VisaChase Sapphire (Original)
The no-fee Sapphire that started the dynasty, then vanished into Freedom Unlimited.
Welcome Bonus
None
Discontinued
Spend Requirement
None
Annual Fee
$0
3% FTF
Credit Score
670+
(Good)
Historical Offers Chart
Every public offer change we've tracked. Hover for details, timing your application is worth hundreds of dollars.
Last verified 2026-06-11 · spot an outdated offer? Tell us in the comments.
Earning Rates
- 2xDining
- 1xEverything else
Credits
No statement credits, this card wins on earn rates, not coupons.
Benefits
- ✦Introduced the Sapphire brand and the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem to the mass market
- ✦No annual fee version of the dining bonus before that was common
Why it earns its spot
- +Launched the most important premium card franchise in the industry
- +Kept points alive for downgraders who would not pay a Sapphire fee
Where it costs you
- −Points were fixed value without a premium Sapphire alongside it
- −Chase converted remaining accounts to Freedom Unlimited rather than preserve it
The Compound Verdict
Before the Preferred and the Reserve there was just Sapphire, a no-fee 2009 card with 2x dining that introduced Ultimate Rewards to the world. Once its paid siblings took over the brand, the original lingered as a downgrade shelf until Chase closed it to new applicants and converted the leftover accounts to Freedom Unlimited in 2019. It matters as an ancestor: every CSR story starts here.
Rate this card
Be the first to rate it
Commentson Sapphire
Comments are stored in your browser during our community preview. Accounts, moderation and cross-device sync arrive with Credit Compound Community.