How to Maximize Chase Points by Transferring to Travel Partners
“Hall of Mirrors” in Versailles, France, 2019
If you’ve been collecting or plan to stock up on Chase Ultimate Rewards points and are wondering how to get the most out of them, transferring them to Chase's travel partners is one of the best ways to unlock incredible travel opportunities.
Here’s a quick guide on how to make your points work harder for you:
Why Transfer Chase Points?
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are super versatile, but transferring them to travel partners can help you score amazing flights, hotel stays, and upgrades that might cost you a lot more if you booked directly with cash or through the portal. By transferring to airlines and hotel partners, you can maximize the value of your points.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transfer Chase Points to Travel Partners
Log into Your Chase Account
Go to Chase.com or open the Chase mobile app.
Navigate to the Ultimate Rewards section under your card account.
Select the "Book Travel" Option
Click "Transfer to Travel Partners".
You'll see a list of 13+ airline and hotel partners to choose from.
Choose Your Partner
Here are a few of the big ones:Airlines: United Airlines, British Airways, Southwest, Air France/KLM, Singapore Airlines, and more.
Hotels: Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, & IHG Rewards.
Depending on your travel goals, choose the partner that fits your needs (for example, United for domestic flights or Hyatt for a luxury hotel stay!).
Enter the Number of Points to Transfer. You must have an account with them in order to link it to your Chase card to be able to transfer (with a Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred). But signing up for an account is always free.
Each partner has a 1:1 point transfer ratio (meaning 1 Chase point = 1 airline or hotel point). So, 50,000 Chase points could transfer to 50,000 miles or hotel points in the partner program.
Transfers are instant (most of the time!) but can take up to 48 hours depending on the partner.
Book Your Dream Trip!
Once the points are transferred, you can book your flight, hotel, or experience directly with the partner. Be sure to keep an eye on award availability, as some partners have limited seats or rooms available for award bookings. You don’t want to transfer the points before you know for sure there is availability!
Tips to Maximize Your Transfers:
Look for Bonus Offers: Occasionally, Chase will offer transfer bonuses to certain partners. You could get 20%, 30% or sometimes 40% more value for your points when transferring, making them go even further. This is especially amazing if you’re looking to go to Europe. Sometimes you can get two or three one-way flights out of one credit card welcome offer!
Book Flights in Advance: Airlines often release award flights up to 11 months in advance. Planning ahead can help you score the best availability.
Flexible Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you can find better award availability and potentially avoid the high mileage cost during peak travel times.
Top Travel Partners to Consider:
United Airlines (great for both domestic and international flights, with Star Alliance access)
British Airways (perfect for short-haul European flights)
Hyatt (amazing value for luxury stays and high-end resorts)
Southwest Airlines (the perfect option for domestic flights with no change fees! Also great if you have the companion pass, as your points will go further)
Marriott Bonvoy (access to thousands of properties worldwide)
Final Thoughts:
Transferring your Chase points to travel partners is one of the smartest ways to stretch your points and score incredible travel deals. Whether you're flying to Europe, staying in a luxury resort, or booking a family vacation, using your Ultimate Rewards points this way can open up a whole new world of travel possibilities!
Do you have any favorite Chase travel partner experiences with one of their airline or hotel partners?
