chase sapphire travel reservations

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Explore the world with offers from Sapphire Reserve

Take advantage of over $1,000 in additional partner benefits.

Whether you're craving new restaurants, chances to reconnect with friends and family and even more ways to reward yourself, we have offers to inspire you. Explore what you can do with Sapphire Reserve.

01 Priority Pass TM Select

Priority pass tm   select.

Departing for your destination is more relaxing with access to more than 1,300 lounges, including Sapphire Lounge by The Club, in 600+ cities around the world, after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select. 6  An annual value of $469.

Activate now

02 DoorDash and Caviar

Doordash and caviar benefits.

Takeout tastes even better with a complimentary DashPass membership on both DoorDash and Caviar. You’ll pay no delivery fee and lower service fees on eligible orders for a minimum of one year. Activate by Dec. 31,2024. 2 Plus, as a DashPass member, get a $5 monthly DoorDash credit automatically credited to your DoorDash account. 3

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Free Lyft Pink is back

Get 2 complimentary years of Lyft Pink All Access when activated by Dec. 31, 2024—a value of $199/year 4 . This includes member-exclusive pricing, free Priority Pickup upgrades, discounts on bikeshare and more. Membership auto-renews.

Don't forget, as a Sapphire Reserve cardmember, you'll still earn 10x total points on Lyft rides through March 2025. 5

Activate membership

Earn 10x total points on Peloton

Work out your way —from HIIT rides to walks and hikes to strength training, and more: Get 10x total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 with a max earn of 50,000 points. Shop Peloton Bikes, Tread, Guide, or Row. Offer ends Mar. 31, 2025. 1

Shop Peloton

More ways to get the most from your rewards

Redeem your points for statement credits, gift cards or choose from other flexible ways to make your points work for you.

Get more with gift cards

Choose from a selection of over 175 gift cards from some of your favorite retailers and more.

Points are worth 25% more with Pay yourself Back ®

Get more value when you redeem points for statement credits ...

Get more value when you redeem points for statement credits toward your annual fee and eligible purchases for gas, wholesale clubs, and pet supplies & services by June 31, 2024. Just choose an eligible purchase made with your Sapphire Reserve card from the past 90 days. Then apply the points for all or part of the purchase and receive a statement credit.

Indulge in every meal with Chase Dining SM , powered by Tock

There's always something delicious on Chase Dining ...

There's always something delicious on Chase Dining. Browse local restaurants and redeem your points for reservations, takeout or delivery.

Shop through Chase ® rewards you for buying from your favorite brands

Shop online with brands you already love. Earn 1x–15x bonus points ...

Shop online with brands you already love. Earn 1x–15x bonus points at more than 450 popular retailers with Shop through Chase. 8

Use Pay with Points to boost your purchase power

Use your points to pay for all or part of your purchases ...

Use your points to pay for all or part of your purchases with popular brands like Apple ® 9 and Amazon.com. 10

Go further with Chase Sapphire travel benefits

With Sapphire, points are worth more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel ...

With Sapphire, points are worth more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel. So let your points take you further and get inspired for your next great adventure.

Earn more. Redeem faster. Go further.

total points on flights purchased through Chase

total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase

total points on Chase Dining SM  

Annual Travel Credit  

points on travel and 1x points per $1 spent on all other purchases 11

points on dining at restaurants worldwide

more redemption value on travel purchased through Chase

There's so much for you

Sapphire Reserve benefits

There’s so much more to make yours—top benefits and offers for Sapphire Reserve cardmembers.  

Reserved by Sapphire SM

Your Sapphire Reserve card opens new doors to more flavors, sights and sounds. Explore the extraordinary lineup of experiences—including culinary, sports, music and entertainment.

Refer-A-Friend

Earn up to 75,000 bonus points per year by referring friends to either Chase Sapphire ® card.  

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View the details of the Sapphire Reserve benefits offered on this page.

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How Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Credit Work?

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Table of Contents

Can the Chase Sapphire Reserve® travel credit be used on any travel purchase?

What counts as 'travel' for chase, is the chase sapphire reserve® travel credit automatic, when does chase sapphire reserve® travel credit reset, how do i check my chase sapphire reserve® $300 travel credit, the chase sapphire reserve® travel credit, recapped.

The $300 annual travel credit is one of the key perks of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . By taking full advantage of just this one perk, you can recoup over half of the card's $550 annual fee. Receiving the full $300 in travel-related statement credits effectively reduces the card's annual fee to $250 — a cost that the many benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can justify.

So how does the Chase Sapphire Reserve® travel credit work? To maximize the travel credit, you need to make eligible travel purchases and pay attention to when the Chase Sapphire Reserve® travel credit resets. However, both of these aspects can be a little tricky.

Since many cardholders have questions about this topic, we'll cover some frequently asked questions of how the Chase Sapphire Reserve® travel credit works.

Any purchase that Chase includes in its definition of a travel purchase will trigger the Chase Sapphire Reserve® annual travel credit . That makes this type of statement credit a lot simpler and easier to use than travel credits on other premium travel cards .

For comparison, one of the perks of The Platinum Card® from American Express is a $200 airline fee credit. Enrollment required. However, this credit applies to a limited set of incidental fees only, such as onboard refreshments and checked bags, for one pre-selected airline. Although it provides a long list of excluded purchases, AmEx doesn't specify which purchases qualify for this credit. Terms apply.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders don't have to wonder which travel purchases will count for the annual travel credit. Most travel purchases charged to your Chase Sapphire Reserve® will trigger the credit, leading to the obvious next question.

Chase specifically includes the following types of merchants in its travel category:

Hotels and motels .

Timeshares.

Car rental agencies .

Cruise lines.

Travel agencies.

Discount travel sites.

Campgrounds.

Operators of passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways.

Parking lots and garages.

This is a pretty expansive list of qualifying purchases. However, keep in mind that not all travel-related purchases will count as travel purchases for Chase. To help prevent confusion, Chase publishes a list of the merchants that are expressly excluded from its definition of travel:

Educational merchants arranging travel.

In-flight goods and services.

Onboard cruise line goods and services.

Sightseeing activities.

Excursions.

Tourist attractions.

RV and boat rentals.

Merchants within hotels and airports.

Public campgrounds.

Merchants that rent vehicles for the purpose of hauling.

Real estate agents.

Chase also clarifies that purchases from gift card merchants or merchants that sell points or miles — like Points.com — don't qualify as travel purchases.

Now that you know the types of merchants that qualify, you might wonder what code that a specific merchant you purchase from will use. Visa used to publish a public supplier locator tool for checking Merchant Category Codes; however, Visa eliminated this tool in late 2021. Now, a good way to see how a merchant will use a code is through AwardWallet's Merchant Category Lookup Tool .

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

The annual Chase Sapphire Reserve® travel credit automatically posts when you make an eligible travel purchase. The statement credit will post to your account on the same day that the travel purchase is posted to your account. Chase notes that it may take 1-2 billing cycles for the statement credit to appear on your monthly credit card billing statement .

That sets the Chase Sapphire Reserve® annual travel credit apart from other Chase credit cards . For example, The Ritz-Carlton® Rewards Credit Card also features a $300 annual travel credit limited to specific types of airline purchases; however, cardholders must contact a Chase agent each time to request a credit for eligible purchases.

So, when do you earn the $300 Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® $300 annual travel credit isn't based on a calendar year. Instead, the travel credit resets each year around your cardholder anniversary. More specifically, the credit resets at the close of the first statement date after your account open date anniversary, then every 12 monthly billing cycles after that.

So if you just opened a new Chase Sapphire Reserve® , your credit is ready to use right away.

Since these policies can be confusing to understand, let's run through an example.

Say you opened a Chase Sapphire Reserve® on June 6, and your account statement closes on the 3rd of each month. That means you'll need to use your initial $300 annual travel credit before July 3 of the following year. Your travel credit resets the next day, meaning you can start using your next $300 travel credit on July 4.

Your travel credit will continue to reset after every 12 monthly billing cycles. As long as your account statement closing date doesn't change, your travel credit will reset each year starting on July 4.

» Learn more: What should I do with my travel credit right now?

Different rules for cardholders who signed up before May 21, 2017

Chase hasn't always based the annual travel credit on the cardholder's anniversary date. Initially, Chase treated the annual credit more like a calendar-year travel credit. Longtime cardholders are still subject to these legacy rules.

If you opened your Chase Sapphire Reserve® account before May 21, 2017, your annual travel credit resets each year on the day after your December statement closes.

If, say, your December statement closes on Dec. 16, you can start using your next annual travel credit on Dec. 17. Because of this quirk, you can spend your next year's travel credit before the calendar year even begins.

» Learn more: Is it worth keeping the Chase Sapphire Reserve® this year?

Simply log into your Chase account and view your rewards activity.

Under Benefits & Redemptions Overview, one of the first sections will give you a snapshot of how much of the $300 annual travel credit you've used thus far. It will also give you information about when the credit automatically resets (your cardmember anniversary), as well as any remaining balance.

The $300 annual travel credit is one of the signature benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . And thankfully, it's one of the most straightforward travel credits to use.

Unlike the airline fee credit on The Platinum Card® from American Express , the Chase Sapphire Reserve® travel credit is not limited to an undisclosed list of qualifying purchases. Instead, any purchase from airlines, hotels, car rentals and cruise lines will trigger the credit. For those staying closer to home, even purchases made at toll plazas, parking lots, buses and taxis count.

Best of all, Chase automatically posts the credit on the same day the qualifying purchase posts to your account.

The tricky part can be determining when the Chase Sapphire Reserve® travel credit resets. If you opened your account after May 21, 2017, your travel credit resets for the statement after your account anniversary. If you want to be sure, you can call the number on the back of your Chase card to see when your next travel credit starts.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Explore premium dining and travel rewards with a Chase Sapphire ® credit card.

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New cardmember offer.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

AT A GLANCE

Premium dining & travel rewards Earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit. Earn 3x points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out. Earn 2x on other travel purchases.

21.49 Min. of (8.50+12.99) and 29.99 %– 28.49 Min. of (8.50+19.99) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$95 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

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Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels (excluding The Edit SM ) and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel SM after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.

22.49 Min. of (8.50+13.99) and 29.99 %– 29.49 Min. of (8.50+20.99) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

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How to use the chase travel portal.

One of the many perks of using a Chase branded credit card is the opportunity to earn and redeem points for travel-related purchases. What’s more, did you know that you could maximize your points value and reap even more rewards points by booking through the Chase Travel portal?

To make the most of your purchases for travel, you can book your flights, hotels and more through the Chase Travel portal.

To help you navigate the rewards program, we’ll go over:

How to earn and redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points

Accessing the chase travel portal.

• How to book flights through the Chase Travel portal

Booking hotels through the Chase Travel portal

How to book rental cars, cruises and other types of travel.

• The benefits of booking travel in the Chase Travel portal
• Additional tips and tricks for the Chase Travel portal

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are earned by using your Chase branded card on everyday purchases. When you use your Chase card(s), you can also earn points by making purchases on:

• Paid reservations
• Restaurant bookings
• Hotel reservations

Depending on the Chase credit card you use, you can be eligible for a wide range of perks and rewards. All Chase family cards, such as Freedom ® , Sapphire ® and Ink ® , earn points that can be redeemed on the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

To access the portal, go to the booking platform at www.chasetravel.com or login to your Chase Ultimate Rewards account and go to your Chase credit card’s main dashboard.

Next, click on the “Earn/Use” button where the number of points you have is listed. Choose “Travel” from the options listed, and this will take you to the travel portal.

How to book flights through Chase Travel portal

Rather than making your flight purchases externally, book your flights using the Chase Travel portal so you can get rewards on airfare. To do this, access the travel portal and search for the flight you want. You can filter your search by cost, airline, departure/arrival time and departure airport.

Once you’ve found the flight of your choice, select your option and purchase your flight using your Chase card. If you have Ultimate Rewards points available, you can use them to pay for all or part of your flight, and/or other travel-related purchases.

Similar to flights, you can redeem your Ultimate Rewards for hotel reservations. To do this, search by destination to see available hotels. You can narrow your search by filtering for price/amenities/ratings, type of property, number of bedrooms, neighborhood and more.

Select your hotel option, then continue to confirm your booking using your Chase card or redeeming your Ultimate Rewards to help make your purchases.

You can use the portal to book rental cars, activities and other travel-related purchases. To book a cruise line, you need to call directly.

For car rentals, be sure to use the appropriate points connected to your specific card to get additional perks, such as car insurance.

The benefits of booking travel in Chase Travel portal

Travel costs can add up easily, but if you’re using the portal to redeem your points, you are giving your points good use with certain cards. On the other hand, using the portal could also help you earn more points on your purchases. For example, you can get even more points on flights if you book through portal. These points can later be redeemed on your future travels.

Chase Travel portal summary

No matter where your next adventure takes you, use the Chase Travel portal to book hotels, flights and more. Earning points through the portal can unlock future opportunities for you to take trips in one platform.

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The Complete Guide To Using the Chase Travel Portal — Maximize Your Options

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Table of Contents

Why book travel through the chase travel portal, cards that earn chase ultimate rewards points, what are chase ultimate rewards points worth, earning chase points by booking travel, how to access the chase travel portal, how to book a flight through chase travel, how to book a hotel through chase travel, how to book a rental car through the chase travel portal, how to book activities through chase travel, how to book a cruise through the portal, how do the prices compare to other sites, other ways to use the chase travel portal, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the major transferrable points programs and a favorite among many travelers. Points are easy to earn and can be transferred to many different hotel and airline partners. But you can also book travel directly through Chase’s travel portal using Ultimate Rewards points.

Booking travel through the Chase Travel portal is simple and can be a great way to use your points.

We’ll show you everything you need to know about how to redeem your points, including the benefits, how to know what your points are worth, and how to book airlines, hotels, and more through the Chase Travel portal.

Generally, you can get maximum value from your Chase Ultimate Rewards points by transferring them to the Chase airline and hotel partners , so why are we talking about using points through a travel portal? While it’s true that the only way to get the highest value redemptions is by transferring, there is still a lot of value to be had by booking directly through the Chase Travel portal.

Flexibility

Flexibility is not often available with points bookings. Unlike an award booking, booking through Chase Travel is like using any other online travel agency (OTA) . There are no blackout dates or limited inventory award seats. If a flight or hotel is available, you can book it with points through the Chase travel portal.

You Can Earn Frequent Flyer Miles

One of the major bummers of booking flights with frequent flyer miles is that you don’t earn miles on award bookings. You can end up doing a lot of travel without earning miles. However, any booking you make with your Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase Travel portal will earn frequent flyer miles and accrue status points. Unfortunately, hotel and car rental bookings still won’t earn points.

We have talked to so many people over the years that love the idea of collecting points and miles but don’t want to deal with the hassle. While many don’t mind putting a little work into getting an awesome redemption, others are just looking for a simple way to book travel and hopefully save some money in the process.

That’s where the Chase Travel portal comes in. With this method of redeeming points, there is no transferring, comparing points values, blackout dates, limited award availability, or multiple travel accounts. You only have to deal with 1 type of point and 1 travel portal but can still retain many of the benefits of collecting points and miles in the first place.

Bottom Line: You can book flights, hotels, rental cars, activities, and cruises through the Chase Travel portal.

If you like the idea of using the Chase Travel portal, you’ll need a credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points:

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Chase Ultimate Rewards

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

The Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases , especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance , rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• APR: 21.24%-26.24% Variable

There are also some great cash-back cards from Chase that can be used to book travel through Chase Travel. The points earned on these cards can be converted into cash-back or alternatively, they can be used in the Chase travel portal.

• Chase Freedom Flex℠
• Chase Freedom Unlimited ®
• Chase Freedom ® card (no longer open to new applicants)
• Ink Business Cash ® Credit Card
• Ink Business Plus ® Credit Card (no longer open to new applicants)
• Ink Business Unlimited ® Credit Card
• Ink Business Premier ® Credit Card

It’s easy to earn lots of Chase Ultimate Rewards points , but do you know how much they are worth ? If you’re transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to a travel partner, their value will go up or down depending on the type of redemption.

However, when you are booking your travel directly through Chase’s travel portal, each Chase Ultimate Rewards point has a set value that won’t change . The credit card you have will determine the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Transfer Your Points Between Credit Cards for Maximum Value

If you have multiple Chase credit cards, it makes sense to transfer your points to the card with the most valuable redemption rate. The only exception to this is the Ink Business Premier card because points earned on this card can’t be transferred to any other card.

1. To transfer your points between 2 cards, log on to the Chase dashboard and select Combine Points .

2. Then you will be able to select the card you want to transfer points from and the card you want to receive the points. After you choose, click Next.

3. You can transfer all of your points or just what you need. Click Review to continue.

4. Double-check the details and click on the Submit button to complete the transfer.

Bottom Line: Your credit card will determine the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Your points are worth between 1 to 1.5 cents each depending on which credit card you’re redeeming points through. 

What if you’d prefer to pay for your travel with a Chase credit card to earn Ultimate Rewards points? The number of points you’ll earn through the Chase travel portal is dependent on which credit card you have and what type of travel you’re purchasing.

You can log into your account in 2 ways.

First, you can go directly to the Ultimate Rewards website to log in or you can log in through your Chase account .

If you’re in your Chase account, click on one of your Ultimate Rewards credit cards and then click on Redeem next to the card’s Ultimate Rewards balance.

Then choose the card you want to use.

From here you can access Chase Travel by clicking on Travel  in the top search box or you can switch to another card’s account by clicking on the 3-line icon in the upper left-hand corner.

1. In the Travel section of your Ultimate Rewards account, click on Flights to start your search for a flight. As with any other OTA, you begin your search by inputting basic information such as departure and arrival city, travel dates, and the number of passengers.

2. Next, you will be able to narrow your search results . At the left-hand side of the page, you can filter your results by things like airline or flight times. Then you can sort your results by price, trip duration, or times using the drop-down box at the top of the search results.

3. For each flight option, you’ll be able to see the price in dollars and in points on the right-hand side of the results box.

4. Once you’ve found the flight you want, click the blue Select button. Next, you can choose your return flight using the same process as you did for selecting the outbound flight. Click the blue Select button once you have made your choice.

5. From here you can confirm your flight details and select a fare upgrade if you wish. Then, you’ll be able to choose how to pay for your flight . You can pay for the entire purchase with points or a Chase credit card, or you can split your payment between points and a Chase credit card.

6. Finally, input your passenger information next. Don’t forget to add a frequent flyer number, a Known Traveler Number, or a Redress number if you have them.

Hot Tip: When purchasing travel through the Chase travel portal, you can split your payment between Chase Ultimate Rewards points and a Chase credit card.

1. To book a hotel through the Chase Travel portal , you’ll need to start by clicking on the Hotels tab in the main search box. Then, input your destination, check-in and check-out dates, and the number of travelers. Next, click on the blue Search button.

2. Your search results will look like other sites that you may be familiar with. You’ll see filtering options to the left and sorting options above your search results.

3. Each search result will show the price in both dollars and Chase Ultimate Rewards points. These prices include taxes and fees with the exception of resort fees.

4. Once you select your hotel, click on Add to Itinerary . You can choose to pay for all or part of your hotel cost using Ultimate Rewards points. Click Begin Checkout to input your reservation details and finalize your booking.

Hot Tip: When booking a hotel through the Chase Travel portal, you won’t be eligible to earn points in the hotel’s loyalty program or take advantage of any elite status you may have.

The Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection

The Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection (LHRC) is exclusively for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders. From the Ultimate Rewards travel home page, just click on The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection tab.

Once you are on the LHRC homepage, type in your destination and click Search to view available properties. Each listing will display the property’s unique cardmember benefits. Click on the listing for more information and to continue the booking process.

When booked through the Chase Travel portal, these properties offer the following benefits:

• Daily breakfast for 2
• Special amenity (varies by property)
• Room upgrades (based on availability)
• Early check-in and late checkout (based on availability)

The Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection properties are reservation-only bookings. You’ll make your reservations online and payment doesn’t happen until you check out from the hotel. These bookings will not take Chase Ultimate Rewards points as payment.

Bottom Line: Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection properties are only available to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. These properties can’t be booked with points.

1. To rent a car through the Chase Travel portal, start by clicking on the Cars tab in the main search box. Then, input your pick-up location, drop-off location, dates, times, and age of the driver. Click on the blue Search box to continue.

2. You can then narrow your search with the filtering options on the left-hand side of the page.

3. For each car option, you will be able to see the car details, rental company, and price in both dollars and Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Once you have selected the car you want to rent, click on Add to Itinerary .

4. You can pay for the entire purchase with points or a Chase credit card or split your payment in any amount. Double-check all of the details before completing your purchase.

Did you know you can also book activities through Chase Travel?

1. Click the Activities tab on the Ultimate Rewards travel homepage to get started. Then, input your destination and travel dates and click the Search button to continue.

2. You can narrow your search by selecting 1 or more categories at the left-hand side of the page. Categories can include things like:

• Classes & workshops
• Cruises & sailing
• Food & drink
• Outdoor activities
• Seasonal & special occasions
• Tickets & passes
• Tours & sightseeing
• Transfers & ground transport
• Unique experiences

3. Each activity will show the price in both dollars and points to the right side of the screen. Click on Show Details and Pricing for more information and to book the activity.

6. Double-check all of the details on the final page before completing your purchase. Click the box confirming you understand the travel disclosures, then click Complete Checkout to finish your purchase.

Bottom Line: You can book lots of activities through the Chase Travel portal, including airport transfers!

If you’re a fan of cruises, you’ll be pleased to know you can book them through your Chase Travel portal. To get started, click on the Cruises tab on the Ultimate Rewards travel homepage.

This will bring up a list of available cruises, but there’s also a search box at the top of the screen, so you can input a specific destination or cruise line.

Each listing will display the cruise line, ship, ports of call, sailing dates, and baseline pricing for an interior or oceanview cabin. Unfortunately, if you want any more specific information or if you want to book, you will need to call 855-234-2542 .

You’ll notice that only cash prices are listed for cruises, however, they can be booked using your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, too.

Hot Tip: You can book a cruise through Chase Travel but you’ll have to call to make your reservation as they can’t be booked online.

Are you getting a good deal by booking through Chase? Let’s look at how the prices available through the Chase Travel portal stack up to other OTAs and search engines including Hotwire , Kayak , and Expedia .

We did some flight searches and found there’s no clear-cut pattern on prices between the Chase portal to other websites.

Example #1: Round-trip flight between Philadelphia (PHL) and San Francisco (SFO) for 1 person in economy.

We searched this route in the Chase travel portal and the cheapest option was a flight that was split between Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines for $526.20. This worked out to be the cheapest price we found, and Priceline had the same low price. Expedia and Hotwire both charge booking fees, making the price a little higher. Each airline’s own website couldn’t split the itinerary between different airlines, so those ended up being much more expensive.

If you are in doubt or would like to check prices yourself, Kayak is a great place to start. Kayak will show you prices for a flight on all of the OTAs as well as the airline’s website. It’s a great one-stop shop to compare flight prices.

Example #2: Round-trip flight between New York City (JFK) and Paris, France (CDG) for 1 person in economy.

We searched this route in the Chase travel portal and the cheapest option was a flight that was split between American Airlines and British Airways for $689.78. This wasn’t the overall best price we found, though. That award goes to Expedia and Priceline.

Hot Tip: You will earn frequent flyer miles when you book your flight through the Chase Travel portal.

Example #1: Here’s how prices looked for a week-long stay at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa in Mexico for 2 people including all taxes and fees. The $291.55 resort fee can’t be paid with points.

In this example, the best cash rate by far was through Marriott. However, if you wanted to pay with points, booking with Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the travel portal would be your best bet.

Keep in mind that Marriott doesn’t have an award chart, so different time periods can have different point costs. A 7-night stay at this hotel can dip down to 240,000 points for a 7-night stay. If you’re going to pay for your hotel stay in points, it’s always smart to calculate how many points it would cost to book through Chase versus transferring points . This information can help you make the best and least expensive choice.

Hot Tip: You won’t earn hotel loyalty points when booking a hotel through Chase and any elite status you have may not be recognized.

Example #2: Let’s look at an example of a hotel that doesn’t have a loyalty program. We priced out a 2-night stay at Almond Tree Inn Hotel in Key West, FL for 2 people. The highest prices were direct via the hotel with all other websites surveyed being cheaper.

Here’s how the prices stacked up:

Chase’s low price matched the other online travel websites and was actually lower than the hotel’s own website, so it would be a great option in this case. It also affords the opportunity to use points for a hotel that doesn’t have its own loyalty program.

Car Rentals

In many cases, car rental prices found through the Chase Travel portal were similar to prices found on the rental agency’s own website.

The main difference in booking through Chase vs. directly through a car rental agency is that the car rental agency often has the ability to book the car without paying up front. With the Chase portal, you will be paying at the time of booking and there may be change or cancellation fees if you need to modify your reservation.

In both of these examples, Chase Travel didn’t offer the lowest price, however, that won’t always necessarily be the case. Of course, the advantage of booking through Chase is the ability to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points. It’s always a good idea to price out your car rental on a few different websites before booking to ensure you’re getting the best price.

Chase actually offered the lowest prices on activities for both examples:

Earn Bonus Ultimate Rewards Points

The Chase Travel portal also helps you earn bonus points.  With the Shop through Chase feature, you can earn extra Ultimate Rewards points through your online shopping.

Just click Earn Bonus Points in the top search bar to access the shopping portal. Click on a featured store or search for a specific one. Then simply click through the portal to your website of choice to make your purchase. Your bonus points will be added to your Chase Ultimate Rewards points total within 3 to 5 days in most cases.

Pay With Points

Did you know you can use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to make purchases at Amazon and PayPal? Click on Pay with Points in the top search bar, then select either Amazon or PayPal to enroll and shop.

Unfortunately, the redemption value you get when shopping through Amazon or PayPal is pretty bad — only 0.8 cents per point. While it’s great to have this as an option, we don’t recommend using points to shop at Amazon or PayPal as your main use of Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Bottom Line: The value of using your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to shop through Amazon or PayPal isn’t great: you will only get 0.8 cents per point!

Apple Purchases

By clicking on Apple in the main search box in your Ultimate Rewards account, you can use your Chase points to make purchases. Normally, you’ll get 1 cent per point in value when using your points for Apple purchases, but there are occasional bonuses offered to get a better redemption rate.

You can also redeem your Ultimate Rewards points for cash-back. To do this, simply select Cash-back from the main search bar at the top of the screen. You will then be able to see choose how many points you’d like to redeem for cash-back at a value of 1 cent per point .

You can choose to have your cash direct deposited into a checking or savings account or as a statement credit. The deposit or statement credit will be posted within 3 days.

Bottom Line: Your Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed as cash-back. We do not recommend this as a primary redemption option because you can get more value via the Chase Travel portal, and a lot more when transferring to airline and hotel partners.

Experiences

This is a really cool section of the Chase Travel portal. When you click on Experiences in the main search bar, you’ll see a list of exclusive events, preferred seating, and other offers for select Chase cardmembers.

Experiences can be purchased with a credit card or with points. You will get 1 cent per point in value when redeeming points for experiences. Some experiences are only available to cardholders of specific cards so be sure to check all of your cards if you have more than 1 to make sure you don’t miss anything.

If you prefer gift cards, you can purchase them through the Chase Travel portal using points. Just click Gift Cards in the main search bar to get started. From here, you will be able to scroll through all of the available gift cards. You’ll get 1 cent per point in value, with occasional sales offering better redemption rates.

Hot Tip: Points redeemed for gift cards have a 1-cent per point value. However, you might notice some cards offer discounts, so there is the opportunity to get a bit more value!

Pay Yourself Back

Another way to use your Ultimate Rewards points is through the Pay Yourself Back feature. This allows you to redeem your points for a statement credit for purchases in select categories. The current categories include groceries, dining, select charities, credit card annual fee, internet, cable, phone, and shipping and the redemption value varies by card.

Transfer To Travel Partners

Transferring points to travel partners is the best way to get the most value out of your points . By transferring, you can potentially get 2, 3, or more cents per point value.

Chase Airline Transfer Partners

Chase Hotel Transfer Partners

To transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to any of the above airline and hotel partners, log on to your account and click on Transfer To Travel Partners in the top search box. Choose your airline or hotel and then select Transfer Points . You’ll need to fill out your frequent flyer information or hotel loyalty membership number to complete the transfer.

Bottom Line: You can currently transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to 14 different hotel and airline partners.

There are many ways to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points. While transferring points to one of Chase’s airline and hotel travel partners can get you maximum value, there are a lot of benefits for booking travel directly through the Chase Travel portal .

In addition to hotels and flights, you can book car rentals, activities, and cruises. Or, you can use your points for cash back, shopping, gift cards, or Chase exclusive experiences. With so many ways to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, your next trip is only a few clicks away!

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Chase Freedom ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Ink Business Plus ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do chase ultimate rewards points expire.

No. As long as you keep your Chase credit card open, your points will not expire.

Can I transfer my Chase points to someone else?

Yes. You can transfer your points to another member of your household who also has a Chase Ultimate Rewards account.

What are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth?

When redeeming points through the Chase travel portal, the credit card you hold will determine your points’ value.

When redeeming for travel, your points have the following value:

• 1 cent : Freedom card, Freedom Flex card, Freedom Unlimited card, Ink Business Cash card, Ink Business Premier card, Ink Business Unlimited card
• 1.25 cents : Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Ink Business Preferred card
• 1.5 cents : Chase Sapphire Reserve card

When using your points to shop through Amazon or Chase Pay, they are worth 0.8 cents per point.

When redeeming your points for cash back, gift cards, or experiences they are worth 1 cent per point.

What airline partners can I transfer my Chase Ultimate Rewards points to?

Chase airline partners include Air Canada, Air France-KLM, British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Emirates, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.

What hotel partners can I transfer my Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to?

You can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to the following hotels at a 1:1 ratio: IHG, Marriott, and Hyatt.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for hotel stays

There are many reasons why Chase Ultimate Rewards points are one of the most popular transferable currencies.

There's the 5/24 rule , which incentivizes people to apply for Chase cards first. There's the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the nearly universally recommended starter card for someone new to the points hobby . There's the fact that Chase defines its bonus categories more broadly than Citi and American Express. And finally, there's Chase's array of valuable transfer partners .

Today, we'll look at one specific area in which the program has a significant competitive advantage: redeeming Chase points for hotels. There are several valuable ways to put your Ultimate Rewards points toward your next hotel stay. Any of them could make sense under the right circumstances.

What are Chase's hotel partners?

You can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points on a 1:1 basis to the following Chase hotel partners:

• World of Hyatt
• Marriott Bonvoy
• IHG One Rewards

You can also book virtually any hotel worldwide using Ultimate Rewards points through Chase Travel℠, which we will explain below.

How do I earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

There are many ways to earn 1 to 10 Chase points per dollar spent. The exact amount you earn will vary depending on the specific Chase credit card you carry.

The first three cards below earn fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points all by themselves, while the remaining four are technically billed as cash-back credit cards . However, if you have an Ultimate Rewards-earning card, you can effectively convert your cash-back rewards into Ultimate Rewards points. For this reason, it can make sense to have more than one Chase card to maximize your earning and redeeming potential.

Here are the cards that allow you to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: This is a fantastic all-around travel credit card . It earns points at the following rates:

• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 5 points per dollar spent on all travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
• 3 points per dollar spent on select streaming services
• 3 points per dollar spent on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Sapphire Preferred has no foreign transaction fees and comes with many travel perks , including delayed baggage insurance, trip interruption/cancellation insurance and primary car rental insurance .

Annual fee: $95

Application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Why you want it: The Sapphire Reserve offers earning power paired with travel perks that can easily cover the annual fee. It earns points at the following rates:

• 10 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 10 points per dollar spent on Chase Dining booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal
• 10 points per dollar spent on hotel and car rental purchases through Chase Travel
• 5 points per dollar spent on airline travel booked through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar spent on travel not booked through Chase
• 3 points per dollar spent on other dining purchases
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

Other perks include an easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit and a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100 once every four years), as well as Priority Pass Select lounge access and entry to a growing list of new Sapphire lounges . This is one of the few cards that allows you to use your Priority Pass membership for discounted meals in airport restaurants . Cardholders also get primary car rental coverage, trip interruption/cancellation insurance and other protections .

Annual fee: $550

Application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Welcome bonus: 100,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: This is one of the best credit cards for small-business owners . It earns points at the following rates:

• 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel; shipping; internet, cable and phone services; and advertising made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year
• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides (through March 2025)

Application link: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Cash-back Chase credit cards

There are also four Chase credit cards that are technically cash-back products. However, if you have one of the three cards noted above, you can combine your points into a single account, converting these cash-back rewards into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.

Even better? None of these cards charge an annual fee.

Here are the four cards that offer this functionality:

• Chase Freedom Flex® : Earn $200 after you spend $500 in the first three months of account opening. Earn 5% back on up to $1,500 of combined spending in select bonus categories, which rotate every quarter (when you activate). Plus, earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and 3% on drugstore purchases.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year), worth up to $300 cash back. Earn 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and drugstore purchases, and a flat 1.5% on all other purchases.
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card : Earn up to $750: $350 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year (then 1%). Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year (then 1%). Earn 5% back on Lyft rides through March 2025.
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card : Earn $750 cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash-back rewards on every purchase, as well as 5% back on Lyft rides through March 2025.

Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt

Chase's secret maximization weapon is the lucrative World of Hyatt loyalty program , a 1:1 transfer partner . While most advice about redeeming flexible points for maximum value centers around airline transfer partners, Hyatt's very reasonable award chart is a compelling exception.

You'll find sweet-spot redemptions at both the upper and lower ends of the chart, with award rates starting at just 3,500 points per night on off-peak dates .

Sometimes, it can be hard to conceptualize what a 75,000-point credit card sign-up bonus will actually get you, especially if you're new to the points world. Hyatt makes it easy, as that sign-up bonus could be worth 15 nights (during standard pricing dates) at Category 1 hotels.

Another easy way to redeem your Hyatt points for well above TPG's 1.7-cent valuation is to look at Category 7 hotels. While the award chart above has a higher tier (Category 8), those properties require a significant premium over Category 7 resorts. Those additional 10,000 points per night may not be worth it.

There are several luxurious Category 7 Hyatt hotels that cost 25,000 points during off-peak dates, 30,000 points on standard pricing dates and 35,000 points during the peak season, including Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas in San Diego and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. These properties can charge well over $700 per night, providing great opportunities to meet or exceed TPG's Hyatt valuation of 1.7 cents per point.

Finally, it's worth considering the 700-plus boutique and luxury hotels from Mr & Mrs Smith that have now been integrated into the World of Hyatt program. Instead of using Hyatt's award chart, Mr & Mrs Smith properties will be dynamically priced and cannot be booked with free night certificates. This makes it harder to maximize the value of your points, but there may still be some worthwhile redemptions to be found, especially if you have your eye on an ultraluxurious property that would be out of reach with cash.

Related: How long do Chase Ultimate Rewards take to transfer?

Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy

Unlike American Express and Citi, which routinely offer transfer bonuses to select partners, Chase rarely offers transfer bonuses. However, when Chase does offer a transfer bonus, it is a nice way to get a great redemption with one of its airline or hotel partners. But while Hyatt operates using an award chart, Marriott does not, and typically, you'll find much higher (arguably inflated) redemption rates.

While the most you'd ever pay for a night at a top-tier Hyatt property is 45,000 points, Marriott now uses dynamic pricing , meaning there are no limits to how many points a hotel might cost per night. In fact, six-figure redemptions are not uncommon.

Generally speaking, transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott presents a significant loss in value. TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each and Marriott points at 0.84 cents each, but you could give up even more value. For example, basic rooms at Marriott's Courtyard Bali Seminyak Resort go for around $200 or 31,000 points per night. Instead, you could use 35,000 Chase points to book a peak night at the Category 7 Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, costing $800 or more.

So, should you ever transfer Chase points to Marriott? With the arguments against doing so clearly laid out, here are a few scenarios where it might make sense:

• If your Marriott points are set to expire, transferring 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points is a quick way to keep them alive.
• If Chase is running a transfer bonus , you can top up your Marriott Bonvoy account for a specific valuable redemption.
• Marriott points are incredibly versatile beyond hotel bookings. That's because Marriott is among a small number of transfer partners for some programs with valuable (but hard to earn) airline miles , such as Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan , Japan Airlines Mileage Bank and Korean Air SkyPass. Remember that Marriott points transfer 3:1 to airline partners (plus a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred), so you'll be losing even more value. Still, it might make sense if you're just shy of the points needed to book one of these sweet spots .

If paid rates are low for your desired dates, you could opt to redeem your points through Chase Travel at a rate of 1.25 cents apiece for the Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred or 1.5 cents apiece for the Sapphire Reserve. However, this counts as a third-party booking, so you won't be eligible to earn Marriott points, and you likely won't enjoy any applicable Marriott elite status perks .

Related: 9 things to consider when choosing to book via a portal vs. booking directly

Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to IHG One Rewards

For all the reasons that transferring Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott is bad, transferring to the IHG One Rewards program can be even worse, as the award pricing is even more inflated than Marriott's, meaning the same number of points don't get you as far.

Like Marriott, the program doesn't publish a full award chart. To check the rates, search for your specific dates and see how many points you need.

Take the Holiday Inn Express Columbus — Ohio Expo Center. You can reserve a standard room for 31,000 IHG One Rewards points.

TPG values 31 , 000 Chase points at $635.50, but the cash rate for this same room is just $162. In other words, the value you'll get for your Chase points is severely below average.

Like with Marriott, you might find value in transferring Chase points to IHG to keep IHG points from expiring or if you're just short of a redemption — especially if you have access to the fourth-night-free perk with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card . Otherwise, it's almost always a bad idea.

Chase portal and bonus

If you're a free-agent traveler and not loyal to a single hotel chain, you might find the best-value options by booking your hotels through the Chase Travel portal . This is especially true if you hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve — which allows you to redeem points for travel at a rate of 1.5 cents each — or the Sapphire Preferred or the Ink Business Preferred , both of which allow redemptions at 1.25 cents each.

Alternatively, you can book paid stays through the Chase Travel portal and earn bonus rewards on those purchases (10 points per dollar spent on the Sapphire Reserve and 5 points per dollar spent on the Sapphire Preferred). This also would allow you to take advantage of the yearly $50 statement credit you get on the Sapphire Preferred for hotel purchases through the Chase Travel portal.

However, as mentioned above, these bookings are made through a third-party online travel agency . As a result, you won't earn hotel points or hotel elite night credits in most cases, and if you already have elite status, you might not receive the benefits you're used to enjoying. This option is thus best for booking smaller boutique hotels that don't participate in a major loyalty program.

Bottom line

One of the best uses of Chase Ultimate Rewards points is transferring them to Hyatt and redeeming them at low-category or high-end properties . Outside of that, given the high award rates of Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards, you might be better off looking at boutique properties (or forgoing your elite benefits) by booking through the Chase portal.

So, is it ever worth transferring Chase points to IHG One Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy for a hotel redemption? If there's a transfer bonus or you're just trying to top up your account for a specific redemption, there are cases where it makes sense. Just be sure to crunch the numbers and check to make sure you're not using Chase points for subpar value.

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Why i'm keeping my chase sapphire reserve card, i'm keeping my chase sapphire reserve® for its impressive travel benefits and pairing possibilities..

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I've been obsessed with travel since I got my first passport in high school. Over the years, I've used lots of credit cards to fund my trips, from airline cards to cash-back cards .

I've wanted the Chase Sapphire Reserve® since its debut in 2016. With comprehensive travel insurance, an annual $300 travel credit and free room upgrades at luxury hotels, it's ranked one of CNBC Select's top travel cards . But it also comes with a hefty $550 annual fee.

I took the plunge early last year: My fiance and I were taking a lot of trips and we calculated that we'd get enough from the card's travel perks to offset the fee.

We were wrong, though: It's more than paid for itself several times over.

That was in the first year, though, when I received the welcome bonus. Here's why I'm keeping the Chase Sapphire Reserve card for another year — and why it's the only card I'll pay an annual fee for.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points

My Chase Sapphire Reserve came with a welcome bonus of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after I spent $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening the account. That's $900 I used for hotels and airfare through Chase Travel℠ — or nearly twice the $550 fee I paid.

And for a limited time, the welcome bonus has been increased to 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, making it worth $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

While that welcome bonus is just for the first year, I'll still earn points from the card I can put toward more adventures. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can also be applied toward numerous airline and hotel loyalty programs with a 1:1 ratio, including: 

• Aer Lingus   
• Air Canada  
• Air France-KLM
• British Airways  
• Singapore  
• Southwest  
• Virgin Atlantic  
• InterContinental Hotels Group 

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry credit

I've saved a few minutes at my home airport with TSA PreCheck , but Global Entry has really come in handy over the years. It enabled me to skip an hours-long line at Chicago O'Hare coming back from Toronto and make a tight connection after a girls' trip to Mexico. It also spared me an eternity at customs and immigration after a 13-hour flight from Taiwan to San Francisco.

My Chase Sapphire Reserve gives me a $100 application fee credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry every four years. I need to renew both before 2025, so that's a savings I'll be able to enjoy this year.

Priority Pass lounge access

I like to play a game at the airport where I see how little I can spend. We try to pack snacks from home and pick up lunch before leaving our destination, but it's not always easy. 

That's why I love the lounge access included with my Chase Sapphire Reserve. I get a free Priority Pass™ membership, which allows unlimited entry to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. You can bring up to two guests for free, so I don't have to leave my fiance behind.

Without my Chase Sapphire Reserve, it would cost me about $469 a year for Priority Pass lounge access, plus $35 a guest per visit. The lounges I've visited offer hot meals, snacks, drinks and a comfy place to relax. Some lounges even have showers and the option to rent a room if we have time to catch a nap. 

Priority Pass lounges aren't the only place I can kick back, either: Chase has started its own Sapphire Lounges network and we're excited to check them out in Boston and New York City, where my fiance has family. Without a Sapphire Reserve card, entry into these elite lounges costs $100 per visit. A standalone Priority Pass membership only gets you one complimentary Sapphire Lounge visit a year. After that, it's $75 a pop. (The only exception is Hong Kong, where Priority Pass members enjoy unlimited access to the Sapphire Lounge.)

Granted, lounge access doesn't directly offset Chase Sapphire's $550 annual fee, but in a world of $20 plastic-wrapped sandwiches and $7 coffees, it saves us money in other ways. And the relaxed state of mind it puts us in is priceless.   

The $300 travel credit

Each year when you renew the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you get a $300 annual travel credit that's automatically applied to travel expenses. 

My fiance and I travel a lot so that credit offsets a good chunk of the $550 annual fee. Last year, we used it to book a luxury hotel room in Toronto. In 2024, it's covering flights to friends' weddings and family gatherings.

While the credit can be put toward airfare and hotel rooms, it can also cover:

• Taxis and car services
• Car rentals
• Train tickets
• Campgrounds
• Bus tickets
• Travel agency services

You'd be surprised how quickly you can rack up $300 in just parking and tolls. 

I'm also not charged foreign transaction fees with my Chase Sapphire Reserve, which helped keep costs down when we were in Canada and Asia. We have enough international travel planned that this will continue to be a valuable perk.

It comes with travel insurance

I had to cancel a big road trip In September 2023 because of a family emergency . I foolishly hadn’t bought a travel insurance policy when I made reservations for the house we rented and thought I was out nearly $500,

Then I remembered my Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with travel insurance . I was able to file a claim easily and got reimbursed.   The policy includes coverage for trip delays and cancellations, lost baggage, emergency medical care and even damage to your rental car. It’s on par with offerings from many top travel insurance companies , which typically cost between 3% and 5% of your trip's non-refundable expenses. As an example, it would have cost about $300 just to insure our flight between Japan and Taiwan last year.

I’ve considered getting an annual travel insurance plan to cover all of our trips, but that would cost about $1,000 for both my partner and me, according to several top carriers I’ve quoted. That’s double the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s annual fee. 

Getting coverage through my card means I don’t ever have to think about travel insurance: All the non-refundable trip expenses I pay for with it are automatically covered.  That doesn’t just save me money, it saves me time and mental energy.

I can transfer Ultimate Rewards points between cards

Last winter, we decided to renovate our bathroom and looked for a 0% intro APR card to give us more time to pay off the cost.

We settled on Chase Freedom Unlimited® , which comes with 0% APR for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. ( After that, it has a variable APR of 20.49% to 29.24%.)

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Enjoy 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus

INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.24% variable

Balance transfer fee

Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Excellent/Good

Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

That gives us enough breathing room to pay for the new bathroom and still clear the balance before our 15-month introductory period ends.

Having a Chase Sapphire Reserve makes the deal sweeter, though, because we can transfer points between the two cards: For an upcoming trip to Southeast Asia, I'm transferring points from my Chase Freedom Unlimited to the Sapphire Reserve card to use in the Chase Travel ℠ portal. That will make them worth 1.5 cents per point, rather than the 1 cent I'd get from Chase Freedom.

It's great for wedding and honeymoon expenses

Since my partner and I got engaged in March, we've been shocked at how expensive weddings are. In 2023, the average cost of a wedding in Ohio was about $30,000, according to The Knot . We hope to come in well below that, but we'll still be on the hook for a lot . 

We hope to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve to pay for hotel rooms for guests and catering from some of Cincinnati's great local restaurants. The card earns 3x points on travel expenses and dining and 10x points on hotels and car rentals made through Chase Travel after the $300 annual travel credit is used. (Through March 2025, cardholders also get 10x points on Lyft, 5x points on flights and 10x points on Chase Dining purchases.). 

Other categories earn 1 point for every dollar, so we'll also get a boost on things like invitations and dress alterations.

When we decide where we want to spend our honeymoon, we'll use the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to book it: I have my eye on several places in the Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection, which come with complimentary upgrades like late checkout, wifi and room upgrades.

Many people open a new credit card for wedding expenses , but we're sticking to the card we have.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products . While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

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Credit cards > Reviews

Chase Sapphire Preferred review 2024: A traveler’s delight packed with perks at a low annual fee 

Ariana Arghandewal

Glen Luke Flanagan

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 1:16 p.m. UTC May 13, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers generous rewards on travel and dining and a straightforward redemption program. It’s an excellent choice for both frequent and aspiring travelers looking to maximize their everyday spending.

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from a previously published story .

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 50+ cards analyzed.
• 8 data points considered.
• 5-step fact-checking process.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership® Rewards and Citi ThankYou®.

Card details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Chase Sapphire Preferred basics

• Annual fee: $95.
• Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• Rewards: 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchasess.
• APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
• Other perks and benefits: $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit, six months Instacart+ subscription, complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription for a year.
• Does the issuer offer a preapproval tool? Yes.
• Recommended credit score : Good to excellent.
• Generous category bonuses: The Sapphire Preferred earns 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
• Excellent redemption options: The card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points , which you can transfer to more than a dozen airline and hotel options. They include Hyatt, United, JetBlue and others. Alternatively, you can redeem points for travel through the Chase Travel portal at 1.25 cents each. 
• Valuable travel benefits: The Sapphire Preferred offers a $50 annual hotel credit when booked through Chase Travel. The card also offers valuable travel protections including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, primary rental car insurance and baggage delay insurance.
• $95 annual fee: The Sapphire Preferred’s $95 annual fee is reasonable for what the card offers, but cardholders should analyze the value they’re likely to get from the Sapphire Preferred’s rewards and benefits to ensure they’re getting their money’s worth.
• No elite travel perks. The card doesn’t offer benefits found on some other, more premium travel credit cards like airport lounge access , hotel perks or trusted traveler application fee credits.
• Chase 5/24 rule: The card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule . If you’ve opened five or more credit cards in the last 24 months with any issuer, you’re not eligible for this card.

About the Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the most popular travel rewards cards on the market for good reason. It earns simple and generous rewards on dining and also on travel booked through the Chase Travel site. Plus it comes with valuable perks and benefits, all in a relatively low $95 annual fee package.

The card earns 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Ultimate Rewards are flexible and can be redeemed for cash back, merchandise or gift cards. But savvy points-and-miles pros know that the more valuable use is to redeem points for travel through Chase at a rate of 1.25 cents per point or transfer them to one of Chase’s travel loyalty partners at a rate of 1:1.

There are no foreign transaction fees with this card, making it a great choice for international travelers. Plus, the card also comes with a wide array of benefits unique to a card at this price point, like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary car rental insurance , purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.

One potential drawback with this card is that you must have good credit to be approved, so if your credit score isn’t up to par, you may not qualify. And, someone seeking luxury perks at the airport may find that the card’s lack of lounge access or trusted traveler credits might mean it’s worth it to pay for a more premium travel credit card with those features. But for those getting started with travel rewards and those who don’t need the privileges that a more expensive credit card can offer, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a top-notch choice.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns points at generous rates: 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

There’s also a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. The rewards you earn are flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for the Sapphire Preferred has an annual income of $84,352 and $25,087 in expenses they are likely to be able to charge to a credit card. Here’s a breakdown of how much you could earn from credit card spending based on that:

You could earn even more by booking your flights and hotel stays through the Chase travel portal. In that case, the $2,056 spent on such bookings, minus the $50 hotel credit would net you 10,030 points. That brings the total annual estimated earnings to 51,699 points.

Points can be redeemed for statement credits, travel through the Chase Travel portal, gift cards and merchandise. When redeemed through the Chase Travel portal for travel bookings, points are worth 1.25 cents each. However, the best value for your points will generally be to transfer them to one of Chase’s airline and hotel partners and  book award travel through the partner’s loyalty program.

Be aware, travel booked through the Chase portal is not the same as booking directly with an airline or hotel, and any changes or cancellations to your plans will require you to deal with Chase Travel and not the supplier directly. 

Especially considering this is a mid-tier travel card with a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is loaded with travel benefits . First up, you can get up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year to reimburse hotels booked through Chase Travel. Plus, the welcome bonus is fairly generous for a card at this price point.

You also get the following travel protections when using this card:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip.
• Baggage delay insurance up to $100 per day for five days on delays over six hours.
• Trip delay insurance up to $500 per ticket on delays over 12 hours or requiring an overnight stay.
• Primary car rental insurance when you decline the rental company’s coverage.
• Referrals for legal, medical and other travel and emergency assistance (you are responsible for any costs incurred).

Last, but certainly not least, you can book travel for 25% more value per point through the Chase portal, or transfer rewards 1:1 to the following partners:

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• British Airways Executive Club
• Emirates Skywards®
• Flying Blue AIR FRANCE KLM
• Iberia Plus
• IHG One Rewards
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Marriott Bonvoy
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
• United MileagePlus
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• World of Hyatt

How the Chase Sapphire Preferred compares to other travel cards

Chase sapphire preferred vs. chase sapphire reserve®.

The Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve are both travel cards from Chase with generous rewards and benefits. Like the Preferred, the Reserve offers a generous welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

The main difference between them is the annual fee and the benefits that come with the price point — the Preferred has a $95 annual fee, while the Reserve has an annual fee of $550 and $75 per authorized user. The Sapphire Reserve also offers more rewards per dollar spent on travel and dining purchases and an up to $300 annual travel credit. Additionally, the Reserve offers access to airport lounges, while the Preferred does not.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card * The information for the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Citi Strata Premier and the Chase Sapphire Preferred have the same $95 annual fee. The Strata Premier comes with a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. However, the two travel cards have different strengths. The Citi Strata Premier earns 10 ThankYou® points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com, 3 points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging stations and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. 

While this rewards structure is similar to that of the Sapphire Preferred, not all of the travel earning rate is restricted to a specific booking portal like the Sapphire Preferred is. The Citi Strata Premier also provides a $100 annual hotel savings perk on bookings of $500 or more (before taxes and fees when booking through ThankYou.com, once each calendar year) – it’s higher than what the Sapphire Preferred offers but also has a higher spending threshold. Citi also has more travel transfer partners than Chase.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Charging the same $95 annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. The card earns 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases, making it ideal if you want a simple rewards card with a straightforward earn structure. 

You can transfer Capital One miles to multiple airline and hotel programs or redeem them for travel at 1 cent each. The Capital One Venture Card also offers premium perks like two complimentary Capital One lounge visits per year, an up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years and no foreign transaction fees.

Should you get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great option for those who want a card with a reasonable annual fee that earns bonus rewards on travel, dining and certain everyday spending categories. The card provides access to earning Chase Ultimate Rewards — widely considered one of the best credit card rewards programs, thanks to its flexible redemption options — and comes with some valuable travel and purchase protections, too. 

You can transfer points 1:1 to partner airlines and hotels or redeem them directly with Chase at a favorable rate. However, this card might not be the best fit if you won’t use its perks or won’t spend enough to make up for the $95 annual fee in rewards earned.

Chase Sapphire Preferred summary

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of travel credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. We factored the following into our analysis:

• Annual fees.
• Travel reward rates.
• Value of rewards.
• Redemption options.
• Additional benefits that a card may offer for travelers, such as travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is considered a midrange card, due to its $95 annual fee and the benefits it provides. It offers bonus points for travel purchases and on various everyday spending categories, no foreign transaction fees, travel protections and flexible rewards redemption options.

Chase has not published an income requirement for the Sapphire Preferred. When reviewing your application, Chase considers your credit score, history and ability to repay debt.

Chase has not publicly disclosed the credit score requirements for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. However, most applicants will need good-to-excellent credit to be approved. A good credit score is defined by FICO as 670 to 739, while an excellent score is 800 and higher. You’ll have a much better chance of approval if your credit score is at least a 700.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including cash back, gift cards and merchandise. Points can also be transferred 1:1 to more than a dozen airline and hotel loyalty programs. Additionally, points on your Sapphire Preferred account can be used to book travel through Chase Travel at a value of 1.25 cents each.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is worth the annual fee if you use the benefits and spend in the rewards categories. The welcome bonus alone is worth much more than the annual fee, but after the first year, you’ll need to evaluate the other benefits. For example, if you use the $50 hotel credit (valid on Chase Travel bookings) and earn at least 4,500 points (worth $45 in cash back) from the category bonuses, you’ll break even with the $95 annual fee.

*The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Citi Strata Premier℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Ariana Arghandewal is a travel hacker and travel rewards expert who leverages credit cards to earn over a million miles every year. She is the founder of Pointchaser, an award-winning blog where she covered rewards travel and credit cards since 2012.

Glen Luke Flanagan is a deputy editor on the USA TODAY Blueprint credit cards team. Prior to joining Blueprint, he served as a deputy editor on the credit cards team at Forbes Advisor, and covered credit cards, credit scoring and related topics as a senior writer at LendingTree. He’s passionate about helping people understand personal finance so they can make the best decisions possible for their wallet. Glen holds a master's degree in technical and professional communication from East Carolina University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Radford University.

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

U.S. News & World Report

June 20, 2024, 8:00 PM

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Chase Ultimate Rewards can be used to book travel, cover eligible purchases, get cash back and more. If you have an eligible card, you can transfer points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners for potentially even more value. Plus, there are many ways for customers to earn these valuable points. In this Chase Ultimate Rewards review, you’ll learn how to earn and redeem points, which cards are part of the program and how to maximize rewards.

[ Read: Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards. ]

What Is Chase Ultimate Rewards?

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a benefits program that allows you to earn points with eligible cards. You can use Ultimate Rewards points for many purposes, including paying for travel, concerts or exclusive dining experiences. Another advantage is that you can transfer points to various Chase partners.

How Do Chase Ultimate Rewards Work?

When you make purchases with an eligible card, you earn Ultimate Rewards points. You can also earn points through sign-up bonuses or referring friends. Note that if you earn a referral bonus, Chase may send you an IRS Form 1099-MISC for referral income.

Generally speaking, you earn at least one point per dollar on eligible purchases. In addition, some cards earn more points when you spend in certain categories. Bonus categories can vary by card, or even by quarter, so choose a card that aligns with your highest spending. For example, if you have a card that earns more for categories like gas or food, make sure you use it for those items, says Rupeng Liao, a lead consultant for Comscore, a global media measurement and analytics company.

If you have multiple Ultimate Rewards credit cards, you can typically combine points into one account at no charge. This perk allows you to maximize your rewards by earning bonus points on one card, then transferring them to another to get a higher value when redeeming them. This strategy is the basis for the Chase Trifecta , where you have multiple Chase cards to earn bonus points on your top-spending categories.

Combining points is especially useful when taking advantage of your status with a loyalty program, says R.J. Weiss, a certified financial planner and founder of The Ways to Wealth, a personal finance website. “For example, as a Hyatt Globalist, I prefer to transfer all our household points to my Chase account, which I then transfer to Hyatt,” Weiss says. “This maximizes the benefits we receive, such as better room upgrades and late checkout.”

[ Read: Best Rewards Credit Cards. ]

How to Redeem Your Chase Ultimate Rewards

After you’ve earned Chase Ultimate Rewards, there are several ways to redeem. Some options have greater value than others, and keep in mind they may vary depending on which card you have.

— Cash back . Points are worth 1 cent each, which means that 50,000 points equal $500.

— Gift cards . Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for a gift card with one of more than 175 brands. You may also be able to get gift cards at discounted prices, which provides even more value for your points.

— Eligible shopping . You can pay with points when shopping at Amazon or when using PayPal at checkout. Points are worth 0.8 cent each at Amazon and when using PayPal. Cardholders can also use the Apple Ultimate Rewards store to purchase Apple products with points.

— Travel reservations . Book travel with your Ultimate Rewards points at a value of 1 cent per point. By booking via Chase Travel, you’ll receive 25% more value from your points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and 50% more value with Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

— Pay Yourself Back . Get a statement credit for eligible purchases using this feature. Points may be worth more than 1 cent when used in this way.

— Chase Dining and Chase Experiences . Eligible cardholders can use their points for exclusive events and to cover takeout, reservations and exclusive culinary experiences.

— Transfer to hotel and airline partners . Chase partners with 14 airlines and hotels to offer eligible cardholders the opportunity to move points to other loyalty programs at a 1-to-1 ratio. Occasional promotions offer a bonus when transferring to select partners.

When redeeming points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, you can combine points and cash. This flexibility allows you to reduce the cash price of a product or save points for other redemptions at a later time.

[ Read: Best Cash Back Credit Cards. ]

Which Chase Credit Cards Earn Ultimate Rewards?

Most Chase-branded credit cards earn Ultimate Rewards points. However, this is not so if you have a co-branded Chase hotel, airlines or Disney card. For example, the Disney Premier® Visa® Card earns Disney rewards, while Chase Southwest cards earn Southwest points.

If you’re looking for a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards, there are several personal and business cards to choose from. Each card has its own unique benefits and rewards, so choose the card that aligns best with your lifestyle.

Personal Credit Cards

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

— Annual fee : $0

— Top rewards earning rate : 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Travel

— Sign-up bonus : Earn $200 cash back after you spend $500 in the first three months.

Chase Freedom Rise?

— Top rewards earning rate : Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

— Sign-up bonus : None

Chase Freedom Flex®

— Top rewards earning rate : Get 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, and 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in quarterly categories. Cardholders must activate the quarterly bonus category to earn the 5% cash back.

— Sign-up bonus : Earn a $150 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

— Annual fee : $95

— Top rewards earning rate : Receive five points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit do not earn points.

— Sign-up bonus : Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

— Annual fee : $550

— Top rewards earning rate : Receive 10 points per dollar on eligible hotel and car rental purchases booked through Chase Travel after the $300 annual travel credit is earned. Also, earn 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards and on eligible Lyft products and services purchased through the Lyft mobile app through March 31, 2025.

[ LINK: Frustrated With Your Credit Card Rewards Redemptions? So Is the CFPB ]

Business Credit Cards

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

— Top rewards earning rate : Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

— Sign-up bonus : Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

— Top rewards earning rate : Earn 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.

— Sign-up bonus : Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

— Top rewards earning rate : Receive three points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, online advertising, internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year.

— Sign-up bonus : Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Ink Business Premier® Credit Card

— Annual fee: $195

— Top rewards earning rate: Get 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more. Note that you cannot combine rewards earned from this card with other Ultimate Rewards cards.

— Sign-up bonus: Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend at least $10,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Customers who have a legacy Chase credit card, such as the Chase Freedom® or Chase Ink Bold® Business Card, can also earn and redeem Ultimate Rewards points.

How Much Are Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Worth?

The value of Ultimate Rewards points depends on how you redeem them and which cards you have. Generally, you’ll need a card with an annual fee to get the most value from your Ultimate Rewards points.

For example, if you redeem points for cash back, you’ll receive 1 cent per point with any of the cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points. And when using a card with an annual fee to book via Chase Travel, your points could be worth more. For example, you can earn 1.25 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and 1.5 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

If your card permits point transfers to airline and hotel partners, they could be worth much more based on how you use them. Weiss says he has transferred over a million Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt over the years because it provides him the most value.

“Although Hyatt prices its rooms based on peak and off-peak times, it still uses an award chart,” says Weiss. “So while the cash rate might triple during peak times, the award rate may only increase by 20% to 30%, making it an excellent value. This strategy often yields 4 cents per point or higher, significantly maximizing the value of our Ultimate Rewards points.”

[ Read: Best Credit Cards. ]

Should You Use Chase Ultimate Rewards?

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are flexible and can be redeemed in a variety of ways. And if you have certain cards, you can receive even more value when booking travel, covering eligible transactions or transferring points to airline and hotel partners. When you use the Chase Trifecta strategy, you’ll maximize the number of points earned on every purchase, then benefit from free point transfers among accounts for the highest redemption values.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable, but they aren’t the only flexible rewards points that you can earn. For example, American Express , Capital One and Citi also have their own credit card rewards programs that offer attractive features and benefits.

More from U.S. News

How to Maximize Points With the Chase Trifecta

The Chase 5/24 Rule: What You Should Know

How to Maximize Points With the AmEx Trifecta

Chase Ultimate Rewards originally appeared on usnews.com

Update 06/21/24: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

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Swanky airport lounges are arriving at LAX, like this Chase one. But who can get in?

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While a swanky airport lounge can’t alleviate Los Angeles International Airport’s infamous curbside gridlock , it can make it become a more distant memory.

The latest predeparture sanctuary that will land at LAX? It’s from a company best known for its bank branches. Chase announced on Thursday it will open a 9,234-square-foot Sapphire Lounge at Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), near Gate 148. An opening date was not shared.

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Dana Pouwels, head of airport lounge benefits and strategic partnerships for Chase, said the company is investing in meeting its customers where they are.

“Los Angeles is home to many cardmembers and a popular destination among Chase travelers,” Pouwels said. “And as a native Angeleno who frequently travels through LAX to visit home, I’m excited to bring a Chase Sapphire Lounge to my home city.”

Based on renderings, the premium Chase space will feature expansive tarmac views — a first for a lounge in TBIT’s main concourse — along with a dramatic waterfall-style chandelier above a granite and wood bar. While Chase was mum on proposed amenities, if it’s anything like the company’s other lounges now at five airports, expect it to skew higher-end.

The first U.S. Sapphire Lounge for Chase debuted in Boston one year ago. Features include a gourmet buffet and à la carte dining (their Sapphire burger is a particular standout); dedicated wellness and shower rooms; and a residential-inspired design meant for both work and leisure. Meanwhile, the LaGuardia Airport location in New York that opened earlier this year even offers complimentary facials and ultra-high-end private suites (for a hefty additional fee).

Pouwels said the “space will pay homage to Los Angeles while embodying local modern elements that celebrate the culture of the city.”

To get unlimited access to Chase Sapphire Lounges in the U.S., travelers must be enrolled in the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve with Priority Pass membership. Those with a Priority Pass membership from another premium travel credit card (such as an Amex Platinum or Capital One Venture X) can enter a U.S. Sapphire Lounge once each calendar year at no cost.

Currently, there are no Priority Pass-accessible lounges at LAX, so Chase’s lounge will be a boon to a wide range of travelers once open.

The airport lounge wars continue

Lounge competition is fierce, especially among the major credit card companies. Access has widened dramatically in recent years as issuers push for premium card sign-ups and build out their own branded spaces. While that means more crowded lounges, it also means more options for travelers.

in 2013, American Express entered the business of owning and operating airport lounges with the Centurion network. More recently, Chase’s Sapphire portfolio and Capital One’s lounges are the answer to the incumbent.

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At LAX, Amex opened its Centurion Lounge in 2020, just a few steps away from Chase’s future site. The nearly 14,000-square-foot area features a variety of luxe amenities, including a bespoke food menu from executive chef Nancy Silverton, a spa area with chair massages and mini-manicures, and shower suites.

Dave Jones, deputy executive director of commercial development at Los Angeles World Airports, says that lounges improve the travel experience, especially as the airport redevelops. “LAX looks forward to providing our guests with more lounge options based on their consumer preferences, as well as accommodating the growing demand for lounge access,” he said.

Other LAX lounges in the pipeline

Chase isn’t the only player set to open a new lounge at the airport. Air France will unveil its first-ever LAX lounge at TBIT on June 21.

A carrier spokesperson said L.A. is one of the “most important markets for Air France” and is part of a wider global investment in lounges. When it opens, the LAX location will become the sixth Air France lounge in the U.S., joining Washington-Dulles, Houston Intercontinental, San Francisco, New York JFK and Boston.

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Meanwhile, over at Terminal 4, Delta Air Lines will open a high-end Delta One Lounge by the end of 2024. It will feature an outdoor terrace, over 10,000 square feet of space, and a seamless connection from an exclusive check-in area for Delta One passengers.

It’s part of the carrier’s strategy to offer a new “premium” tier of amenities for international business-class guests. “Premium lounge customers should feel welcomed and known when they walk in the door, just as they would at their favorite hotel or restaurant,” said Claude Roussel, vice president of Sky Club and lounge experience at Delta.

The first Delta One lounge will open in New York in late June.

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Chris Dong is a freelance reporter focusing on timely travel trends, loyalty programs, hotels and aviation. Formerly a staff writer and newsletter editor at The Points Guy, Chris’s print and digital work can now be found on Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, AFAR and Lonely Planet. When he’s not on the road, Chris calls Los Angeles home after nearly 10 years in New York City.

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