Chase Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most flexible and valuable travel currencies available. They work well for premium flights, luxury hotels, and high value redemptions across dozens of partners. Knowing how to earn and redeem them strategically can elevate any traveler’s experience.

Smart Ways to Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Not all Chase cards earn transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, so choosing the right mix matters. These are the primary ways travelers build a strong balance.

Welcome Bonuses

Large introductory bonuses provide a fast start.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns 60,000 points after meeting the minimum spending requirement.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns 125,000 points and includes premium travel benefits.

• Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card earns 90,000 points after meeting the spending requirement.

Category Bonuses

Using the right card for the right purchase helps points accumulate faster.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns 2x points on travel and 3x on dining.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns 3x points on dining, 4x on flights/hotels booked direct, and 8x on select hotel and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠.

• Chase Freedom Flex® and Chase Freedom Unlimited® earn cash back that can be converted into Chase Ultimate Rewards points when paired with a Sapphire card.

• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card earns 3x points on categories such as travel, shipping, and digital advertising.

Referral Bonuses

Travelers who refer family, friends, or colleagues often earn between 10,000 and 40,000 points per referral. This can be a steady way to grow a balance over time.

Chase Offers

Chase periodically provides targeted merchant offers that award additional rewards or cash back. These can add incremental value on everyday spending.

Business Expenses

Business owners can earn substantial points by putting advertising, office supplies, and travel on Ink Business cards.

How to Redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards Points for the Best Value

Transfer partners deliver the strongest redemptions. Chase partners with major airline and hotel programs, and transfers typically occur at a 1:1 ratio.

Airline Partners

United Airlines, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Avios, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Emirates Skywards, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, among others.

Hotel Partners

World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG Rewards Club.

A premium cabin ticket that sells for several thousand dollars in cash can sometimes be booked for around 70,000 points when transferred to an airline partner that prices awards favorably.

When to Use the Chase Travel℠ Portal

The Chase Travel portal can be useful when cash fares are especially low. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, points redeemed through the portal may receive a value boost. Still, travelers should compare portal prices to partner redemptions to confirm they are receiving strong value.

Redemptions to Avoid

Redeeming points for cash back or gift cards generally provides far lower value than travel redemptions and is rarely worthwhile.

A Simple Strategy for Maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

• Start with a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® to unlock transferable points.

• Meet the welcome bonus requirement early through planned spending.

• Use bonus categories intentionally to earn points faster.

• Take advantage of referral bonuses when possible.

• Transfer points to airline and hotel partners for premium flights and high value stays.

• Monitor Chase Offers and limited time promotions for additional earning opportunities.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points can unlock remarkable travel experiences, from business class seats to luxury hotels. With consistent earning habits and thoughtful redemptions, these points can take travelers much farther than their spending alone might suggest.

Talk soon,

Your Maestro Concierge

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are only the author’s and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity.