Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards: earn flexible points, transfer to leading travel partners, explore redemption sweet spots, and uncover insider tips to maximize value.

Type
Bank
Category
Travel points
Point value
USD2¢

Overview

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a flexible and valuable credit card rewards program that lets cardholders earn points on everyday purchases and redeem them for a variety of rewards. This program stands out for its versatility and potential for high-value redemptions, especially when transferring points to travel partners.

Chase Ultimate Rewards overview

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a premier rewards program offered by Chase Bank. It’s designed to provide cardholders with a flexible and valuable way to earn and redeem points.

Here are a few key features of the rewards program:

  • Transfer to partners: A standout feature of Ultimate Rewards is the ability to transfer points to a wide range of airline and hotel loyalty programs, mostly at a 1:1 ratio. This feature allows savvy travelers to maximize the value of their points. This is a phenomenal way to unlock higher redemption values for flights and accommodations.
  • No expiration: Points do not expire as long as your account remains active and in good standing.
  • Enhanced value for premium cards: If you decide to redeem your points through the Chase Travel portal — instead of transferring them to partner programs — cardholders of premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve enjoy enhanced redemption values (1.5 cents per point).

It’s no wonder why Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most sought-after loyalty programs in the credit card landscape.

Chase

How to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points

You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points through various strategies. Here are the primary methods to accumulate these valuable points.

Credit cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points

You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points with these Chase Personal Cards:

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual fee$95Welcome offer
75,000 points
Apply Now
Annual fee$795Welcome offer
125,000 points
Apply Now
Annual fee$0Welcome offer
$200
Apply Now
Annual fee$0Welcome offer
$200
Apply Now

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Unlock Travel Rewards with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card

  • 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
  • 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
  • 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases
  • 2X points on all other travel
  • 1X point on all other purchases
  • $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel℠
  • 10% anniversary points boost on prior year’s spend
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $95 annual fee

Make every trip count with flexible redemption options—transfer points 1:1 to top airline and hotel partners or boost their value when booking through Chase. Enjoy built‑in travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage and lost luggage reimbursement, plus seamless account management via the Chase mobile app. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your next getaway, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® delivers premium perks at an approachable price.

Terms apply. Bonus offer requires minimum spend. Annual fee applies. See Chase for full details.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

ChaseChase Ultimate Rewards
Annual fee
$95
Our valuation
$1,538

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,538Total$1,538Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
75,000 points
Apply Now

on Chase's website

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Experience Luxury Travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card

  • 125,000 bonus points after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
  • 8X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠; 4X points on direct airline and hotel bookings
  • 3X points on dining and eligible delivery services; 1X point on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit automatically applied to travel purchases
  • Complimentary lounge access with Priority Pass™ Select and Chase Sapphire Lounges for you +2 guests
  • Up to $300 in annual credits for dining at Exclusive Tables and stays with The Edit
  • $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit every four years
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $795 annual fee

From premium lounge retreats to robust trip protections—cancellation, interruption, auto rental and baggage insurance—this card lets you travel with confidence. Manage your account seamlessly in the Chase app, tap to pay with contactless security, and let automatic credits offset the annual fee for high‑value perks all year long.

Terms apply. See issuer for complete details and eligibility.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

ChaseChase Ultimate Rewards
Annual fee
$795
Our valuation
$2,862

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$2,562Annual credit$300Total$2,862Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
125,000 points
Apply Now

on Chase's website

Business cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points:

You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points with these Chase Business Cards:

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual fee$0Welcome offer
$750
Apply Now
Annual fee$95Welcome offer
90,000 points
Apply Now
Annual fee$0Welcome offer
$750
Apply Now
Annual fee$795Welcome offer
80,000 points
Apply Now

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

Elevate Your Business Travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Business Card

  • 80,000 bonus points after $5,000 in purchases within your first 3 months
  • 3× points on travel and dining
  • 1.5× points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit—automatically applied to any travel purchase
  • $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit every four years
  • Unlimited lounge access through Priority Pass™ Select and the Chase Sapphire Lounges ℠
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $550 annual fee

Designed for small‑business owners who demand premium perks, the Sapphire Reserve® Business card turbocharges your points on every trip and meal, then offsets its cost with robust travel credits. Manage employee cards at no extra cost, pool rewards instantly, and tap into concierge service and enhanced trip protections—trip cancellation, baggage delay and more—to keep your team moving smoothly. Redeem your points flexibly for flights, hotels, transfers to leading airline and hotel partners, or statement credits against any purchase.

Terms apply. Bonus requires qualifying spend. Travel credit applies on travel-related charges. Credits and benefits require enrollment where applicable. See issuer for complete details.

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

BusinessChaseChase Ultimate Rewards
Annual fee
$795
Our valuation
$1,940

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,640Annual credit$300Total$1,940Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
80,000 points
Apply Now

on Chase's website

Only the premium cards (those with an annual fee) allow direct transfers to travel partners. 

However, you can combine points from other cards with these premium cards. For example, you could transfer points from your Freedom Flex to your Sapphire Preferred. This strategy allows you to:

  • Earn bonus points in various categories across multiple cards.
  • Consolidate points onto a premium card.
  • Access better redemption rates and transfer partners.

By using this method, you can significantly boost your overall point earnings and redemption value.

Please be aware of the Chase 5/24 rule before applying for Chase Credit Cards.

Leverage bonus categories

Many Chase credit cards feature bonus categories that allow cardholders to earn extra points on certain types of purchases. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase Travel portal and 3 points per dollar on dining at restaurants. By focusing your spending on these categories, you can significantly boost your points earnings.

Maximize rotating categories

If you have a Chase Freedom Flex card, you can take advantage of its quarterly rotating categories that offer 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) on up to $1,500 in combined purchases. Each quarter features different categories, such as groceries, gas stations or online shopping. If you’re willing to put in some extra effort, strategically planning your spending can maximize your rewards.

Everyday purchases

Finally, don’t forget that using your Chase card for everyday purchases — such as groceries, gas, and dining — will also help you earn points. Chase’s cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points offer at least 1 point per dollar spent on all purchases, so consistently using your card can add up over time.

How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points

Redeeming your Chase Ultimate Rewards points is a straightforward process that can be done through the Chase website or mobile app.

Here’s a closer look at how to use your points.

Chase Travel portal

This is one of the most popular ways to redeem points with a solid return and generally minimal effort. In the Chase Travel portal, you can use your points to book flights, hotels, rental cars and experiences. If you hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you’ll enjoy an enhanced redemption value of 1.5 cents per point when booking travel. For those with the Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred cards, the value is slightly lower at 1.25 cents per point.

You can choose how many points to use when booking travel. For example, if you’re a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder booking a $500 flight and have 15,000 Ultimate Rewards points, those points are worth $225. You can apply your points toward the cost of the flight and pay the remaining $375 with your credit card.

Chase transfer partners

For many savvy travelers, transferring points to airline and hotel partners is where the real value lies. Chase Ultimate Rewards allows you to transfer points in 1,000 point increments to 11 airline and 3 hotel partners (most at a 1:1 ratio), including popular programs like United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt. This method often provides the highest redemption value, especially for premium cabin flights or luxury hotel stays. The main exception is World of Hyatt: for new cardholders as of June 15, 2026 (and existing cardholders on October 1, 2026), the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred transfer to Hyatt at a 4:3 ratio, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Reserve for Business keep the 1:1 ratio.

Here’s the full list of airline transfer partners:

And here are the three hotel transfer partners:

Other ways to use Ultimate Rewards points

Here’s a quick look at some other ways to use Chase points. In general, these provide a subpar redemption:

  • Cash back: Redeem points as statement credits or direct deposits typically at 1 cent per point for everyday expenses.
  • Gift cards: Purchase gift cards at around 1 cent per point, with occasional discounts or bonuses for added value.
  • Pay with Points: Use points for Amazon or PayPal purchases, though at a lower value of 0.8 cents per point.
  • Apple purchases: Redeem points for Apple products through the portal at 1 cent per point.
  • Exclusive experiences and dining: Book unique events or dining experiences for memorable non-travel rewards.
  • Pay Yourself Back: Offset eligible purchases in specific categories with select cards.

Maximizing Ultimate Rewards points 

  • Transfer to travel partners: Earn up to 2+ cents per point by transferring to airline and hotel partners (most at a 1:1 ratio; World of Hyatt is 4:3 on the Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred as of 2026), especially for premium flights or luxury stays.
  • Combine points: Pool points from cards like Freedom Flex or Unlimited with Sapphire Preferred, Reserve or Ink Preferred for better rates in Chase Travel and partner access.
  • Book through Chase Travel: Use the portal if transfer partners don’t offer good value for your needs.
  • Look for transfer bonuses: Take advantage of limited-time bonuses for specific partners to boost point value.
  • Avoid low-value redemptions: Skip cash back, gift cards, and merchandise redemptions to focus on travel rewards.

Chase Ultimate Rewards sweet spots

Chase Ultimate Rewards points offer several high-value redemption opportunities when you transfer your points to partner programs. Here are some of our favorite sweet spots to maximize your points:

  • World of Hyatt: Award nights start at just 3,500 points per night. Hyatt waives resort/destination fees on award stays, and top-tier World of Hyatt Globalist members enjoy complimentary parking on award stays.
  • Air Canada Aeroplan: This program offers excellent redemption rates, such as short-haul United flights for 6,000 points in economy class or flights to Europe starting at 60,000 points in business class on airlines like United, Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss and Singapore Airlines.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards: Ideal for domestic travel, Southwest offers no blackout dates and includes two free checked bags. Southwest points are worth around 1.4 cents apiece, so if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you’re generally better off redeeming your points Southwest flight through the Chase Travel portal.
  • Air France/KLM Flying Blue: Offers competitive redemption rates for flights to Europe starting at 15,000 miles, 35,000 miles and 50,000 miles in economy, premium economy and business class, respectively.

And as mentioned, Chase frequently offers transfer bonuses between 10% and 40%, which can stretch your points even further. 

By strategically using transfer partners, you can significantly increase the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points and unlock incredible deals.

Recent posts about Chase Ultimate Rewards

Bottom line

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a powerful program that offers incredible value for cardholders. By strategically earning and redeeming points, especially through transfer partners, you can maximize your rewards for great travel experiences. The program’s flexibility and ease of use make it an excellent choice for both casual spenders and travel enthusiasts alike.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

ChaseChase Ultimate Rewards
Annual fee
$95
Our valuation
$1,538

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,538Total$1,538Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
75,000 points
Apply Now

on Chase's website

FAQs about Chase Ultimate Rewards

What are Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are flexible rewards earned through eligible Chase credit cards. You can redeem them for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more. With certain cards, you can also transfer points to airline and hotel partners for greater value.

Which Chase cards earn Ultimate Rewards points?

Several personal and business Chase cards earn Ultimate Rewards points , including Chase Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Ink Business Preferred, Freedom Flex, and Freedom Unlimited. Only cards like Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Preferred allow direct transfers to travel partners.

How can I get the most value from Chase points?

The best value usually comes from transferring your points to airline and hotel partners like World of Hyatt, United MileagePlus, or Air Canada Aeroplan. These redemptions can yield 2 cents or more per point, especially for premium cabin flights or luxury hotels.

Do Chase Ultimate Rewards points expire?

No, your Ultimate Rewards points do not expire as long as your credit card account remains open and in good standing.

Can I combine Chase points across cards?

Yes, you can combine points across eligible Chase cards. For example, you can transfer points from Freedom Flex to Sapphire Preferred to unlock travel transfer partners and boost redemption value through the Chase Travel portal.

  • Transferable 1:1 to 11+ airline and hotel partners
  • 1.5x value when booking through Chase Travel portal (Reserve)
  • 1.25x value when booking through Chase Travel portal (Preferred)
  • Instant transfers to most partners
  • Best overall flexibility among US bank programs

Valuations

Redemption¢ / pointConfidence
Default redemption2.00

Cards that earn in this program

4 cards found

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
BusinessChaseChase Ultimate Rewards
Annual fee
$795
Our valuation
$1,940

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,640Annual credit$300Total$1,940Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
80,000 points
Apply Now

on Chase's website

Features
Issuer
Chase
Network
Program
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Fees and terms
Annual Fee
$795/yr
Min. annual income
Read the full review
Rewards
Rate
Travel
4x
Read the full review
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Annual fee
$95
Our valuation
$1,845

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,845Total$1,845Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
90,000 points
Apply Now

on Chase's website

Features
Issuer
Chase
Network
Program
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Fees and terms
Annual Fee
$95/yr
Min. annual income
Read the full review
Rewards
Rate
Travel
3x
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
ChaseChase Ultimate Rewards
Annual fee
$795
Our valuation
$2,862

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$2,562Annual credit$300Total$2,862Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
125,000 points
Apply Now

on Chase's website

Features
Issuer
Chase
Network
Program
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Fees and terms
Annual Fee
$795/yr
Min. annual income
Read the full review
Rewards
Rate
Travel
4x
Restaurants
3x
Read the full review