If you’re ever unsure whether a given purchase counts as travel, it could be worth making a small charge and checking whether it earns any bonus points on your online Chase account.
If you believe a travel purchase should have earned bonus points but didn’t, you’re not out of options. Start by checking how the transaction was categorized in your Chase online account; this can often clarify whether the merchant was coded correctly as a travel provider. If it wasn’t, or you’re still unsure, you can contact Chase through a secure message or by phone to request a manual review of the charge.
While Chase may not always adjust your points retroactively, reaching out can provide insight into how certain vendors code and help you make more informed decisions for future purchases. It’s a simple step that could yield extra rewards — or at the very least, peace of mind.
What does Chase typically count as travel purchases?
- Airlines (general travel on the Sapphire Preferred; elevated category on the Sapphire Reserve)
- Buses
- Campgrounds
- Car rental agencies (excluding RV and boat rentals)
- Cruise lines
- Discount travel sites
- Ferries
- Hotels (general travel on the Sapphire Preferred; elevated category on the Sapphire Reserve)
- Limousines
- Motels (often categorized as hotels)
- Parking lots and garages
- Passenger trains
- Taxis
- Timeshares
- Toll bridges and highways
- Travel agencies
What does Chase typically not count as travel purchases?
- Educational merchants arranging travel
- Excursions
- Gift card merchants
- Inflight goods and services
- Merchants that sell points or miles
- Merchants that rent vehicles for the purpose of hauling
- Merchants within hotels and airports
- Onboard cruise line goods and services
- Public campgrounds
- Real estate agents
- RV and boat rentals
- Sightseeing activities
- Tourist attractions
Bottom line
The Sapphire Preferred offers strong value on general travel, while the Sapphire Reserve provides even more rewards in elevated categories.
According to TPG’s July 2025 valuations, that translates to a 4.1% return on general travel purchases with the Sapphire Preferred. With flight or hotel purchases made directly with the Sapphire Reserve, you could get a return of 8.2%. Then, you can put your points to use with Chase’s airline and hotel partners.
On top of that, these Chase cards have some of the most generous travel insurance and purchase protections on the market. This makes either card a valuable addition to your wallet.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card