Travelers who prefer the space and flexibility of vacation homes now have a clearer path to earning more rewards on those stays. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card recently added a dedicated bonus category that treats direct bookings at select rental platforms the same way many cards treat hotel stays. This adjustment reflects a broader shift in how issuers recognize the growing role of private homes in group and family travel.
What Qualifies for the New 3x Earning Rate
The Sapphire Preferred awards 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on vacation homes booked directly through six specific platforms. Those platforms are Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com, and Vacasa. The bonus applies only to reservations made on the brand’s own website or app; bookings routed through third-party sites or the Chase Travel portal fall outside this category.
Secondary charges such as cleaning fees added after the initial booking do not earn the elevated rate. Cardholders who want the full 3 points per dollar should complete the entire transaction directly with one of the listed providers. This structure rewards travelers who already favor direct relationships with rental companies while leaving the portal option available for those who prefer consolidated booking.
How Vacation Homes Compare with Traditional Hotel Stays
On the Sapphire Preferred, hotels booked directly earn 2 points per dollar under the card’s general travel category. Vacation homes booked directly with the six eligible brands now earn 3 points per dollar, creating a modest but meaningful advantage for travelers who choose private accommodations. Both lodging types earn 5 points per dollar when reserved through the Chase Travel portal.
The difference matters most for travelers who value the amenities of a full home – kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and living areas – yet still want to maximize points on the same trip budget. Direct bookings also preserve access to any host-specific perks or loyalty programs that may not transfer when reservations route through an intermediary.
Where the Sapphire Preferred Stands Among Similar Cards
Several other premium cards offer competitive rates on travel spending, though few isolate vacation rentals as a distinct category. The table below summarizes the relevant earning structures based on publicly available terms as of mid-2026.
| Card | Vacation Homes Earning Rate | Approximate Return* | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on direct bookings with select brands | 6.2% | $95 |
| Ink Business Preferred | 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on the first $150,000 combined in bonus categories including travel | 6.2% | $95 |
| American Express Green Card | 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar on travel | 6% | $150 |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | 5 Capital One miles per dollar on vacation rentals through Capital One Travel; 2 miles on other purchases | 3.7% | $95 |
*Based on valuations current in July 2026. Actual value depends on redemption choices.
Practical Effects for Travelers and Cardholders
The update primarily benefits Sapphire Preferred holders who already book vacation homes for family gatherings, multi-generational trips, or extended stays. These travelers can now accumulate points at a higher rate without changing their preferred platforms or booking habits. The change also encourages direct engagement with rental companies, which can support clearer communication with hosts and access to property-specific policies.
Stakeholders include both leisure travelers planning group trips and the rental platforms themselves, which may see increased direct traffic. Because the bonus is limited to six named brands, travelers who use other providers will continue earning at the standard travel rate. The adjustment remains modest in scope yet adds a practical layer of flexibility for those who regularly choose homes over hotels.
Key points to remember
- 3 points per dollar requires direct booking with one of the six listed platforms.
- Portal bookings earn 5 points per dollar but may limit availability or host perks.
- Secondary fees and non-listed merchants do not qualify for the bonus rate.
The Sapphire Preferred’s new category quietly aligns rewards with the lodging choices many travelers already make. For those planning the next family gathering or extended getaway, the update offers a straightforward way to stretch the value of each booking.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.