If you’ve been eyeing the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s 100,000-point welcome bonus, the clock is ticking. According to The Points Guy, this offer is ending soon — and the outlet just published a rundown of eight mistakes that could cost you the bonus entirely if you’re not careful before you hit apply.
Why This Matters
100,000-point welcome offers on the Sapphire Preferred don’t stick around indefinitely. Chase runs these elevated bonuses in limited windows, and once the offer reverts to a lower amount, there’s no guarantee it comes back anytime soon. If you’ve already decided this card fits your travel plans, the real risk right now isn’t whether to apply — it’s applying the wrong way and forfeiting points you’d otherwise earn.
Who This Is Best For
This offer makes the most sense for:
- Southern families planning fall or holiday travel who want a flexible points cushion for flights, hotels, or a rental car without committing to one airline or hotel brand
- Value-seekers who travel occasionally but not constantly — the Sapphire Preferred’s rewards structure (bonus categories on travel and dining) rewards everyday spending better than a card you’d only use once a year
- Anyone new to the Chase ecosystem looking for an entry point into transferable points before considering a premium, higher-annual-fee card down the line
It’s a poor fit if you’re not confident you can meet whatever minimum spend requirement applies, or if you’re already juggling several new credit applications — since mistakes around timing and application history are reportedly among the pitfalls The Points Guy flags.
Before You Apply
The Points Guy’s full breakdown covers eight specific mistakes — from application timing to how you structure your spending toward the bonus — that can trip up even experienced points collectors. Because the specifics of Chase’s application rules and bonus category structure can shift, it’s worth reading that full list before you submit anything. We’ve also covered this same 100,000-point bonus from the travel-value angle in a companion piece on the site, if you want the numbers behind why it’s considered a strong offer.
The Bottom Line
A 100,000-point Sapphire Preferred offer with a stated end date is the kind of deal that rewards moving deliberately, not fast. Read up on the common mistakes first, make sure the card fits how you actually spend and travel, then apply with a plan — not on a whim just because the deadline is looming.
Ready to check the current offer? See the Chase Sapphire Preferred offer details before it changes.