Just got the Chase Sapphire Preferred? Do these 7 things next

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) was one of the first rewards cards I ever got, and it remains a staple in my wallet. For years, I've used it to earn valuable transferable points on travel, dining and groceries.If you just got your Chase Sapphire Preferred, there are a few things I'd do immediately. Some take less than a minute, and together they'll help you earn more points, activate valuable benefits and avoid forgetting perks you'll wish you'd used later.Make it your default travel card, including vacation homesThe Chase Sapphire Preferred is the card to use for travel purchases.First, it earns 3 points per dollar spent on vacation homes at these top brands: Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa. TPG credit cards writer Stephanie Stevens has stayed in over 60 Airbnbs, so this earning rate makes the Sapphire Preferred one of her go-to travel cards.Plus, the Sapphire Preferred earns at least 2 points per dollar spent on all travel purchases. Chase defines travel very broadly, so it covers everything from airlines, hotels and timeshares to car rentals, cruises, travel agencies and campgrounds. It also includes more day-to-day transportat...