Brendan racked up over a million Chase Ultimate Rewards, all thanks to a mix of obvious and lesser-known strategies. From free flights to unforgettable experiences, these points have taken him all over the world. Let’s dive into how you can up your balance—from common approaches you might already know, to hidden gems that have quietly earned him hundreds of thousands of points.
Welcome Offers
The easiest (and fastest) way to earn a massive chunk of points is through welcome offers. When you apply for a new card, are approved, and hit the minimum spending requirement, you can sometimes score huge bonuses. If you can time it right, some business cards, like the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, have limited-time six-figure welcome offers that could fund an entire trip. Just make sure you’re using everyday spending to hit those requirements, and you’ll be off to a strong start.
Upgrade & Retention Offers
Not getting a new card? No worries—upgrade and retention offers are another sneaky way to earn points. Call the number on the back of your card and ask if there are any bonuses for upgrading or keeping your current card for another year. Sometimes you can snag up to 50,000 points just to stay loyal. It's easy, low effort, and could net you serious rewards.
Everyday Purchases
Yep, your day-to-day spending counts, too. Even no-annual-fee cards like the Chase Freedom Flex® give you great cash back on certain categories like groceries, gas, and dining. Stack that with other Chase cards to cover a wider range of spending, and you’ll be racking up points with minimal effort. Every little bit helps—especially when it's a category you use every day!
The Chase Trifecta
Now let’s talk strategy. By combining a no-fee cash-back card like the Chase Freedom Flex® with a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can convert that cash back into valuable Ultimate Rewards. Suddenly, 5% back becomes 5x points, and those points can be transferred to travel partners for even more value.
If you're serious about points, the Chase Trifecta setup is a must.
Chase Shopping Portal
This one’s underrated—Chase has a shopping portal where you can earn bonus points on purchases from popular retailers. Just log into your Chase account, head to the "Shop & Earn" section, and you’ll find extra points waiting for you when you shop online. It's like getting free points for something you were going to buy anyway.
Referral Bonuses
Don’t sleep on referral bonuses! If you love points as much as I do, why not share the love? Each time a friend or family member uses your referral link to get a new card, you earn bonus points. And if you're in “two-player mode,” you and a partner can refer each other back and forth, doubling the rewards. Easy points for helping others? Yes, please.
Transfer Bonuses
Now for a secret weapon—transfer bonuses. Sometimes Chase offers bonuses when you transfer points to specific airline or hotel partners. For example, Brendan recently transferred 100,000 points to Virgin Atlantic with a 30% bonus, meaning he earned an extra 30,000 points for free! These bonuses can unlock a ton of value, so keep an eye out for them and pounce when they show up.
Whether you’re just starting or already a points pro, these strategies will help you build your stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
