One of the most common questions that I get about credit cards is how can I justify large annual fees?

I know that it can seem ludicrous to many that there’s a $795 annual fee for one card but I actually end up in the positive with my Chase Sapphire Reserve. No really, before my next annual fee pops up again on my account, Chase is actually paying me for this card.

Let’s jump in and find out more about one of the benefits that I use that allows me to save money on things I was already going to spend money on anyway. I definitely do not spend money just to save money!

How Does the $300 Annual StubHub Credit Work?

To get your StubHub credit with your Chase Sapphire Reserve, simply activate the benefit through your ⁠Chase Ultimate Rewards account, then use your card to purchase tickets. You will receive up to $150 in statement credits from January through June, and another $150 from July through December (up to $300 annually)

1. Activate the benefit: Log in to your Chase account or open the Chase Mobile App. Go to the “Benefits & Travel” section, scroll down to “Maximize your credits,” find the StubHub offer, and click “Activate”.
2. Make your purchase: Head to StubHub or their sister site, Viagogo, and purchase tickets using your Chase Sapphire Reserve (you must use this card to receive the credit)
3. Get the credit: The statement credit will be applied automatically within 1 to 2 billing cycles, up to a maximum of $150 per designated half-year.
4. Note: You must activate the offer before making your purchase, and gift cards do not qualify for the statement credit

Really? Using a Resale Ticket Website?

I had heard the horror stories about using Stubhub not only for World Cup tickets but also other popular events so I was prepared for that risk in using a reseller. I was willing to chance not being able to get in but wasn’t too worried that I would not get my money back if that was the case as I was using my Chase Sapphire Reserve. Chase has been amazing about helping with disputes in the rare circumstances I ever need to do one!

This should be something that you figure out your own risk tolerance for (ie use the credit for something in town so if you do not get in that you are also not out for travel expenses) or for some, this is a credit that they willingly forego.

One other important thing is to do your research and verify that using with Viagogo or Stubhub offers you competitive pricing (with and without the $150 credit)

How I have used the $300 Annual StubHub Credit

World Cup 26 Quarterfinal Match (ARG vs SUI) Ticket – 11 Rows Behind Goal for $808!

Ticket price was $992.75 – $150 (Sapphire Reserve StubHub/Viagogo bi-annual credit) – $34.75 (Rakuten 3.5% cashback) = $808 NET PRICE

I had been watching prices for this match (and others) and that along with my knowledge re teams + tendencies of their supporters helped me create a strategy to wait it out for my ideal tickets ~ and things ended up falling into place for me!

I knew that I had bought a legitimate ticket when I received the FIFA email about needing to accept my ticket – success!

Beautiful Tips: Use Apple Pay – helps with time-sensitive purchases and seems to help with mitigating fraud concerns from card issuers and merchants. ALSO USE different emails for different accounts or at least not your full name Gmail address when buying tickets since your email (and hence name/info) is shared with others!

I always preach about maximizing spend and will use shopping portals for more points/miles whenever possible. Viagogo was 3.5% Cashback (or in my case, I earn Amex points for 3.5x) on Rakuten so that was another $34.75 saved bring the total saved to $184.75!

This is one of those “once in a lifetime” moments, (haha obviously not attending the World Cup) but seeing Lionel Messi play for Argentina and at the World Cup and this would be my last opportunity to do that. He is simply the GOAT but even more so, he has been having one of the craziest tournaments and I wanted to be able to see/be a part of that magic in person!

I had budgeted a bit more for the ticket so I was esctatic that not only did I get such a great deal on the ticket but the match even more amazing that I could have imagined. I have been to many, many sporting events and this is one of the top three for me!

Denver Nuggets Game (Birthday Gift For Two of My Close Gal Pals!) – Section 112 Tix for $37 EACH!

Price for three tickets was $261.08 – $150 (Sapphire Reserve StubHub/Viagogo bi-annual credit) = $111 NET PRICE + 653 AA miles

World Cup 26 Group Stage Match (Egypt vs New Zealand)

I did attend a World Cup 26 group stage match in Vancouver and had purchased the tickets for myself and friend from Viagogo – if I hadn’t already used the credit on an Avs playoff game earlier this year, this ticket would have been $150 cheaper!

Not All Smooth Sailing AKA What Could Have Been A Nightmare Scenario!

A PERFECT seat opens up as it is only three rows back from the field and only $993! I quickly book and get a confirmation email!

But then minutes later, I get a CANCELLATION email?! I checked my account and I saw the charge was pending so I was completely confused!

As I am on hold with Chase to make sure that there wasn’t something holding it up on the back end, I notice that the seller had RELISTED the ticket and for over a THOUSAND more as seen in the two bottom photos!

I am not sure how that is legal?! Obviously there is nothing Chase can do and I don’t even try to contact Viagogo but this does make me even more leery about resale ticket sites!

Final Thoughts

This is an easy credit to use if you are like me and go to a lot of live events – concerts, plays, sporting events etc. While most of the time I buy when tickets are released, there are times that I may need to buy a resale ticket so buying from Viagogo or Stubhub and being able to save $300 per year (along with stacking via shopping portals) is a win-win.

And even more amazing is how I have been able to use the credit to spoil my gal pals for a bday Nuggets game or take a Wanderlist trip and see Lionel Messi play for Argentina and at the World Cup from 11 rows behind the goal!!

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