Have you ever looked at your Chase Ultimate Rewards points balance and wondered, "What exactly can I do with all these points?" You're not alone! Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most powerful and flexible points programs out there, but knowing how to maximize their value can feel like navigating a maze. Well, get ready to unlock the true potential of your points because this guide will walk you through every step of making your Chase points work for you, from basic redemptions to truly aspirational travel.
How to Use Chase Bank Points: Your Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Value
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are highly sought after because of their versatility. Whether you're looking to offset everyday expenses, book dream vacations, or even get some extra cash, understanding the different redemption options and their varying values is key. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Discover Your Points Powerhouse – Understanding Your Chase Card(s)
Before we even think about redeeming, let's understand the foundation: which Chase card(s) do you have? The value of your points significantly depends on the specific Chase card linked to your Ultimate Rewards account. This is the most crucial first step!
Sub-heading: Why Your Card Matters
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: These cards generally offer a 25% boost in value when redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel portal (1.25 cents per point, though "Points Boost" offers can increase this to 1.5x or even 1.75x on select flights/hotels). Crucially, they also allow you to transfer points to Chase's airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, which is often where the highest value lies.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This is the top-tier card for Ultimate Rewards, offering a 50% boost in value when redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel portal (1.5 cents per point, with "Points Boost" potentially reaching 2x on premium cabin flights and hotels). Like the Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred, it also allows 1:1 transfers to travel partners. The Sapphire Reserve also comes with a host of premium travel benefits.
Chase Freedom Flex®, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: These are often referred to as "cash back" cards, but they actually earn Ultimate Rewards points. When redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or travel through the portal on their own, these points are typically worth 1 cent per point. However, here's the game-changer: If you also hold a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred card, you can combine your points from these "cash back" cards into your premium card's Ultimate Rewards account. This instantly boosts their value for travel redemptions and unlocks the valuable transfer partner option!
Take a moment to log into your Chase account and identify your primary Ultimate Rewards-earning card. This will inform all your future redemption decisions!
Step 2: Accessing Your Ultimate Rewards Portal
Ready to see your points in action? It's time to log in!
Sub-heading: Logging In and Navigating
Go to Chase.com: On the Chase homepage, log in to your online banking account using your username and password.
Find Your Rewards: Once logged in, navigate to your credit card accounts. You should see an option to "Go to Ultimate Rewards" or "Redeem rewards" next to your points balance for your eligible Chase credit card. Click on this link.
Select Your Card (if applicable): If you have multiple Chase cards that earn Ultimate Rewards, you'll be prompted to select which card's points you want to view or redeem. Remember the tip from Step 1 – if you have a premium card (Sapphire Preferred/Reserve, Ink Business Preferred), always combine your points there first for maximum value!
You are now in the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, your gateway to a world of redemption possibilities!
Step 3: Redeem for Cash Back – Simple and Straightforward
Sometimes, you just need cash. While not always the highest value, cash back is a quick and easy option.
Sub-heading: How Cash Back Works
Value: 1 cent per point ($100 for 10,000 points).
Process:
In the Ultimate Rewards portal, look for a "Cash Back" or "Get Cash" option.
You can choose to receive your cash back as a direct deposit into your bank account or as a statement credit to offset your credit card balance.
Enter the amount of points you wish to redeem. Points are usually redeemed in increments of 100 or 1,000.
When to Use: This is a good option for those who prefer simplicity or need to cover an unexpected expense. However, if you have a premium Chase card, consider other options first as you can often get significantly more value.
Step 4: Redeem for Gift Cards – A Practical Choice
Gift cards offer another fixed-value redemption option, often at 1 cent per point.
Sub-heading: Gift Card Redemption Details
Value: Typically 1 cent per point. Occasionally, Chase offers promotional discounts on certain gift cards, increasing their value slightly (e.g., a $25 gift card for 2,250 points instead of 2,500).
Process:
Within the Ultimate Rewards portal, select the "Gift Cards" section.
Browse the wide selection of retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Choose the gift card and desired denomination.
You can often select between an e-gift card (delivered instantly to your email) or a physical gift card (mailed to you).
When to Use: If you frequently shop at a specific retailer or want to give a gift, gift cards can be a convenient redemption. Keep an eye out for those occasional bonus offers!
Step 5: Shop with Points – Generally Not Recommended
While convenient, using your points directly for purchases with partners like Amazon or Apple usually offers the lowest value.
Sub-heading: The Low-Value Trap
Value: Often less than 1 cent per point (e.g., around 0.8 cents per point for Amazon "Shop with Points").
Process: You link your Chase card to the retailer's platform and then have the option to pay with points at checkout.
When to Use: Almost never. You're almost always better off redeeming for cash back and then using that cash to make your purchase, as you'll effectively get more for your points.
Step 6: The "Pay Yourself Back" Program – A Flexible Bridge
Chase introduced "Pay Yourself Back" as a flexible option, allowing you to use points for statement credits on eligible purchases at an enhanced rate.
Sub-heading: Utilizing Pay Yourself Back
Value: This varies by the Chase card you hold and the eligible categories.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Often 1.5 cents per point on select categories (e.g., groceries, dining, annual fees, charities).
Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred: Often 1.25 cents per point on select categories (e.g., groceries, dining, charities).
Freedom and Ink Cash/Unlimited Cards: Typically 1.25 cents per point for eligible charity donations.
Process:
Within the Ultimate Rewards portal, look for the "Pay Yourself Back" option.
You'll see a list of eligible purchases made within a recent timeframe (usually the last 90 days).
Select the purchases you want to cover with points, and the system will show you the boosted value.
When to Use: This is an excellent option when the eligible categories align with your spending and you don't have immediate travel plans or specific high-value transfer partner redemptions in mind. It provides a solid return without the complexities of travel bookings. Be aware that eligible categories can change quarterly, so check regularly!
Step 7: Book Travel Through the Chase Travel Portal – Easy Travel Redemption
The Chase Travel portal, powered by Expedia, allows you to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises directly with your points.
Sub-heading: Booking Travel with Points
Value: This is where your premium Chase cards shine!
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Your points are worth 1.5 cents each (50% more) when redeemed through the portal. With "Points Boost," this can go up to 2 cents per point on select premium cabin flights and hotels.
Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred: Your points are worth 1.25 cents each (25% more). "Points Boost" can increase this to 1.5 cents or even 1.75 cents on select premium flights and popular hotels.
Freedom and Ink Cash/Unlimited Cards: Your points are worth 1 cent each.
Process:
In the Ultimate Rewards portal, click on "Travel" or "Book Travel."
Enter your travel details (destination, dates, number of travelers).
Search for flights, hotels, or other travel components.
When you select your desired option, you'll be given the choice to pay with points, a combination of points and cash, or just cash.
When to Use:
When cash prices for flights or hotels are low, as using points at a fixed rate can be a great way to save cash.
For flights on budget airlines that aren't transfer partners.
When you prefer simplicity and don't want to deal with award availability or transfer partner complexities.
Crucially, if you have a premium Chase card, this is a much better redemption than cash back or gift cards.
Step 8: Transfer Points to Travel Partners – The Highest Value Redemptions
This is where the magic truly happens and you can unlock outsized value for your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, often getting 2 cents per point or more! This option is only available with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Business Preferred cards.
Sub-heading: The Power of 1:1 Transfers
Chase has a fantastic list of airline and hotel transfer partners, allowing you to convert your Ultimate Rewards points into their loyalty program's miles/points at a 1:1 ratio. This means 1,000 Chase points become 1,000 airline miles or hotel points.
Airline Transfer Partners (1:1 Ratio):
Aer Lingus AerClub
Air Canada Aeroplan
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
British Airways Executive Club
Emirates Skywards
Iberia Plus
JetBlue TrueBlue
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
United MileagePlus
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Hotel Transfer Partners (1:1 Ratio):
IHG One Rewards
Marriott Bonvoy
World of Hyatt
Sub-heading: How to Transfer Points
Find "Transfer to Travel Partners": In the Ultimate Rewards portal, look for the "Transfer to Travel Partners" section.
Select a Partner: Choose the airline or hotel loyalty program you wish to transfer to.
Link Accounts (if necessary): If it's your first time transferring to a particular partner, you'll need to link your Chase Ultimate Rewards account to your loyalty program account (you'll need your loyalty program membership number).
Enter Transfer Amount: Points generally transfer in 1,000-point increments.
Confirm Transfer: Review the details and confirm. Most transfers are instant or take a few hours, though some can take up to a day or two (always check the estimated transfer time).
Sub-heading: Why This is Often the Best Option
Aspirational Travel: This is how you can book first-class international flights, luxurious hotel stays, and unique experiences that would cost tens of thousands of dollars if paid in cash, but significantly fewer points.
Maximizing Value: By strategically transferring points during award sales, or to programs known for high-value redemptions (like World of Hyatt for hotels, or Virgin Atlantic for certain business/first-class flights on partner airlines), you can easily achieve a value of 2 cents, 3 cents, or even more per point.
Flexibility: You're not tied to specific airlines or hotels but can leverage the entire alliance network of each partner. For example, transferring to United MileagePlus allows you to book flights on Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa or Singapore Airlines.
Pro Tip: Do your research before transferring points. Check award availability with the airline or hotel partner first. Points transfers are almost always irreversible!
Step 9: Combining Points from Multiple Chase Cards
This is a golden strategy for optimizing your redemptions. If you have "cash back" cards (Freedom Flex, Freedom Unlimited, Ink Business Cash, Ink Business Unlimited) and a premium travel card (Sapphire Preferred/Reserve, Ink Business Preferred), you can combine all your Ultimate Rewards points into the account linked to your premium card.
Sub-heading: The Power of Point Pooling
How it Works:
Log into your Ultimate Rewards portal.
Find the option "Combine Points" (often under "Earn/Use").
Select the card you want to transfer points from and the card you want to transfer points to.
Enter the amount.
Why it's Smart: This immediately makes all your points eligible for the higher redemption values through the Chase Travel portal (1.25x or 1.5x) and, more importantly, unlocks the ability to transfer them to airline and hotel partners! Essentially, it transforms your "cash back" earnings into highly valuable travel currency.
Step 10: Keep an Eye on Promotions and Special Offers
Chase occasionally runs promotions that can further enhance the value of your points.
Sub-heading: Staying Updated
Transfer Bonuses: Sometimes, Chase offers bonuses when you transfer points to a specific travel partner (e.g., transfer 50,000 points to Virgin Atlantic and get an extra 10,000 miles).
Gift Card Discounts: As mentioned, gift cards can sometimes be purchased at a discount, increasing their effective value.
"Points Boost" Offers: As noted, the Chase Travel portal frequently offers "Points Boost" on specific flights and hotels, pushing your point value even higher for travel bookings.
How to Find Them: Check the "Earn/Use" or "Deals" sections within the Ultimate Rewards portal regularly, and subscribe to credit card and travel hacking blogs for real-time updates.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of using your Chase Ultimate Rewards points and unlocking incredible value!
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to Maximize Your Chase Points
Here are quick answers to some common questions about using Chase Ultimate Rewards points:
How to check my Chase Ultimate Rewards points balance?
You can check your balance by logging into your Chase online banking account, navigating to your credit card, and looking for the "Rewards" or "Ultimate Rewards" section, which will display your current point total. Alternatively, you can check via the Chase Mobile® app.
How to transfer Chase points to another person?
You can generally transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to another member of your household (e.g., a spouse or partner) who also has a Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning card. This is done through the "Combine Points" feature in the Ultimate Rewards portal.
How to use Chase points for Amazon purchases?
You can link your eligible Chase card to your Amazon account and select "Shop with Points" at checkout. However, this is generally a poor value redemption (often 0.8 cents per point), so it's usually not recommended.
How to get the most value from Chase Ultimate Rewards points?
The highest value is almost always achieved by transferring your points to Chase's airline and hotel partners (like World of Hyatt or United MileagePlus) and redeeming them for premium cabin flights or luxury hotel stays.
How to use Chase points for a statement credit?
You can redeem Chase points for a statement credit at a rate of 1 cent per point through the "Cash Back" option in the Ultimate Rewards portal. For eligible categories and cards, you might get a higher value via the "Pay Yourself Back" program.
How to book travel using Chase points?
You can book travel directly through the Chase Travel portal (powered by Expedia) by selecting "Travel" in the Ultimate Rewards portal. Your points will be worth 1.25 cents (Sapphire Preferred/Ink Business Preferred) or 1.5 cents (Sapphire Reserve) per point, with "Points Boost" offers potentially increasing this.
How to combine Chase points from different cards?
Log into your Ultimate Rewards portal, find the "Combine Points" option, and select the Chase cards you wish to transfer points between. This is highly recommended if you have a premium Chase card and a "cash back" Chase card.
How to use Chase points for gift cards?
In the Ultimate Rewards portal, navigate to the "Gift Cards" section. You can browse available retailers and denominations, and redeem your points, usually at 1 cent per point, with occasional promotional discounts.
How to know if my Chase card earns transferable points?
Only the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card earn points that can be transferred to airline and hotel partners. Other Chase cards (Freedom, Ink Cash/Unlimited) can earn Ultimate Rewards points, but they must be combined with one of these premium cards to unlock transfers.
How to use the Chase "Pay Yourself Back" feature?
Log into your Ultimate Rewards portal, find "Pay Yourself Back," and you'll see a list of eligible purchases from the past 90 days. You can then select these purchases to redeem points for a statement credit at an enhanced rate, which varies by card and category.
