Chase Ultimate Rewards points are a powerhouse currency in the world of travel rewards credit cards. Earned through popular Chase-branded cards, these points offer incredible flexibility and value when redeemed strategically. While options abound, transferring your Ultimate Rewards points to Chase’s impressive roster of travel partners often unlocks the most significant rewards for your everyday spending.
Even with strong competition from programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards remains a top contender, particularly due to its valuable card lineup including the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.
With 14 diverse transfer partners, Chase provides a wealth of options to turn your points into unforgettable travel experiences. The beauty of this system lies in its flexibility: you can accumulate Chase points and hold them in your Ultimate Rewards account until the perfect transfer opportunity arises.
Let’s delve into everything you need to know about Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners and how to leverage them for maximum value.
Related: The best Chase credit cards
Who are the Chase Transfer Partners?
Chase partners with a mix of airlines and hotels, giving you a broad spectrum of travel redemption possibilities. This variety allows you to tailor your rewards to your specific travel preferences and destinations.
You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to the following 11 airline loyalty programs, spanning all three major airline alliances:
- Aer Lingus AerClub (Oneworld)
- Air Canada Aeroplan (Star Alliance)
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue (SkyTeam)
- British Airways Executive Club (Oneworld)
- Emirates Skywards
- Iberia Plus (Oneworld)
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (Star Alliance)
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
- United MileagePlus (Star Alliance)
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
In addition to airlines, Chase also partners with three prominent hotel programs, covering different segments of the hospitality industry:
- World of Hyatt
- IHG One Rewards
- Marriott Bonvoy
All transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to these partners occur at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points become 1,000 partner miles or points. Keep an eye out for occasional transfer bonuses, which can further boost the value of your points by offering a better than 1:1 transfer rate for a limited time. Points must be transferred in increments of 1,000.
How Long Do Ultimate Rewards Transfers Take?
For most Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, transfers are processed almost instantaneously. This speed is a significant advantage, allowing you to quickly move points when you find award availability.
However, it’s worth noting that transfer times can vary. While the majority of transfers are immediate, some programs may take a bit longer. For example, transfers to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer have been reported to take up to 48 hours in some instances.
Furthermore, the posting of transfer bonuses can sometimes be delayed. As an example, when transferring points to Aeroplan during a bonus promotion, the base points might appear instantly, but the bonus points could take a few days to be credited to your account.
To ensure a smooth transfer process, double-check that the name on your Ultimate Rewards account precisely matches the name on your loyalty program account. It’s also advisable to create an account with the partner loyalty program beforehand. Attempting to transfer points to a newly created account might introduce delays.
How Do I Transfer Chase Points to Partners?
Transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to partner programs is a simple and straightforward online process.
First, log in to your Chase account and navigate to the Ultimate Rewards portal. This is usually accessible from your credit card account summary page.
Once in the Ultimate Rewards portal, locate the “Travel” drop-down menu and select “Transfer to Travel Partners.” This will take you to the main transfer page showcasing all of Chase’s partners.
On the transfer partners page, you’ll see a list of all available partners, along with any current transfer bonuses that may be in effect. Select the specific transfer partner you wish to use.
If you haven’t linked your Chase Ultimate Rewards account to your chosen partner program account previously, you’ll be prompted to do so. This usually involves entering your loyalty program account number and name.
Next, specify the number of Ultimate Rewards points you want to transfer, keeping in mind the 1,000-point increments. Finally, review your transfer details and submit the request.
Remember that Ultimate Rewards point transfers are irreversible. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a specific redemption in mind before transferring your points. Transfer only when you are ready to book your travel reward.
What are the Best Chase Transfer Partners?
Determining the “best” Chase transfer partner depends on your individual travel goals and preferences. However, some partners consistently offer exceptional value for your Ultimate Rewards points.
Luxury hotel exterior at sunset
For hotel redemptions, World of Hyatt frequently stands out as a top choice among travel experts. Hyatt’s award chart, unlike many hotel programs that have shifted to dynamic pricing, offers predictable and often lower redemption rates, especially for luxury properties.
If you prefer to use your points for flights, the best airline transfer partner will depend on your desired destinations, preferred airlines, and alliance preferences. Many airline partners offer “sweet spots” – redemption opportunities where you can get outsized value from your points, particularly with programs that still maintain award charts.
Here are some examples of popular and high-value redemption sweet spots with Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners:
Top-Tier Hyatt Hotels
The World of Hyatt award chart is a major draw for points enthusiasts. In a landscape where many hotel programs are moving towards dynamic pricing, Hyatt maintains an award chart, offering transparency and potential for great value.
Hyatt’s award rates can be remarkably competitive, especially at the high end. You can book stays at aspirational Park Hyatt hotels, such as the Park Hyatt New York or Park Hyatt Sydney, for as low as 35,000 points per night during off-peak dates. Considering that these hotels often command cash prices of $1,000 or more per night, this represents an outstanding redemption value.
Even at the lower end of the award chart, Hyatt offers excellent value. Category 1 hotels, for instance, range from just 3,500 to 6,500 points per night, depending on peak, standard, or off-peak dates.
Iberia Flights to Madrid
For those looking to travel to Europe, Iberia Plus presents a compelling option. By transferring Chase points to Iberia, you can book round-trip, off-peak flights from East Coast gateways like New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Boston (BOS) to Madrid for just 34,000 Avios in economy, 51,000 in premium economy, or 68,000 in business class.
Compared to the typical 60,000+ miles often required for a one-way business-class award to Europe with other airlines, Iberia offers a significantly more affordable path to transatlantic travel.
Related: 7 of the best airline award chart sweet spots
Flights to Hawaii with Alaska and American Airlines
Leveraging the British Airways Executive Club program, another Oneworld partner, can unlock value for flights to Hawaii on partner airlines American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. British Airways utilizes a distance-based award chart, and for nonstop flights under 3,000 miles each way (and subject to saver award availability), you can fly round-trip from West Coast cities to Hawaii for 40,000 Avios. While prices increased due to devaluations in December 2023 and July 2024, this remains a potentially valuable redemption.
ANA Flights Booked Through Virgin Atlantic
For aspirational premium cabin travel, consider transferring points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to book flights on All Nippon Airways (ANA). For just 145,000 Flying Club points, you can fly round-trip in ANA first class between the West Coast and Tokyo. Flights from other U.S. gateways are also reasonable 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. If possible, aim for routes through New York-JFK to experience ANA’s highly-regarded “The Room” business class, available on select routes. However, be aware that award availability for these premium cabins can be limited.
Short-Haul Flights to Canada with Aeroplan
Air Canada Aeroplan, a Star Alliance program, offers compelling options for short-haul flights, particularly to Canada. While Aeroplan has introduced dynamic pricing for Air Canada flights, partner redemptions remain based on an award chart. This can lead to surprisingly affordable short-haul tickets from the U.S. to Canada. For example, flights from New York to Toronto can often be booked for under 6,000 miles one-way. Aeroplan also provides access to a wide range of Star Alliance partners, including Lufthansa, Swiss, and EVA Airways, expanding your options for award travel.
Related: Your complete guide to Star Alliance benefits
What are Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Worth?
The value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points can vary depending on how you choose to redeem them. However, maximizing value often involves transferring to airline and hotel partners.
Independent valuations, like those from The Points Guy (TPG), often estimate the value of Ultimate Rewards points around 2 cents per point or higher when transferred to partners and redeemed strategically for travel.
Redeeming points through the Chase Travel portal offers a fixed value, typically 1.5 cents per point for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders and 1.25 cents per point for Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred cardholders. Options like Chase Pay Yourself Back and occasional promotional offers for Apple products or gift cards can provide slightly enhanced value. However, redeeming for cash back usually yields a lower value of 1 cent per point.
How Do I Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards Points?
Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points is primarily achieved through spending on Chase credit cards that are part of the Ultimate Rewards program. Various cards offer different earning rates, ranging from 1 to 10 points per dollar spent, depending on the spending category and the specific card.
Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Business Preferred directly earn fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points. Additionally, Chase offers several “cash-back” credit cards, such as Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex®. While these cards are marketed as cash-back cards, if you also hold one of the transferable Ultimate Rewards cards (Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred), you can combine the rewards earned from these cash-back cards and convert them into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points. This strategy allows you to maximize both earning potential across different spending categories and redemption flexibility.
Here are some key Chase cards that allow you to earn Ultimate Rewards points:
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Why You Want It: A versatile travel credit card that earns valuable points on everyday spending and travel. Earning rates include:
- 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
- 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
- 3 points per dollar on dining (including takeout and delivery)
- 3 points per dollar on select streaming services
- 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 2 points per dollar on other travel
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
The Sapphire Preferred also offers benefits like no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and primary car rental insurance.
Annual Fee: $95
Application Link: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Why You Want It: A premium travel credit card with enhanced earning and luxury travel perks. Earning rates include:
- 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
- 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining booked through Ultimate Rewards
- 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
- 5 points per dollar on air travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
- 3 points per dollar on general travel (not booked through Chase)
- 3 points per dollar on dining
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Premium benefits include a $300 annual travel credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
Annual Fee: $550
Application Link: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Welcome Bonus: 90,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Why You Want It: A top business credit card for small business owners. Earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent annually in combined purchases on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and advertising on social media and search engines.
Annual Fee: $95
Application Link: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Cash-back Chase Credit Cards
Chase offers several cash-back cards that can be strategically combined with a Sapphire or Ink Business Preferred card to maximize Ultimate Rewards earning. These cards include:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Chase Freedom Flex®
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
These cards themselves do not offer point transfers, but when paired with a Sapphire or Ink Business Preferred card, the “cash back” earned can be converted to transferable Ultimate Rewards points. Importantly, none of these cards charge an annual fee.
Read more: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards
Bottom Line
Chase Ultimate Rewards stands out as a premier credit card rewards program, prized for its flexibility and the high value achievable through its transfer partners. In an era where loyalty program devaluations can occur with little notice, accumulating Ultimate Rewards points provides a safe haven. Earn points through credit card welcome bonuses, spending category bonuses, and everyday purchases, and then hold onto them until you are ready to transfer and book your dream travel with a partner airline or hotel. This strategic approach ensures you maximize the value of your rewards and unlock unforgettable travel experiences.
