worth it.
