Maximizing the Value of Your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Having an abundance of Chase Ultimate Rewards points is always advantageous.

This transferable rewards currency opens the door to top-tier hotel and airline transfer partners, alongside the user-friendly Chase Travel℠ portal, which lets you manage various trip expenses such as car rentals, hotels, flights, tours, activities, and even some regular expenses.

Even with rising competition from American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards remains one of the most valuable points currencies globally. If you’re just starting with redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points, this easy beginner's guide will help you navigate the process.

If you're eager to travel more affordably, here's a comprehensive overview of Chase transfer partners and the optimal ways to redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

What is the value of Ultimate Rewards points?

According to TPG's September 2024 valuations, Ultimate Rewards points are valued at 2.05 cents each, which is the target value you should aim for when redeeming. The actual worth of your points will vary based on how you choose to use them.

What are the ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards?

If you choose to redeem your points for cash back or statement credits, they generally hold a value of about 1 cent per point.

For a better value, consider using your Chase points for various travel bookings, such as flights, hotels, cruises, tours, and car rentals through Chase Travel. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, your points are valued at a fixed rate of 1.25 cents each. In contrast, Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders enjoy a higher valuation of 1.5 cents per point, making this a great option for those who prefer to avoid the complexities of award program rules.

To get the most out of your Ultimate Rewards points, the best strategy is often to transfer them to one of the 11 airline partners or three hotel partners. This allows you to book premium travel experiences, such as first-class flights and luxury accommodations.

What are the top ways to redeem Chase points?

As noted, transferring your Chase points to a travel partner is frequently the optimal choice for maximizing the value of your points. Here are some excellent ways to utilize Ultimate Rewards through airline and hotel transfer partners.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Although Flying Blue adjusts most of its award pricing dynamically, the program has recently introduced standardized saver-level pricing for all one-way flights between the U.S. and Europe. This applies regardless of your departure or arrival city, allowing for connections at no additional cost:

• 20,000 miles for economy
• 35,000 miles for premium economy
• 50,000 miles for business class

Keep in mind that these rates apply only to the limited availability of saver-level seats. Securing a business class ticket from any U.S. city to any European destination for 50,000 Flying Blue miles is an excellent opportunity, so seize it if you find suitable dates at this price.

Additionally, you could spend a few days in Paris or Amsterdam by taking advantage of the free Flying Blue stopover program. This is a fantastic way to explore another city without incurring extra miles or cash costs. To arrange Flying Blue stopovers, you'll need to contact them at 800-375-8723.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

According to TPG's September 2024 valuations, Southwest Rapid Rewards points are valued at 1.4 cents each, significantly lower than the 2.05 cents per-point value of Ultimate Rewards. Therefore, transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest is generally not the best option.

That said, there are specific situations where moving points to this airline, known for its lack of change or baggage fees, can be beneficial. For instance, for low fares priced at $100 or less, Rapid Rewards points can be worth as much as 1.7 cents each, exceeding the value obtained through portal bookings. Additionally, if you hold a Southwest Companion Pass and effectively get two flights for the cost of one award, your points could be valued at 3.4 cents each for cheaper fares.

It's also important to note that flights booked with Rapid Rewards points come with free changes and cancellations, providing significant flexibility should the award rate decrease after your booking.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Singapore Airlines presents numerous advantages as a prime airline transfer option for your Ultimate Rewards. Firstly, Singapore is renowned for its exceptional service and luxurious onboard experiences. The airline's premium offerings are primarily accessible through the KrisFlyer program, rather than its Star Alliance partners.

Secondly, Singapore's KrisFlyer program is known for its excellent value, featuring reasonable award charts, minimal fuel surcharges, stopover-friendly routing rules, and the option to mix multiple partners in a single award.

Lastly, the online award booking tool is user-friendly and straightforward, though keep in mind that transfers usually aren't immediate.

Here are some of our top KrisFlyer redemptions when using Chase Ultimate Rewards:

• Travel from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii in economy class on United Airlines for 19,500 miles each way
• Fly Singapore Airlines from the U.S. to Europe starting at 25,000 miles (this may be further reduced through KrisFlyer's monthly Spontaneous Escapes offers)
• Experience the world's longest flight in business class from New York to Singapore for 111,500 miles each way
• Travel first class from Los Angeles to Japan or South Korea for 120,500 miles each way

Iberia Plus

Despite its potential value for U.S.-based travelers, Spain's national airline remains somewhat of an enigma for many Chase cardholders. Iberia Plus offers affordable economy, premium economy, and business-class transatlantic flights on its own aircraft.

Transatlantic business class fares follow a distance-based award system. For example, one-way flights from Miami to Madrid during off-peak times can start at just 21,250 Avios in economy and 42,500 Avios in business class, with surcharges potentially under $100, depending on the service class chosen.

Moreover, prices become even more appealing for shorter routes (based on mileage). Off-peak flights from Boston to Madrid require only 17,000 Avios in economy, 25,500 in premium economy, and 34,000 in business each way, making it one of the best sweet spots across airline programs.

Finnair Plus (through British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus AerClub, or Iberia Plus)

For a short-haul, nonstop flight on a Oneworld partner like American Airlines or Alaska Airlines, consider transferring your Ultimate Rewards points to British Airways Executive Club. Booking these flights through BA begins at a reasonable 12,000 Avios for routes of 650 miles or less, like from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Orlando International Airport (MCO), but there’s a way to secure these domestic flights for even fewer points.

Although Finnair Plus isn't a direct Chase transfer partner, you can send Ultimate Rewards points to BA, Aer Lingus, or Iberia, and then transfer those Avios to your Finnair Plus account at a 1:1 ratio. Why go through this additional step?

Finnair Plus requires a flat 11,000 Avios (equivalent to 11,000 Ultimate Rewards points) for any itineraries within the continental U.S. and Canada. This is particularly advantageous for longer connecting flights, such as from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Dulles International Airport (IAD) via Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on American Airlines.

World of Hyatt

One of the top strategies for maximizing your Ultimate Rewards points is to transfer them to World of Hyatt for stays at both low- and high-category hotels. Generally, Hyatt points provide more value compared to Marriott Bonvoy and IHG points, making Hyatt a preferred hotel transfer partner within the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

World of Hyatt features an attractive award chart, with redemption costs ranging from 3,500 to 45,000 points.

If you're considering standard award nights, the program offers great value across a range of properties. Notably, Category 1 to 5 properties can present excellent award opportunities. Examples include the Grand Hyatt Washington (17,000 to 23,000 points), Grand Hyatt Athens (9,000 to 15,000 points), and Park Hyatt Mendoza (12,000 to 18,000 points).

Many Category 1 properties are priced above $100 per night (excluding taxes), making it a wise choice to redeem just 3,500 points for these off-peak dates. For instance, the Hyatt Place Tucson-Central can be booked for only 3,500 to 6,500 Hyatt points per night.

Higher-end hotels offer considerable value. For instance, redeeming between 35,000 and 45,000 points per night at the ski-in/ski-out Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, or 25,000 to 35,000 points per night at Park Hyatt St. Kitts or Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, is a wise choice, as rooms at these luxurious properties often exceed $1,000 per night.

Top cards for earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points

There are various methods to accumulate Ultimate Rewards points through Chase credit cards. Here’s a brief overview of the best options available:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Receive 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus a $300 statement credit on Chase Travel℠ purchases during the first year.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Get 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Earn $350 after spending $3,000 in the first three months; plus, receive an additional $400 when spending $6,000 in the first six months from account opening.
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Enjoy a $900 cash back bonus after spending $6,000 within the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Freedom Flex®: Obtain a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Gain an additional 1.5% on all purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year), which could equal up to $300 cash back.

The initial three cards generate fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points, whereas the other four are classified as cash-back credit cards.

However, if you possess a card that earns Ultimate Rewards, you can convert your Chase cash-back rewards into Ultimate Rewards points. This is why having multiple Chase cards can enhance your earning and redemption capabilities.

For comprehensive information, refer to TPG's guide on transferring Chase points between accounts.