Chase Ultimate Rewards points stand out as a premier currency in the credit card rewards landscape, especially for those holding Chase-branded credit cards. These points, earned from everyday spending, open doors to a diverse array of redemption options.
Despite strong competition from programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards points remain highly valued for their flexibility and utility. This is largely thanks to popular cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, which are cornerstones for travel enthusiasts.
Transferring Ultimate Rewards points to travel partners often unlocks the greatest value for your points. With access to 11 airline programs and 3 hotel programs, the Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners network provides a wealth of options. This flexibility allows you to strategically hold onto your points until the ideal transfer opportunity arises.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the world of Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners and maximizing your point redemptions for incredible travel experiences.
Related: The best Chase credit cards
Discovering Chase Ultimate Rewards Airline Partners
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Chase provides access to a robust network of airline transfer partners, totaling 11 programs that cover a wide range of global destinations and alliances. These Chase Ultimate Rewards Airline Partners include:
- Aer Lingus AerClub
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- British Airways Executive Club
- Emirates Skywards
- Iberia Plus
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
- United Airlines MileagePlus
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
In addition to airlines, Chase also partners with three prominent hotel programs, offering diverse lodging options for your travel needs.
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The standard transfer ratio across all partners is a generous 1:1, meaning each Ultimate Rewards point converts to one partner point or mile. Keep an eye out for occasional transfer bonuses, which can further amplify the value of your points. Transfers are typically processed in increments of 1,000 points, providing flexibility in how you redeem.
Understanding Ultimate Rewards Transfer Times to Airline Partners
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The speed of transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to airline partners is a significant advantage. Most transfers are instantaneous, allowing you to book flights or hotels almost immediately after transferring. However, it’s worth noting that transfer times can occasionally vary.
While the majority of transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to its partner programs are processed instantly, some exceptions exist. For instance, recent tests indicate that transfers to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer may take approximately 48 hours to complete.
Transfer bonuses can also introduce slight variations in processing times. For example, when TPG’s senior editorial director Nick Ewen took advantage of a 20% bonus when transferring points to Aeroplan, the base points arrived promptly, but the bonus points took three days to appear in his account.
Although most transfers through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal are designed to be instantaneous, potential delays can occur. To ensure a smooth transfer process, it’s crucial to verify that the name on your Ultimate Rewards account precisely matches the name on your chosen airline or hotel loyalty program account. Furthermore, proactively signing up for loyalty programs in advance is advisable, as creating a new account during the transfer process might lead to delays.
Step-by-Step Guide: Transferring Chase Points to Airline Partners
Transferring your Chase points to airline partners is a straightforward online process. Begin by logging into your Chase account and navigating to the Ultimate Rewards portal. Within the portal, locate the “Travel” dropdown menu and select “Transfer to Travel Partners” to access the dedicated transfer page.
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This will display a comprehensive list of Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, including any ongoing transfer bonuses. Select your desired airline partner from the list. If you haven’t linked your loyalty account previously, you’ll be prompted to do so at this stage. Specify the number of Ultimate Rewards points you wish to transfer, keeping in mind the 1,000-point increments, and then finalize the transfer by submitting your request.
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CHASE.COM/THE POINTS GUY
It’s essential to remember that Ultimate Rewards transfers are irreversible. Therefore, it’s prudent to confirm your travel plans and award availability before initiating a transfer to a Chase Ultimate Rewards airline partner. Wait until you have a specific and confirmed use for your points before transferring them to ensure optimal redemption.
Identifying the Best Chase Transfer Partners for Airline Rewards
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While Hyatt often tops the list as the best hotel transfer partner due to its favorable award chart, the optimal Chase Ultimate Rewards airline partners depend on your travel preferences and destinations. Factors such as your preferred airlines, desired destinations, and alliance memberships play a crucial role in determining the best partners for you.
Each airline transfer partner offers unique sweet spots and redemption opportunities. Programs that maintain award charts, despite the industry trend towards dynamic pricing, often present particularly valuable redemption options.
Here are some standout sweet spots within the Chase Ultimate Rewards airline partner network:
Unlock European Flights with Iberia Plus
Transferring Chase points to Iberia Plus opens doors to cost-effective flights to Madrid. Round-trip, off-peak flights from New York-JFK, Chicago-ORD, and Boston-BOS to Spain’s capital can be booked for just 34,000 Avios in economy, 51,000 in premium economy, or 68,000 in business class. Considering typical business-class awards to Europe often start at 60,000 miles one-way, Iberia Plus offers substantial savings.
Related: 7 of the best airline award chart sweet spots
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Hawaiian Getaways with Alaska Airlines and American Airlines via British Airways
By transferring Ultimate Rewards points to British Airways Executive Club, you gain access to award bookings on Oneworld partners American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Leveraging British Airways’ distance-based award chart, you can fly round-trip from West Coast gateways to Hawaii for 40,000 Avios, provided your nonstop flight distance is under 3,000 miles each way and saver-level award space is available. While prices increased after devaluations in December 2023 and July 2024, this remains a valuable option for flights to Hawaii.
Luxurious ANA Flights via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
For aspirational travel, consider transferring points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to book flights on All Nippon Airways (ANA). Round-trip first-class flights between the West Coast and Tokyo can be secured for just 145,000 Flying Club points. Flights from other U.S. gateways are only slightly more at 170,000 points round-trip. Business-class redemptions are even more attractive, ranging from 105,000 to 120,000 points round-trip depending on your departure airport. For an exceptional experience, aim to fly ANA’s “The Room” business class, primarily available on routes through New York-JFK. However, be aware that award availability can be limited.
Affordable Short-Haul Flights to Canada with Aeroplan
Air Canada Aeroplan, a Star Alliance member, offers value for short-haul flights from the U.S. to Canada. While Aeroplan utilizes dynamic pricing for Air Canada flights, partner awards remain based on an award chart. This often results in surprisingly affordable tickets. For example, flights from New York to Toronto (YYZ) can frequently be found for under 6,000 miles one-way. Beyond Air Canada, Aeroplan also provides access to a broad network of Star Alliance partners, including Lufthansa, Swiss, and EVA Airways.
Related: Your complete guide to Star Alliance benefits
Maximizing the Value of Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each, based on valuations from October 2024. Transferring points to airline and hotel partners generally yields the highest value for your points, often exceeding this valuation.
However, alternative redemption methods offer varying value. Redeeming through the Chase Travel℠ portal provides a value of 1.5 cents per point for Sapphire Reserve cardholders and 1.25 cents per point for Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred cardholders. Chase Pay Yourself Back offers another redemption option, and occasional promotions may allow you to use points for Apple products or gift cards at enhanced rates. Cash-back redemptions typically offer a fixed value of 1 cent per point.
Earning More Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Building your Chase Ultimate Rewards points balance is achievable through several Chase credit cards, offering earning rates from 1 to 10 points per dollar spent, depending on the card and spending category.
The following cards directly earn fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Additionally, several Chase cash-back credit cards can indirectly contribute to your Ultimate Rewards balance. If you hold one of the transferable Ultimate Rewards cards (Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred), you can combine rewards earned from cash-back cards and convert them into transferable Ultimate Rewards points. This strategy maximizes both earning potential and redemption flexibility.
Here are cash-back Chase credit cards that can be combined with transferable Ultimate Rewards cards:
It’s important to note that the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card, while part of the Chase Ink Business family, does not allow point combination with the standard Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.
Read more: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards
Final Thoughts on Chase Ultimate Rewards Airline Partners
For those seeking flexibility and high-value travel redemptions, Chase Ultimate Rewards stands out as a leading credit card rewards program. The ability to transfer points to 11 diverse airline partners and 3 hotel partners provides unparalleled optionality.
In an era of loyalty program devaluations, accumulating Ultimate Rewards points through credit card welcome offers, bonus spending categories, and everyday purchases is a strategic approach. Holding onto your points until you’re ready to transfer and book with a Chase Ultimate Rewards airline partner or hotel partner empowers you to maximize value and navigate the evolving landscape of travel rewards.
