Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $0/yr for the United Gateway Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or United Gateway Card?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the United Gateway Card doesn't?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The United Gateway Card offers travel credits.

Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the United Gateway Card?

Choose the United Gateway Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $0/yr for the United Gateway Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or United Gateway Card?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the United Gateway Card doesn't?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The United Gateway Card offers travel credits.

Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the United Gateway Card?

Choose the United Gateway Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $0/yr for the United Gateway Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or United Gateway Card?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the United Gateway Card doesn't?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The United Gateway Card offers travel credits.

Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the United Gateway Card?

Choose the United Gateway Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

CardRewards

Editorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: June 2026.

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs United Gateway Card

The United Gateway Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

United Gateway Card

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$795

Welcome Bonus

125,000 Flex point

30,000 Airline

Earn Rates

Category	Chase Sapphire Reserve	United Gateway Card
Flights	4X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The United Gateway Card wins in 6 of 9 categories. The Chase Sapphire Reserve leads in 3.

Hotels

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Dining

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3X vs 1X

United Purchases

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Gas Stations

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Ridesharing

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Tolls

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Transit

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

United Airlines

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

The United Gateway Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $795), making it the more accessible option.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

Choose the United Gateway Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $0/yr for the United Gateway Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or United Gateway Card?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the United Gateway Card doesn't?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The United Gateway Card offers travel credits.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the United Gateway Card?: Choose the United Gateway Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Capital One Venture vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Capital One Venture X vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Explore More

Chase Sapphire Reserve — Full Review All Chase Cards

United Gateway Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Chase cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: June 2026.

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs United Gateway Card

The United Gateway Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

United Gateway Card

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$795

Welcome Bonus

125,000 Flex point

30,000 Airline

Earn Rates

Category	Chase Sapphire Reserve	United Gateway Card
Flights	4X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The United Gateway Card wins in 6 of 9 categories. The Chase Sapphire Reserve leads in 3.

Hotels

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Dining

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3X vs 1X

United Purchases

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Gas Stations

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Ridesharing

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Tolls

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Transit

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

United Airlines

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

The United Gateway Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $795), making it the more accessible option.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

Choose the United Gateway Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $0/yr for the United Gateway Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or United Gateway Card?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the United Gateway Card doesn't?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The United Gateway Card offers travel credits.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the United Gateway Card?: Choose the United Gateway Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Capital One Venture vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Capital One Venture X vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Explore More

Chase Sapphire Reserve — Full Review All Chase Cards

United Gateway Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Chase cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs United Gateway Card

The United Gateway Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

United Gateway Card

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$795

Welcome Bonus

125,000 Flex point

30,000 Airline

Earn Rates

Category	Chase Sapphire Reserve	United Gateway Card
Flights	4X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The United Gateway Card wins in 6 of 9 categories. The Chase Sapphire Reserve leads in 3.

Hotels

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Dining

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3X vs 1X

United Purchases

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Gas Stations

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Ridesharing

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Tolls

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Transit

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

United Airlines

United Gateway Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

The United Gateway Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $795), making it the more accessible option.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

Choose the United Gateway Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $0/yr for the United Gateway Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or United Gateway Card?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the United Gateway Card doesn't?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The United Gateway Card offers travel credits.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the United Gateway Card?: Choose the United Gateway Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Capital One Venture vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Capital One Venture X vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Explore More

Chase Sapphire Reserve — Full Review All Chase Cards

United Gateway Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Chase cards

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

Pros & Cons

Pros

+$1,650 in annual credits more than covers $795 fee
+Priority Pass Select with 2 guests included
+Exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounge access
+Primary rental car coverage saves $15-30/day
+Points worth 50% more through Chase Travel

+No annual fee ever
+No foreign transaction fees
+2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit/rideshare
+25% back on United inflight purchases and Club premium drinks
+0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases

Cons

−$795 annual fee is substantial commitment
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with recent cards
−Credits require specific spending patterns to use
−$195 authorized user fee with no free users
−No 0% intro APR offer

−No automatic free checked bags (must spend $10K to unlock)
−No priority boarding
−Lower earn rates than premium United cards (2x vs 3x/4x on United)
−No Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
−No annual travel credits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr — that's $795 more than the United Gateway Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $795 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. With 3 premium perks, heavy spenders on hotels and flights can often offset the full fee.

Bottom line: The $795 gap is significant. Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve only if you spend heavily on hotels and flights and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the United Gateway Card delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing United Gateway Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Purchase protection
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the United Gateway Card if you:

+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

Pros & Cons

Pros

+$1,650 in annual credits more than covers $795 fee
+Priority Pass Select with 2 guests included
+Exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounge access
+Primary rental car coverage saves $15-30/day
+Points worth 50% more through Chase Travel

+No annual fee ever
+No foreign transaction fees
+2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit/rideshare
+25% back on United inflight purchases and Club premium drinks
+0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases

Cons

−$795 annual fee is substantial commitment
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with recent cards
−Credits require specific spending patterns to use
−$195 authorized user fee with no free users
−No 0% intro APR offer

−No automatic free checked bags (must spend $10K to unlock)
−No priority boarding
−Lower earn rates than premium United cards (2x vs 3x/4x on United)
−No Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
−No annual travel credits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. With 3 premium perks, heavy spenders on hotels and flights can often offset the full fee.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing United Gateway Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Purchase protection
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the United Gateway Card if you:

+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

Pros & Cons

Pros

+$1,650 in annual credits more than covers $795 fee
+Priority Pass Select with 2 guests included
+Exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounge access
+Primary rental car coverage saves $15-30/day
+Points worth 50% more through Chase Travel

+No annual fee ever
+No foreign transaction fees
+2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit/rideshare
+25% back on United inflight purchases and Club premium drinks
+0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases

Cons

−$795 annual fee is substantial commitment
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with recent cards
−Credits require specific spending patterns to use
−$195 authorized user fee with no free users
−No 0% intro APR offer

−No automatic free checked bags (must spend $10K to unlock)
−No priority boarding
−Lower earn rates than premium United cards (2x vs 3x/4x on United)
−No Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
−No annual travel credits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. With 3 premium perks, heavy spenders on hotels and flights can often offset the full fee.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing United Gateway Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Purchase protection
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the United Gateway Card if you:

+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment