If you're a Chase Ultimate Rewards points holder, you're likely already aware of the basic redemption options available, but have you unlocked their full potential? Whether you're a travel pro or just starting to dive into the world of points, there are smarter ways to use your Chase points that can stretch their value to new heights. Let’s explore the top methods to maximize your points—some of which might surprise you.
Basic Redemption Options
Chase points come with three main redemption options: cashback, booking through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal, and transferring to one of Chase’s travel partners.
Cash Back: This is the simplest option, but it's far from the best. Chase allows you to redeem your points for cash at a rate of 1 cent per point, or 1.25 cents with premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This is okay for those looking for quick rewards, but it's nowhere near as rewarding as other options.
Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal: Booking travel through the Chase portal offers better value than cashback—1.25 cents per point for cards like the Sapphire Preferred, and 1.5 cents for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. While better than cashback, this still falls short of the truly great redemptions available when transferring points to partners.
Transferring Points to Travel Partners: This is where the magic happens. Chase Ultimate Rewards has a strong roster of transfer partners, including airlines and hotel chains like United, Southwest, and Hyatt. The real sweet spot comes when you move points to these partners, unlocking their true value.
Transferring Points, the Secret to Big Rewards
Transferring points to a partner can yield much higher redemption values than booking through the portal. This is especially true when you use the points for flights and hotel stays. Chase points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to travel partners, and with the right strategy, it's possible to get far more than 1.25 cents per point.
For example, one of the most powerful ways to redeem Chase points is by transferring them to Hyatt, where points can be used for luxury hotel stays at incredible rates. Imagine booking a stay at the Park Hyatt Maldives, where 25,000 points per night gives you a $2,835 beach villa. That’s nearly 3.8 cents per point—well above the portal’s value.
Sweet Spot #1: Hyatt – 3.7¢ Per Point
Hyatt is a favorite among miles and points collectors. Chase is one of the few major card providers that allows transfers to Hyatt, making it a top choice for those wanting premium hotel experiences. Hyatt categorizes its properties into eight tiers, and even the higher-end hotels can be booked for surprisingly low points.
Sweet Spot #2: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club – 6.7¢ Per Point
Another powerhouse for point redemptions is Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club. By transferring Chase points to Virgin Atlantic, you can book flights with Delta at a massive value. A prime example? A first-class flight from Atlanta to Paris for just 48,500 points and $285 in taxes and fees. That same flight would normally cost $3,562 if booked with cash, making your points worth about 6.7 cents each. Not bad for a flight across the Atlantic.
Pro tip: When searching for award seats on Virgin Atlantic’s website, use their “flexible dates” tool to find the best deals. You can even tweak the URL to access a calendar view of award availability, which can save you hours of searching.
How to Get These Sweet Deals
To transfer points, simply log in to your Chase account, select the "Transfer to Travel Partners" option, and choose your partner. Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio, meaning each Chase point equals one point with the partner airline or hotel. The process is quick, and it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours for the points to land in your partner account.
Final Thoughts
Maximizing the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points isn't about taking the easy route—it’s about making smart choices and thinking outside the box. Whether you're booking luxurious hotel stays at Hyatt or flying across the globe with Virgin Atlantic, transferring points to the right partners is the way to unlock real value. While cashback and portal bookings are nice and simple, they won’t get you nearly as far as a clever transfer. Keep an eye on those hidden gems and start getting the most out of your points.
