Have you ever glanced at your Chase Ultimate Rewards balance and found yourself wondering, “What can I even do with all these points?”
You could be sitting on a goldmine of travel opportunities without even knowing it.
One of the smartest moves you can make is transferring your Chase points to their travel partners. It’s a strategy that can stretch the value of your rewards far beyond their usual worth.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process, step by step, so you can transform those points into unforgettable flights, luxurious hotel stays, or first-class upgrades that truly feel worth it.
I’ve been through this process myself, and let me tell you—it’s a lot simpler than it seems at first glance.
Why Transferring Chase Points Can Be Worth It
Not all points redemptions are created equal, and transferring your Chase points to travel partners can unlock their full potential.
While options like cash back or booking through the Chase travel portal might seem convenient, they often leave value on the table.
- Cash back: It’s straightforward but limited, with points worth just 1 cent each. Sure, it’s quick, but you’re not maximizing your rewards.
- Travel portal bookings: A better option, especially with premium cards. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred gives you 1.25 cents per point, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve bumps that up to 1.5 cents.
- Transfers to partners: With the right partner and redemption, your points can be worth 2 cents or more each—doubling (or better!) what you’d get with cash back.
Here’s a quick example: Say you have 50,000 Chase points. If you redeem them for cash, that’s $500. But if you transfer them to a partner like Hyatt, you might book a luxury hotel stay worth $1,000 or more.
That’s the kind of value you don’t want to miss.
Who’s on the List? Chase’s Travel Partners
Chase has built an impressive lineup of 14 travel partners, giving you endless possibilities for turning your points into unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, or a mix of both, here’s the full list of partners to explore:
Airline Partners
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue
- Aer Lingus AerClub
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- British Airways Executive Club
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Iberia Plus
- United MileagePlus
- Emirates Skywards
Hotel Partners
- World of Hyatt
- Marriott Bonvoy
- IHG Rewards Club
Pro tip:
Before transferring, check which partners align best with your travel goals. For instance, if you’re looking for luxury hotels, Hyatt offers some of the best redemption value.
Planning a domestic trip? Southwest Airlines or JetBlue might be your best bet.
How to Transfer Chase Points: Step-by-Step
Transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to travel partners is quick and easy. You can complete the process using either the Chase mobile app or the Chase website. Here’s how it works:
Step#1. Log in to your account and find the travel portal.
Start by logging into your Chase account on their website or mobile app. Navigate to the “Rewards” section. From there, locate the “Transfer to Travel Partners” option to access the travel portal.
Step#2. Access the ‘Transfer to Travel Partners’ menu.
There are two ways to get to the transfer section:
- On the top menu bar, click the arrow next to your total points balance, then choose “Transfer to Travel Partners” from the dropdown.
- Alternatively, click the three-line menu on the top left corner of your screen. Under the “Earn/Use” section, you’ll see “Transfer to Travel Partners” listed. Click that to begin the process.
Step#3. Choose your transfer partner.
Once inside, you’ll see a list of Chase’s travel partners. Airline partners are listed first, followed by hotel partners. Select the one that aligns with your travel goals.
Step#4. Enter your loyalty program details and transfer points.
After selecting a partner, Chase will ask you to choose a recipient. This can be either the primary cardholder or an authorized user. Next, enter the loyalty account details associated with your chosen travel partner. Double-check everything for accuracy—any mismatch could cause delays.
Now, decide how many points you want to transfer. Transfers require a minimum of 1,000 points, and all transfers are final, so ensure you’re confident in the amount before proceeding.
Step#5. Confirm and submit your transfer.
Once everything looks good, click “Confirm & Submit.” Some transfers are processed instantly (Hyatt, for example), while others may take a few hours or up to a day to reflect in your loyalty account.
A Quick Tip:
Chase transfers all points at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 1,000 Chase points equals 1,000 partner points or miles. It’s a transparent system, so you always know exactly what you’re getting.
Maximizing Your Points: Tips Before You Transfer
Before you dive into transferring your Chase points, a little planning can go a long way. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most value out of your rewards:
- Check award availability first.
Picture this: you’ve transferred points to an airline partner, only to discover there are no award seats available for your travel dates. Frustrating, right? - Know your travel goals.
Are you saving up for a first-class flight, or do you just want to cut costs on a family vacation? Defining your goals can help you decide how to use your points wisely. Personally, I’ve found that using points for a business-class upgrade is a great way to add a little luxury to long-haul trips. - Do the math.
Not every redemption option gives you the same value. Compare the value of transferring points to a partner versus booking directly through the Chase travel portal. For example, a hotel night booked through the portal might cost fewer points than transferring to a partner and redeeming there—or vice versa. - Be strategic with partners.
Some partners, like Hyatt, tend to offer exceptional value for hotel stays, while others shine for flight redemptions. Once, I transferred points to Hyatt and snagged a $600-a-night suite for just 25,000 points—it was a major win.
Start Making Your Points Work for You
Now that you know how the process works, take a few minutes to think about your travel goals. Are you planning a dream vacation or looking for ways to make an upcoming trip more affordable?
Whatever your plans, your Chase points can help make them happen.
With a bit of strategy and a clear goal in mind, you can turn your everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences. The possibilities are endless—so start exploring and see where your points can take you!