If we’re aiming to squeeze the highest value from every dollar spent, we need more than just a single credit card. That’s where the Chase Trifecta comes in, a strategy designed to amplify both the rewards we earn and the value we get when redeeming them.
The concept is simple: by using three specific Chase credit cards together, we can accelerate our rewards accumulation while unlocking higher redemption rates. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are at the heart of this approach, as they can be earned across multiple cards and transferred between them. With the right setup, you could collect up to 10 points per dollar in certain spending categories.
But earning is only half the game. Some Chase cards boost redemption value, meaning that instead of the standard 1 cent per point, we can redeem them for travel at rates as high as 1.5 cents per point. When done strategically, this can translate into an effective return of up to 15% on specific purchases—far surpassing the typical 1.5% to 2% return most single credit cards offer.
Chase Credit Cards That Earn Ultimate Rewards® Points
To take full advantage of the Chase Trifecta, we need credit cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. These points can be combined across our own accounts or even transferred to a member of our household, making it easier to maximize their value.
Interestingly, some Chase cards are marketed as offering cash back, but the rewards actually come in the form of Ultimate Rewards® points. The math remains the same—5% cash back on a $100 purchase translates to 500 points, which equals $5 when redeemed for cash.
Here are some key Chase cards that work within this strategy:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Annual Fee: $550
- Earning Structure:
- 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals, and Chase Dining purchases booked through Chase
- 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase
- 3 points per dollar on travel and dining
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
- Bonus: 10 points per dollar on Lyft and eligible Peloton purchases (up to 50,000 points) until March 2025
- Point Redemption Value for Travel Through Chase: 1.5 cents per point
Chase Freedom Flex®
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- Annual Fee: $0
- Earning Structure:
- 5% back on rotating bonus categories (up to $1,500 in combined spending per quarter, 1% after)
- 5% on travel booked through Chase
- 3% on restaurants and drugstores
- 1% on all other purchases
- Bonus: 5% cash back on Lyft rides until March 2025
- Point Redemption Value for Travel Through Chase: 1 cent per point
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Earning Structure:
- 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent annually across travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and digital advertising
- 1 point per dollar on everything else
- Bonus: 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides until March 2025
- Point Redemption Value for Travel Through Chase: 1.25 cents per point
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Annual Fee: $0
- Earning Structure:
- 5% on travel booked through Chase
- 3% on restaurants and drugstores
- 1.5% on all other purchases
- Bonus: 5% back on Lyft rides until March 2025
- Point Redemption Value for Travel Through Chase: 1 cent per point
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Earning Structure:
- 5% back on the first $25,000 per year in combined spending at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services
- 2% back on the first $25,000 per year spent at gas stations and restaurants
- 1% on all other purchases
- Bonus: 5% back on Lyft rides until March 2025
- Point Redemption Value for Travel Through Chase: 1 cent per point
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Earning Structure:
- 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase
- 3 points per dollar on dining, select online groceries, and streaming services
- 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases
- 1 point per dollar on all other spending
- Bonus: 5 points per dollar on Lyft and eligible Peloton purchases (up to 25,000 points) until March 2025
- Point Redemption Value for Travel Through Chase: 1.25 cents per point
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Earning Structure:
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limit
- Bonus: 5% back on Lyft rides until March 2025
- Point Redemption Value for Travel Through Chase: 1 cent per point
Why Carrying Multiple Chase Cards Pays Off
Building a Chase Trifecta is one of the most effective ways to maximize travel rewards. Instead of relying on a single card, we can strategically combine multiple Chase credit cards to increase earning potential across different spending categories.
Let’s take a look at one powerful setup:
- Chase Freedom Flex® – Offers high rewards in rotating and fixed bonus categories.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Guarantees at least 1.5% back on all purchases and even more in select spending areas.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Focuses on travel and dining, offering boosted earning rates and premium perks.
This combination covers nearly every spending scenario. The Freedom Flex® takes care of bonus categories with its 5% back each quarter, the Sapphire Reserve® excels in travel and dining, and the Freedom Unlimited® ensures we earn at least 1.5% back on everything else. If dining is a major expense, we can use any of these cards, as they all offer solid rewards for restaurants.
Getting More Value When Redeeming Points
Earning rewards is one thing, but making those points stretch further is where the Chase Trifecta truly shines. Not all credit card combinations offer the same level of redemption value, which is why selecting the right mix is key.
Within Chase’s lineup, three cards stand out when it comes to boosting redemption rates for travel booked through the Chase portal:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® – Increases point value by 25%
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card – Also provides a 25% boost
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Elevates redemption value by 50%
This means that instead of redeeming 29,000 points for $290 in cash, we could use the Sapphire Reserve® to book travel and get $435 worth of airfare or hotel stays. That’s a significant difference—and a clear reason why pairing the right cards matters.
What to Keep in Mind Before Getting Started
The Chase Trifecta can be a powerful tool for maximizing rewards, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Before committing, there are a few key factors to consider.
Will the Rewards Justify the Annual Fees?
Some of Chase’s top rewards cards—including the Sapphire Preferred®, Sapphire Reserve®, and Ink Business Preferred®—come with annual fees. If the rewards you earn don’t outweigh those costs, this setup may not be worth it.
Can You Keep Track of Multiple Cards?
Managing a Chase Trifecta requires attention to detail. Each card has its own optimal spending categories, and the Freedom Flex® requires manual activation of bonus categories every quarter. If keeping track of which card to use for what feels overwhelming, a simpler rewards strategy may be a better choice.
Are You Willing to Book Travel Through Chase?
To unlock higher redemption values, travel must be booked through Chase’s travel portal. While points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners, the 25% boost from the Sapphire Preferred® and Ink Business Preferred®, or the 50% boost from the Sapphire Reserve®, only applies when booking directly through Chase. If you prefer booking elsewhere, this could limit your benefits.
Are You Eligible for Another Chase Card?
Chase has strict approval rules that can impact your ability to open new accounts:
- 5/24 Rule – If you’ve opened five or more credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months, Chase will likely deny your application.
- One Sapphire Rule – You can’t hold both Sapphire Preferred® and Sapphire Reserve® at the same time.
Additionally, applying for too many credit cards in a short period can lower your credit score and make it harder to get approved.
Can You Avoid Overspending?
The best rewards strategy is only valuable if balances are paid in full each month. Carrying a balance on a rewards card often comes with high interest rates, which can quickly cancel out any benefits earned.
If managing multiple cards sounds like a challenge or the annual fees outweigh the benefits, a simpler credit card setup might be a better approach.
