Chase Ultimate Rewards points are among the most versatile and coveted in the world of travel rewards, thanks to their ability to be transferred to a wide array of airline and hotel partners.
The program’s flexibility allows cardholders to strategically transfer points to various partners, unlocking the potential for luxurious travel experiences and maximizing the value of their points.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, provide step-by-step instructions on how to transfer points, and offer tips to help you decide which partners can best serve your travel needs.
What are Chase’s Transfer Partners?
Chase offers 1 to 1 points transfers to 11 airlines and 3 hotel programs if you have one of the following cards: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® , or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Transfers must be in increments of 1,000 points.
Chase will also occasionally offer transfer bonuses of 25% to 50%, which can further increase the value of your Chase points. Here are all of Chase’s transfer partners:
Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners [1 to 1]
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Aer Lingus
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Air Canada Aeroplan
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Air France/KLM
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British Airways
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Emirates
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Hyatt Hotels
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Iberia
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IHG Hotels
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JetBlue
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Marriott
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Singapore
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Southwest
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United
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Virgin Atlantic
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How Long Do Chase Ultimate Rewards Take?
Most transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to partners are instantaneous except for Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Marriott Bonvoy, which each take 24 to 48 hours.
Occasionally there are delays especially if you recently created your airline or hotel account, the names on the accounts do not match, or for security reasons.
How Do I Transfer Chase Points to Transfer Partners?
Transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to travel partners is easy:
- Sign into Chase.com and click your card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Click “Redeem” where it lists your Chase Ultimate Rewards balance.
- When you are on the Chase Ultimate Rewards website, click “Travel” and then “Transfer points to Partners.”
- Choose the partner you want to transfer points to.
- Follow the prompts to either link your accounts or confirm your account numbers.
- You will then be asked about the number of points you want to transfer, which must be in increments of 1,000 points.
- You will then be asked to confirm your points transfer.
Chase’s Transfer Partners Ranked
I frequently get asked what are the best partners to transfer to from Chase Ultimate Rewards. Here are my recommendations from best to worst with guides on how to best use each programs points:
1. World of Hyatt
One thing that sets Hyatt apart from other hotel programs is the ability to redeem points for suites, either through free night awards or upgrade awards, typically at a 50-100% premium over standard rooms. You can also book Points + Cash stays, combining points with a discounted cash rate. Dining and spa awards let you apply points toward on-property charges, generally worth around 1 to 1.5 cents each. Hyatt's acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith opened up points redemptions at independent luxury properties, though pricing is dynamic and tends to be a weaker value than standard hotel stays. You won't pay resort or destination fees on points bookings, and Globalist members skip these fees on cash stays too. Members can also combine points with another account when they're short for a specific redemption.
2. Iberia Plus
Iberia Club Avios might fly under the radar compared to British Airways, but that's exactly what makes it worth a closer look. Iberia belongs to Oneworld, so you can redeem Iberia Avios on American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Qantas, and more, plus a handful of non-alliance partners like Aer Lingus and Vueling. What sets Iberia Club apart is its distance-based pricing. Rather than charging by segment, awards price on total distance flown. That means connections won't cost you extra, and you can often build a short round-trip or multi-city itinerary for the price of a single one-way elsewhere. The sweet spots are hard to beat. Off-peak business class from Chicago to Madrid runs just 50,500 Avios one-way, while East Coast departures like New York or Boston to Madrid can go for as little as 40,500. West Coast flyers pay more, around 60,500 Avios, but it's still a reasonable price for a lie-flat seat across the Atlantic. Domestic U.S. trips shine too. American Airlines routes under 650 miles price at just 12,000 Avios round-trip in economy, making short hops like New York to Boston an easy way to stretch your balance. If you're after something more indulgent, American's transcontinental Flagship First product between New York and Los Angeles or San Francisco runs 103,000 Avios round-trip. For longer-haul adventures, Madrid to Shanghai or Tokyo in business class both fall in the 60,500 to 70,500 Avios range one-way, solid value for reaching Asia from Europe.
3. Air France KLM Flying Blue
Flying Blue is the frequent flyer program for Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam partners like Delta and Virgin Atlantic, giving you access to award flights across the globe. One of the biggest perks is dynamic pricing paired with Promo Rewards, monthly discounts of up to 50% off select routes. You can sometimes snag a one-way economy award for under 10,000 miles when a Promo Reward lines up with your trip. Standard saver pricing between the U.S. and Europe starts at 25,000 miles one-way in economy, 40,000 in premium economy, and 60,000 in business. A great sweet spot is North Africa, since Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and the Canary Islands price the same as Europe. You can also reach Hawaii on Delta for far fewer miles than booking directly with Delta, or fly Air France nonstop to Tahiti starting at 35,000 miles one-way. The Caribbean is another strong option, with one-way economy awards to Europe starting at 30,000 miles and business class from 85,000 miles. Beyond SkyTeam, Flying Blue has valuable non-alliance partnerships with Japan Airlines, Etihad, Copa, Air Mauritius, and Transavia, opening up destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and the Indian Ocean islands. You can also use Flying Blue miles for upgrade awards on Air France, KLM, and select partners like Aeromexico, China Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Korean Air. Just keep in mind that Flying Blue miles expire after two years unless you fly, shop through the Flying Blue store, or book a hotel stay to keep them active.
4. Air Canada Aeroplan
Air Canada Aeroplan is one of the more rewarding airline programs out there, especially if you fly with Star Alliance carriers. Air Canada belongs to Star Alliance, the largest airline alliance in the world, so you can redeem Aeroplan points on partners like United, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Singapore Airlines. Aeroplan also has a long list of non-alliance partners, including Emirates, Etihad, Gulf Air, and Oman Air, which gives you even more places to put your points to use. You'll want to book partner flights whenever you can, since Aeroplan uses a fixed, zone-based award chart for partners rather than the dynamic pricing it applies to Air Canada's own flights. That means you'll always know exactly how many points a partner redemption costs, based on the total distance between two zones. Business class tends to deliver the strongest value per point, often close to 1.8 cents each, compared to roughly 1.3 cents for economy. If your schedule is flexible, look for sweet spots where a route sits just under a distance-band cutoff, since a small increase in mileage can push you into a pricier band. Aeroplan's stopover policy is another standout perk. You can add a stopover to a one-way redemption for just 5,000 points, letting you visit a second city for very little extra cost. And unlike many programs, Aeroplan doesn't add fuel surcharges on partner awards, though a CA$39 partner booking fee does apply.
5. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer program is one of the most rewarding frequent flyer currencies out there, especially if you love premium cabins. As a Star Alliance member, Singapore gives you access to an enormous network that includes United, Lufthansa, ANA, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, and dozens more. The crown jewel redemption is Singapore Suites Class on the A380, a first class product with a double bed that's only bookable with KrisFlyer miles. You won't find it released to partner programs. You can still book it on international routes like Singapore to Hong Kong, Sydney, or London, starting around 47,500 miles one-way. Beyond Suites, KrisFlyer shines on Star Alliance redemptions. United domestic first class runs from 43,000 miles one-way, often a better deal than United's own MileagePlus pricing. Flights from the U.S. to Europe in economy start at 27,500 miles, and Star Alliance economy awards to Europe run 32,500 miles. You'll also want to consider: KrisFlyer also allows generous stopovers on many awards, letting you add an extra destination to your trip for free or a small fee. Just keep an eye on award surcharges, which vary by partner airline and route
6. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is one of the more underrated loyalty programs out there, and Virgin Points can go a long way if you know where to use them. Virgin joined SkyTeam in 2023, so you can redeem points on Delta, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, and other alliance members, plus a solid roster of non-alliance partners like ANA, Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, and South African Airways. The standout redemption is ANA first class to Japan. You'll pay from 72,500 points one-way from the West Coast, and it's one of the best first-class products in the sky. Business class runs from 52,500 points one-way on the same route. Virgin Atlantic's own Upper Class is another strong option. Round-trip awards between the U.S. and U.K. start at 57,000 points off-peak, though fuel surcharges and U.K. taxes can push fees above $1,600 round-trip. Delta redemptions deserve attention too. Since Delta doesn't publish its own chart, Virgin's distance-based pricing can undercut SkyMiles significantly. You can fly Delta One Suites to Europe from 47,500 points one-way, or snag short nonstop economy hops for as little as 7,500 points. Other highlights include Air France and KLM business class from the East Coast to Europe starting at 48,500 points, and Air New Zealand business class from the West Coast to the South Pacific from 45,000 points one-way. For something completely different, you can even book Richard Branson's Necker Island for 2 million points.
7. Aer Lingus AerClub
Aer Lingus AerClub Avios might be the most overlooked currency in the points world, but that's exactly what makes it interesting. Aer Lingus isn't part of an alliance itself, though it shares the Avios currency with British Airways and Iberia, both Oneworld members. That connection matters because it opens up partner bookings you wouldn't get otherwise. United also partners with Aer Lingus, so you can earn Avios on United flights too. The standout redemption is transatlantic travel between North America and Ireland. Off-peak economy from the East Coast starts at just 13,000 Avios one-way with no fuel surcharges, and West Coast cities like Los Angeles or Seattle top out around 16,250 Avios. Business class runs from 50,000 to 62,500 Avios depending on your departure city, which holds up well against other programs once you factor in the lack of surcharges. You can stretch your Avios further by adding a connection on Aer Lingus for as little as 4,000 extra Avios, opening up destinations across the Mediterranean for less than the typical 30,000 miles other airlines charge from North America to Europe. Intra-Europe hops from Ireland start at a mere 4,000 Avios, though you'll want to check cash fares first since short flights in Europe are often cheap anyway. One clever trick: book a short business class British Airways flight from London for just 9,000 Avios to get access to the Galleries Lounge at Heathrow before your next flight. Since Aer Lingus itself isn't a Oneworld member, this lounge access only works when you're flying on British Airways metal.
8. United MileagePlus
United MileagePlus offers numerous opportunities to redeem miles for flights on United and its extensive network of Star Alliance and other airline partners. Here are some of the best ways to use United miles: For international travel, business and first class award tickets often provide excellent value. You can fly Lufthansa first class from the U.S. to Europe for 121,000 miles one-way, experiencing one of the most sought-after premium cabins. United's own Polaris business class to Europe starts at 80,000 miles one-way, featuring lie-flat seats with direct aisle access. United's Excursionist Perk allows you to add a free one-way segment within a single region on round-trip international itineraries, effectively giving you a free stopover. This can be creatively used to visit multiple destinations on one award ticket. Short-haul flights under 800 miles outside the U.S. can be booked for just 8,800 miles in economy, making United miles useful for intra-region travel in places like Europe or Africa. Within the U.S., domestic flights can sometimes be found for as low as 5,000 miles one-way with United's dynamic pricing. For long-haul travel, you can book business class to Africa on Star Alliance partners like Ethiopian Airlines or South African Airways for 88,000 miles one-way. ANA's excellent business class to Japan, featuring "The Room" seats on some aircraft, starts at 110,000 miles. United miles can also get you to hard-to-reach places like the Galápagos Islands, with economy flights from Ecuador starting at just 8,800 miles one-way on Avianca. Caribbean destinations can be reached from 13,200 miles round-trip in economy from the U.S. Remember that United doesn't pass on fuel surcharges for partner awards, keeping out-of-pocket costs low. While redemption rates may not always be the absolute lowest, the ease of booking online and access to extensive Star Alliance inventory make United MileagePlus a valuable program for award travelers.
9. Emirates Skywards
Emirates Skywards is Dubai-based Emirates' loyalty program, and it comes with an important quirk: Emirates isn't part of any of the three major global alliances. Instead, you'll find value through individual partnerships with airlines like Air Canada, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Korean Air, and TAP Air Portugal, among others. The showcase redemption is Emirates First Class, especially on the Boeing 777-300ER or Airbus A380. You'll get inflight showers and fully enclosed suites, though award space is limited to Skywards Silver, Gold, or Platinum members. If you don't have status, you can book business class and upgrade with additional miles. Round-trip bookings almost always beat one-way redemptions in value. Emirates also runs a few standout fifth-freedom routes, including New York to Milan and Bangkok to Hong Kong, that let you sample premium cabins without paying long-haul mileage prices. Partner airlines often unlock better value than Emirates metal itself. Japan Airlines offers reasonable pricing between Tokyo and Australia or Hawaii. Korean Air has cheap domestic awards, including flights to Jeju Island for as little as 10,000 miles one-way. TAP Air Portugal opens up short hops between Portugal, Morocco, Madeira, and the Azores for a modest number of miles, plus solid business class options across the Atlantic. You can also use miles to upgrade a paid ticket, starting at just 7,020 miles, or combine cash and miles if you're short on balance. Just budget for Emirates' famously steep taxes and fees, which run lower on partner awards.
10. British Airways Executive Club
British Airways Avios are the currency behind The British Airways Club, and they go a lot further than most people expect. As a Oneworld member, British Airways gives you access to an impressive lineup of partner airlines, including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Malaysia Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Oman Air, Fiji Airways, and Royal Air Maroc, plus non-alliance partner Aer Lingus. Here's the trick with Avios: British Airways charges by distance rather than by region, and short flights are where the real value lives. A nonstop U.S. hop under 650 miles on American or Alaska runs just 13,500 Avios with minimal taxes. Compare that to long-haul flights on British Airways metal itself, where fuel surcharges can eat up any savings you'd otherwise get. That's why the smartest play is often booking partner-operated flights instead of BA-operated ones. You can fly Aer Lingus to Dublin, Iberia to Madrid, or Qatar Airways' Qsuites business class to Doha, all while dodging the steep surcharges tied to British Airways-operated routes. Avios also unlock some incredible lounge experiences for surprisingly low prices, like Cathay Pacific's The Wing in Hong Kong or Qantas' lounges in Australia, both bookable through short business-class redemptions. And if you fly BA in first class, pairing your award with a Travel Together Ticket lets you bring a companion for free, making premium cabins far more attainable.
11. Southwest Rapid Rewards
Southwest Rapid Rewards offers a flexible and straightforward way to redeem points for flights. The program's simplicity is one of its key strengths, and its value is fairly onsistent across different fare types and destinations. Our data study found that the value of Southwest Rapid Rewards points is 1.37 cents per point, making it easy for members to gauge the worth of their rewards. Redemptions are seamless on Southwest's website, where you can book any available seat without blackout dates. One of the program's standout features is its generous change and cancellation policy. You can modify or cancel award bookings without fees, with points returned to your account and taxes refunded to your original form of payment. While Southwest primarily serves domestic routes, it also flies to select international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. The airline's extensive U.S. network makes it a popular choice for domestic travelers, despite not belonging to a major alliance. For maximum value, focus on redeeming points for Wanna Get Away fares, which often provide the best return. Avoid using points for gift cards, hotels, or rental cars, as these options typically offer significantly lower value than the 1.37 cents per point average for flights. The Southwest Companion Pass is a potential game-changer for frequent travelers. This benefit allows a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees on both paid and award tickets, effectively doubling the value of your points when traveling together.
12. JetBlue TrueBlue
JetBlue TrueBlue offers a straightforward rewards program with flexible redemption options. Members can redeem points for any seat on JetBlue flights, with no blackout dates. The program uses a revenue-based model, typically offering solid value for economy bookings. In fact, our analysis shows that TrueBlue points are worth approximately 1.31 cents each when redeemed for economy flights. This value proposition makes TrueBlue points particularly attractive for budget-conscious travelers. For those seeking premium travel experiences, TrueBlue points can be used for JetBlue's Mint business class, though the redemption value is generally lower, averaging about 1.1 cents per point. Despite this lower redemption rate, the program truly shines with its partnership redemptions, particularly with Qatar Airways. Members can book Qatar Airways flights directly through JetBlue's website, often securing excellent value for long-haul business class travel. Another notable partner is Hawaiian Airlines, offering opportunities for inter-island hops and flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland. These redemptions can provide good value, especially during peak travel periods when cash fares are high. TrueBlue's user-friendly features include points that never expire and fee-free changes or cancellations on award bookings. This flexibility allows members to book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed. While JetBlue doesn't belong to a major airline alliance, its partnerships with Qatar Airways and Hawaiian Airlines expand redemption options beyond JetBlue's network. This combination of simplicity, flexibility, and strategic partnerships makes TrueBlue an appealing program for both casual and frequent travelers, offering consistent value for economy redemptions and unique opportunities for premium travel experiences.
13. Marriott Bonvoy
14. IHG One Rewards
IHG One Rewards points offer flexibility and value for travelers seeking hotel stays and unique experiences. The primary and most valuable use of IHG points is for hotel bookings across the brand's extensive portfolio. Point requirements vary based on the property and season, starting from 5,000 points per night. IHG's dynamic pricing model aligns point costs with cash rates, ensuring consistent value. Members can book stays entirely with points or opt for a points-plus-cash combination. Based on our data study, we value points at 0.73 cent per point. To maximize value, IHG credit cardholders can take advantage of the fourth-night-free benefit on award stays of four nights or more. This effectively provides a 25% discount on longer stays. It's worth noting that award stays booked with points waive most taxes and fees, potentially leading to significant savings, especially in areas with high tourism taxes. For those seeking more than just accommodations, IHG One Rewards Access provides opportunities to redeem points for exclusive events and experiences in entertainment and sports. This feature allows members to bid on or directly book special activities, adding an extra dimension to their travel rewards. While IHG points can be redeemed for gift cards or merchandise, these options generally offer lower value compared to hotel stays.
How to Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
To unlock points transfer to Chase Ultimate Rewards’ transfer partners, you need to have one of the following three cards:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (review) is one of the most popular travel rewards cards because it offers nice welcome bonus and extra points on travel and dining, which can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through Chase Travel℠. The Sapphire Preferred also offers great travel and purchase protections for a card with a $95 annual fee.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earning Rewards: 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2x points on all other travel purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Card Benefits: Ability to transfer to airline and hotel partners, 25% bonus when redeeming points through Chase Travel, $50 annual hotel stay credit via Chase Travel, 10% anniversary points bonus, no foreign transaction fees, primary rental car insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty.
Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France KLM Flying Blue, British Airways, Emirates, Hyatt, Iberia, IHG, JetBlue, Marriott, Singapore KrisFlyer, Southwest, United, Virgin Atlantic, and Wyndham.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (review) offers premium travel benefits including lounge access, hotel elite status, and multiple statement credits that can offset its $795 annual fee. With bonus earnings on travel and dining purchases plus the ability to transfer points to 14 airline and hotel partners, this card delivers strong value for frequent travelers who can maximize its benefits.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earning Rewards: 10x points on Hotels (excluding The Edit) and car rentals and 5x points on flights through Chase Travel after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 10x points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards; 3x points on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out; 3x points on other travel after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 1x points on other eligible spending.
Card Benefits: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge membership with unlimited visits, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fee credit of up to $120 every four years, no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance (primary rental car, trip delay, trip cancellation, travel accident, lost luggage, and baggage delay), purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranty.
Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France KLM Flying Blue, British Airways, Emirates, Hyatt, Iberia, IHG, JetBlue, Marriott, Singapore KrisFlyer, Southwest, United, Virgin Atlantic, and Wyndham.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (review) offers great rewards for small business owners. With bonus points on travel, shipping, advertising, and communication services, plus valuable travel protections, it's a solid choice for companies looking to maximize their everyday spending.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening.
Earning Rewards: 3x points on travel, shipping, advertising made with social media sites and search engines, and internet, cable and phone services on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in the following categories each account anniversary year; 1x points on all other eligible purchases.
Card Benefits: Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel, no foreign transaction fees, primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation insurance, cell phone protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty.
Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France KLM Flying Blue, British Airways, Emirates, Hyatt, Iberia, IHG, JetBlue, Marriott, Singapore KrisFlyer, Southwest, United, Virgin Atlantic, and Wyndham.
Chase offers four credit cards that are typically considered cash-back products. However, if you also have one of the three Ultimate Rewards-earning cards mentioned above, you can combine your points into a single account, effectively transforming your cash-back rewards into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.
The best part? All of these cash-back cards have no annual fee, allowing you to enjoy this added flexibility without any extra costs.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (review) sets itself apart with 1.5% back on non-bonus purchases, plus higher rewards in select categories including dining and travel. This flexible rewards card becomes even more valuable when paired with a premium Chase card, allowing you to transfer your rewards to travel partners.
Welcome Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earning Cash Back: 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3% back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services; 3% back on drugstore purchases; 1.5% back on all other purchases
CaBenefits: Purchase protection, extended warranty, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, secondary rental car insurance, and 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, after that 18.24%–27.74% APR applies;
Chase Freedom Flex℠
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ (review) rewards cardholders with 5x points in rotating quarterly categories and includes solid benefits like cell phone protection and purchase coverage. While the rotating categories require activation each quarter, this card offers significant value for those willing to track and maximize the bonus categories.
Welcome Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn Rewards: 5% back in quarterly bonus categories; 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3% back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services; 3% back on drugstore purchases; 1% back on all other purchases.
Card Benefits: Cell phone protection, purchase protection, extended warranty, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, secondary rental car insurance, and 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, after that a 18.24%–27.74% APR applies.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (review) offers a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all business purchases with no bonus categories to track and no annual fee. This card shines brightest when paired with premium Chase cards, allowing you to transform your rewards into valuable Ultimate Rewards points for transfers to travel partners.
Welcome Bonus: Limited Time Offer: Earn $1,000 cash back after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 4 months after account opening.
Earn Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases.
Card Benefits: Primary rental car insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, and 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, after that a 16.74%–24.74% APR applies.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (review) packs serious value with no annual fee, offering excellent rewards at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services. This business card stands out with its substantial welcome bonus and valuable perks like purchase protection and primary rental car coverage for business rentals.
Welcome Bonus: Limited Time Offer: Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 4 months after account opening.
Earn Rewards: 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Card Benefits: Primary rental car insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, and 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, after that a 16.74%–24.74% APR applies.
Alternatives to the Transferring Points
If you don’t want to transfer points to travel partners, here are several other options:
Booking Through the Chase Travel Portal
The Chase Travel portal offers a straightforward way to redeem your Ultimate Rewards points for travel bookings. The value you get per point depends on which Chase card you hold:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: 1.5 cents per point
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 1.25 cents per point
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: 1.25 cents per point
- Other Chase cards (Freedom Flex, Freedom Unlimited, Ink Business Cash, Ink Business Unlimited): 1 cent per point
For example, if you have the Sapphire Reserve and want to book a $300 flight, it would cost you 20,000 points (300 / 0.015 = 20,000). The same flight would cost 24,000 points with the Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred, and 30,000 points with other Chase cards.
An added benefit of booking through the Chase portal is that flights generally earn miles and count toward elite status, as they’re treated like cash bookings by airlines.
Non-Travel Redemption Options
While transferring to travel partners or booking through the Chase Travel portal often provides the best value, Chase does offer several non-travel redemption options:
- Cash Back: Redeem your points for statement credits or direct deposits at a rate of 1 cent per point.
- Gift Cards: Choose from a variety of retailers, typically at a rate of 1 cent per point.
- Apple Products: Use your points to purchase the latest Apple devices, usually at a rate of 1 cent per point.
- Amazon Purchases: Link your Chase card to your Amazon account to use points at checkout, though the redemption rate is lower at about 0.8 cents per point.
- Pay Yourself Back: This feature allows you to redeem points against select purchases at an improved rate, which varies by card and current offers.
While these options provide flexibility, they generally offer less value than travel redemptions. However, they can be useful if you need to liquidate points quickly or prefer cash back over travel rewards.
Do Chase Ultimate Rewards Expire?
Chase Ultimate Rewards points do not expire as long as you have at least one active Ultimate Rewards-earning credit card open. This provides great flexibility, allowing you to accumulate points over time without worrying about losing them.
However, if you decide to close all of your Chase cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, you’ll need to act quickly. In this case, you must redeem or transfer your points before closing your last card. If you don’t, you’ll forfeit any remaining points in your account. To avoid losing your hard-earned rewards, make sure to have a plan for your points before closing your accounts.
The Verdict
The Chase Ultimate Rewards program provides a highly flexible and valuable option for travel enthusiasts seeking to maximize their rewards by transferring points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners.
By strategically earning points and carefully considering which transfer partners offer the best value for your specific travel goals, you can unlock a world of possibilities, from first-class flights to luxurious hotel stays.
