Pairing Freedom and CSP
 

Hello, I am wondering about how you can maximize points by having a Freedom Unlimited and a Sapphire Preserve; I don't think I would have enough usage to warrant a Reserve. I have heard that if you have a Preserve you can transfer points from Freedom Unlimited to it for better earnings value. I have looked at the different cards and am a bit confused since the Freedom Unlimited is a cash back card, and the Sapphire Preserve is points. Can someone explain how this works? Do you have to have the CSP at the same time as the Freedom Unlimited in order for points/dollars to be transferable, or could I get the Freedom Unlimited first and let points/dollars build up for a while before getting a CSP to transfer them to? Thank you!

Welcome to Flyertalk.

This is a marketing gambit. Freedom, Freedom Unlimited and INK Cash are marketed as cash back cards, but they all earn points. Points which can be redeemed for cash - but that's optional.


Read this thread to learn about combining points earned with various cards:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase...solidated.html

You can have the Freedom/Freedom Unlimited first, acquire a stash of points then transfer them later when you get a CSP/R. Just be careful of 5/24 and making sure you don't lock yourself out.

Keep in mind the net difference between the fees for the CSR and CSP is only $55, assuming you spend more than $300 a year on travel/commute expenses.

Not only that, but you will earn points at a higher rate in the exact same categories and redeem them at a higher value than the CSP. Honestly, the card is obsolete unless you don't travel at all. But then you shouldn't have either one, in my opinion.

Not necessarily, if you have one plus an authorised user, then the fee compared to the CSP is an additional +$75. If you funnel your travel spend elsewhere for sign up bonuses or other benefits or already have a 3x earning (or 5x in case of Amex) card, then it's hard to make the CSR work over a CSP if you have authorised users as a long term prospect beyond the initial bonus IMO. Definitely not obsolete, but it has been displaced in a lot of cases I will agree.

Can you combine a Sapphire Preferred and a Sapphire Reserve and get a Sapphire Preserve?

It seems that you might end up in a bit of a jam.