Imagine settling into a lie-flat seat on a long flight or checking into a beautiful Hyatt all-inclusive resort, knowing the trip cost you thousands of points instead of thousands of dollars. That feeling of comfort and relief is the power of Chase Ultimate Rewards when you use them with a clear strategy.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are easy to earn and very flexible to redeem. You can transfer them to various airline and hotel partners, book flights and hotels through the Chase Travel portal, or use options like Pay Yourself Back for statement credits in select categories. With the right plan, your points can unlock premium cabins, luxury hotels, and simple weekend getaways for much less than you might expect.

This guide will walk you through the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points so you can stretch your balance further. You will learn when to transfer points to partners for maximum value, when it makes sense to book through the Chase Travel portal, and when a simple statement credit is the smarter move. You will also see real examples of high value redemptions, from Business Class flights to Europe to short domestic trips that cost fewer points than most travelers imagine.

If you are just starting your travel rewards journey or you want a clearer system that saves time and money, you are in the right place. This guide will help you build confidence, understand your options quickly, and use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to create more travel memories without overspending.

How Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Work

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are flexible rewards that you can use in several different ways. They are not tied to a single airline or hotel chain, which means you can choose the redemption option that gives you the most value for each trip. Before you begin planning, it helps to understand how these points are earned and how they move through your account.

What Are Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are a travel rewards currency that you earn from eligible Chase credit cards. You can build your balance through everyday spending, welcome bonuses, and travel booked through the Chase Travel portal. Once you earn points, you can use them for flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more.

The strength of the program comes from its flexibility. You can transfer points to valuable airline and hotel loyalty partners, book paid travel through the Chase Travel portal, or redeem points for cash back or statement credits through Pay Yourself Back in select categories. This range of options makes Chase Ultimate Rewards points a powerful tool for many types of travelers, from beginners who want simple redemptions to experienced travelers who want high value premium flights and luxury hotel stays.

Credit Cards That Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

To earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you will need a Chase credit card that participates in the program. Each card offers its own mix of benefits, earning rates, and annual fees, so it helps to understand how they compare before you choose one.

Chase cards fall into two main groups: premium travel cards and no annual fee cards. Chase also offers several business cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, which can be especially useful for freelancers and small business owners who want to maximize rewards from business spending.

Premium Credit Cards

These cards unlock the full value of the Chase program. They allow point transfers to airline and hotel partners and offer enhanced travel benefits.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. A popular mid tier travel card that earns elevated rewards on travel, dining, and select lifestyle categories. It provides access to transfer partners and offers a higher redemption rate through the Chase Travel portal.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®. A premium travel card that offers strong rewards on travel and dining, a valuable annual travel credit, priority lounge access through Priority Pass, and a boosted redemption rate when you book through the Chase Travel portal.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠. A business focused premium travel card that earns strong rewards on common business travel and spend, offers an annual travel credit, and provides enhanced redemption value through the Chase Travel portal.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. A business focused card that earns high rewards on common business categories such as travel, online advertising, and shipping. It also unlocks access to transfer partners and offers solid travel protections.

No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards

These cards offer flexible earning at no cost. When paired with a Sapphire or Ink Business Preferred card, they can add valuable points to your Ultimate Rewards balance.

• Chase Freedom Flex®. A no annual fee card that earns rotating bonus categories each quarter, along with strong fixed earning rates on dining and drugstore purchases.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®. A simple, high value earning card that earns at least 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases and higher rewards on travel through Chase, dining, and drugstore purchases.
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. A no annual fee business card that earns bonus points on office supply stores, internet, cable, and phone services, which can be very useful for many small businesses.
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. A straightforward business card that earns 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases without category tracking, making it ideal for consistent earning.

Why These Points Are So Valuable

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable because they offer several flexible ways to book travel. You can transfer points to strong airline and hotel partners when you want high value redemptions, or you can book paid travel through the Chase Travel portal when you want a simple and predictable option.

Chase also provides ways to redeem points for statement credits through Pay Yourself Back in select categories, which adds more flexibility when award seats are limited or when your plans change. This range of choices helps you find solid value across different trips, budgets, and travel styles.

Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are powerful because they can move to many airline and hotel programs around the world. These partners unlock premium cabins, long haul flights, and international hotel stays at a fraction of the cash price. To use your points with confidence, it helps to understand who these partners are, how transfers work, and when it makes sense to move your miles to a partner program.

Airline Transfer Partners

Chase partners with more than a dozen airline loyalty programs across global alliances. These partners give you access to flights on Star Alliance, SkyTeam alliance, and oneworld alliance airlines, as well as independent carriers.

Most transfers are one to one, although a few use different ratios. Transfer times can range from almost instant to up to 24 to 48 hours depending on the program.

Popular airline partners include:

• Aer Lingus AerClub (1:1 ratio)
• Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1 ratio)
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue (1:1 ratio)
• British Airways Executive Club (1:1 ratio)
• Iberia Plus (1:1 ratio)
• JetBlue TrueBlue (1:1 ratio)
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (1:1 ratio)
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards (1:1 ratio)
• United Airlines MileagePlus (1:1 ratio)
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1 ratio)

Hotel Transfer Partners

Chase also offers several hotel partners that can be valuable depending on your travel style. Most hotel transfers are one to one, although some exceptions use alternative ratios.

Hotel partners include:

• IHG One Rewards (1:1 ratio)
• Marriott Bonvoy (1:1 ratio)
• World of Hyatt (1:1 ratio)

How To Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points is a simple process that only takes a few steps.

Here is how to complete a transfer:

• Log in to your Chase account.
• Select the card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
• Click the Ultimate Rewards button to open your rewards dashboard.
• Open the Use Points menu and choose the Transfer to Travel Partners option.
• Select the airline or hotel loyalty program you want to transfer points to.
• Enter your loyalty program number.
• Type in the number of points you want to move.
• Review the details and confirm the transfer.

You must transfer points in set increments, usually in groups of 1,000. Most transfers process quickly, although a few partners may take several hours or more. Transfers cannot be reversed, so always confirm award availability before you move your miles.

The Best Ways To Redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Ultimate Rewards points can unlock some of the strongest redemptions in the travel rewards world. With the right transfer partner, your points can book premium cabins, long haul international flights, and high value hotel stays for a fraction of the usual cash price.

The key is knowing which partners deliver the best value and which redemptions consistently give you more travel for fewer points.

ANA First And Business Class To Japan

Booking All Nippon Airways (ANA) flights through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is one of the most valuable ways to use Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Virgin Atlantic offers some of the lowest award prices in the world for ANA premium cabins, including lie flat Business Class and the highly rated First Class experience. These rates are far lower than what most loyalty programs charge for the same routes, which is why this sweet spot continues to be a favorite for travelers who want top tier comfort without using a massive number of points.

Virgin Atlantic uses a distance based award chart for ANA flights. This chart gives travelers on the United States West Coast some of the strongest prices available for flights to Tokyo. Award space can require flexibility, yet the value is exceptional when seats appear. With the right timing, you can fly halfway across the world in comfort for fewer points than many domestic round trip awards.

Below are the key details to know when you book ANA First or Business Class through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club:

• Airline: All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• Award Program: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• Points + Taxes and Fees (LAX – HND):
  • 52,500 points in Business Class (one way)
  • 72,500 points in First Class (one way)
• Award Availability: Low
• Unique Program Feature: Frequent transfer bonuses of up to 40%, which help turn this already strong redemption into one of the best values available

Review(s): ANA 777-300ER First Class [The Suite]

Lufthansa First Class To Germany

Lufthansa First Class is one of the most sought after premium cabin experiences in the world. Travelers enjoy wide and comfortable seating, high quality dining, attentive service, and access to special ground experiences such as the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt (FRA). When you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Air Canada Aeroplan, you can book this experience for far fewer points than the cash price of the ticket.

Aeroplan uses a distance based award chart for partner airlines, which helps keep First Class pricing competitive between the United States and Europe. Award space often appears close to the departure date, so this redemption works best for travelers who have flexible plans or are comfortable booking last minute. When seats open, the value can be excellent.

Below are the key details to know when you book Lufthansa First Class through Air Canada Aeroplan:

• Airline: Lufthansa
• Award Program: Air Canada Aeroplan
• Points + Taxes and Fees (JFK – FRA): 90,000 points + 50 USD (one way)
• Award Availability: Low
• Unique Program Feature: Aeroplan allows travelers to add a stopover for 5,000 points on a one-way itinerary, enabling multi-city trips for minimal extra cost.

Review(s): Lufthansa 747-8 First Class

Air France And KLM Business Class To Europe

Air France and KLM offer comfortable Business Class cabins, reliable service, and a large network of flights between the United States and Europe. When you redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points through Air France-KLM Flying Blue, you can often secure competitive one way pricing for long haul Business Class, even with the dynamic award system. Flying Blue also publishes minimum award prices on many routes, which helps travelers understand the lowest possible rates before booking.

Flying Blue is known for steady award availability from major United States gateways such as New York City (JFK), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), and Washington, D.C. (IAD). The program also offers Flying Blue Promo Rewards each month, which can discount select routes by 25 percent. Taxes and fees are higher than some other programs, yet the total value remains strong because the mileage cost for Business Class is often lower than competing options.

Below are the key details to know when you book Air France or KLM Business Class through Air France KLM Flying Blue:

• Airline: Air France | KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines)
• Award Program: Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• Points + Taxes and Fees (JFK – CDG | AMS): 60,000 points + 250 USD (one way)
• Availability: Moderate
• Unique Program Feature: Air France-KLM Flying Blue offers a 25% mileage discount on award flights for children ages 2 – 11

Review(s): Air France A350-900 Business Class | KLM 777-300ER Business Class

Delta Business Class [Delta One] To Europe

Delta One offers a comfortable and refined way to fly between the United States and Europe, and it becomes far more affordable when you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Delta often prices its own Business Class awards at high mileage levels, but Flying Club uses a partner chart that frequently delivers lower one way rates on the same routes. This makes Flying Club one of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for Delta premium cabin travel.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is known for providing access to competitive partner award pricing on nonstop Delta routes from major United States gateways such as New York City (FK), Boston (BOS), Atlanta (ATL), and Detroit (DTW). Award space can be limited, but when seats are available, the value is excellent. Taxes and fees remain high, but the overall mileage cost is often far lower than many competing programs for long haul Business Class flights.

Below are the key details to know when you book Delta One through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club:

• Airline: Delta Air Lines
• Award Program: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• Points + Taxes and Fees (JFK – LHR): 48,500 points + 1,000 USD (one way)
• Availability: Low to Moderate
• Unique Program Feature: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club partner pricing offers lower Business Class rates for Delta One flights than most other programs

Iberia Business Class to Spain

Iberia offers one of the most reliable and affordable ways to fly Business Class between the United States and Europe using Chase Ultimate Rewards points. When you transfer points to Iberia Plus, you gain access to a distance based award chart that keeps prices low on select nonstop routes. These routes include popular gateways such as New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), and Chicago (ORD).

Iberia Business Class features lie flat seating, comfortable cabin layouts, and solid inflight dining. Taxes and fees are higher than what you will find with some oneworld alliance partners, yet the low mileage cost usually keeps the overall value very strong. Award space appears regularly on off-peak dates, which makes this one of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travelers who want predictable pricing and a smooth trip to Europe.

Below are the key details to know when you book Iberia Business Class through Iberia Plus:

• Airline: Iberia
• Award Program: Iberia Plus
• Points + Taxes and Fees (JFK – MAD): 40,500 points + 100 USD (one way)
• Award Availability: Moderate
• Unique Program Feature: A distance based award chart with low off peak pricing (starting at 40,500 points), which helps reduce the mileage cost for transatlantic Business Class travel

Flights To Hawaii On United Airlines

Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations for award travel, and booking United Airlines flights through Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is one of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for this trip. When you transfer points to KrisFlyer, you can access stable and competitive pricing on United Airlines routes to the Hawaiian Islands. These rates are often lower than what United Airlines charges through its own MileagePlus program, especially during busy travel seasons.

KrisFlyer uses a region based award chart for United Airlines flights. This structure keeps award prices predictable, even when cash fares rise due to holidays or peak travel periods. Non-stop flights from West Coast cities provide the strongest value, although routes from other parts of the United States can still be worthwhile when compared to United Airlines dynamic pricing.

Below are the key details to know when you book United Airlines flights to Hawaii through Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer:

• Airline: United Airlines
• Award Program: Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Points + Taxes and Fees (LAX to HNL):
  • 20,500 points in Economy Class (one way)
  • 43,000 points in Business Class (one way)
• Award Availability: Low to Moderate
• Unique Program Feature: Stable region based pricing that stays consistent even during peak travel seasons when cash fares rise, which helps you lock in strong value for Hawaii flights

Singapore Airlines Business Class To Singapore

Singapore Airlines is known for excellent service, spacious seating, and one of the most comfortable Business Class cabins in the world. When you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Air Canada Aeroplan, you can book long haul flights from the United States to Singapore at competitive award rates. These routes offer strong value, especially from New York City (JFK), where Singapore Airlines operates one of the longest commercial flights in the world.

Aeroplan uses a distance based award chart for partner airlines, which helps keep Business Class pricing predictable on ultra long haul routes. Award space for Singapore Airlines can be limited, yet the value is excellent when seats become available. Travelers who monitor availability or plan flexible date ranges often have the best success securing these flights.

Below are the key details to know when you book Singapore Airlines Business Class through Air Canada Aeroplan:

• Airline: Singapore Airlines
• Award Program: Air Canada Aeroplan
• Points + Taxes and Fees (JFK – SIN): 87,500 points + 50 USD (one way)
• Award Availability: Low
• Unique Program Feature: Aeroplan allows travelers to add a stopover for 5,000 points on a one-way itinerary, enabling multi-city trips for minimal extra cost.

Virgin Atlantic Flights To London

Virgin Atlantic offers a stylish and comfortable way to fly between the United States and the United Kingdom, which makes it one of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for transatlantic travel. When you transfer points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, you can book nonstop flights to London at competitive rates across Economy Class, Premium Economy, and Upper Class.

Upper Class features fully flat seating, modern cabin design, and high quality inflight service that many travelers enjoy on overnight routes. Premium Economy provides extra space, enhanced dining, and a more relaxed experience, which creates a strong middle ground when you want more comfort without using premium cabin award pricing. Taxes and fees can be higher than other programs, but the low mileage rates often balance the total cost, especially during off-peak periods.

Below are the key details to know when you book Virgin Atlantic flights to London through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club:

• Airline: Virgin Atlantic
• Award Program: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• Points + Taxes and Fees (JFK – LHR):
  • 6,000 points + 100 USD in Economy Class (one way)
  • 10,500 points + 250 USD in Premium Economy (one way)
  • 29,000 points + 550 USD in Business Class (one way)
• Award Availability: Moderate
• Unique Program Feature: Frequent transfer bonuses of up to 40%, which help turn this already strong redemption into one of the best values available

Review(s): Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Business Class [Upper Class]

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class To Africa

Travelers looking for a smooth and reliable way to reach Africa will find strong value in Ethiopian Airlines Business Class when booking with United Airlines MileagePlus miles. Ethiopian Airlines offers spacious lie flat seating, friendly service, and convenient connections through Addis Ababa (ADD), which serves as a major hub for travel across eastern, central, and southern Africa. This combination makes it one of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for long haul travel to the continent.

United Airlines MileagePlus miles work especially well for this redemption because United does not pass along the high fuel surcharges that many other programs include on partner awards. This keeps taxes and fees low even on long international routes. MileagePlus also follows a dynamic pricing system with clear patterns on many Africa routes, which helps travelers plan around typical Business Class award levels.

Below are the key details to know when you book Ethiopian Airlines Business Class through United Airlines MileagePlus:

• Airline: Ethiopian Airlines
• Award Program: United Airlines MileagePlus
• Points + Taxes and Fees (U.S. – Africa):
  • EWR – ADD: 88,000 miles + 5 USD (one way)
  • EWR – ADD – JNB: 88,000 miles + 10 USD (one way)
• Award Availability: Moderate to High

Luxury Hotel Stays With World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt is one of the strongest hotel loyalty programs in the world, and it is widely viewed as the best hotel transfer partner for travelers who want high value redemptions. Hyatt award prices are often much lower than what other hotel programs charge for similar rooms, which helps travelers unlock some of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Award space varies by property and season, yet many top Hyatt brands release consistent standard room availability. This includes luxury options such as Park Hyatt, Alila, and Andaz properties. It also includes Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara all inclusive resorts, which provide strong value when you want food, drinks, and activities included in the award rate.

Below are the key details to know when you book hotel stays through World of Hyatt with Chase Ultimate Rewards points:

• Hotel Brands: Park Hyatt, Alila, Impression by Secrets, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Andaz, Thompson Hotels, etc.
• Award Program: World of Hyatt
• Points + Taxes and Fees: 3,500 – 45,000 points + 0 USD (per night)
• Availability: Moderate to High
• Unique Program Feature: World of Hyatt uses a fixed award chart instead of dynamic pricing, which means point rates stay predictable and do not rise sharply during busy travel periods.

Review(s): Park Hyatt Bangkok | Park Hyatt London River Thames | Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa | Park Hyatt Washington D.C.

Non-Hyatt Hotel Redemptions With Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to several non-Hyatt hotel partners, which gives you added flexibility when planning a complete trip. While flights and World of Hyatt usually deliver the strongest value, other hotel transfers can still be useful in the right situations. 

These redemptions work best when you need to top off an account, when you find a favorable award rate at a partner property, or when cash prices are unusually high during busy travel periods.

Hotel redemptions outside of Hyatt are not the primary strength of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, yet they remain a helpful option for travelers who want more ways to stretch their balance. With the right timing and the right property, these transfers can add solid value and support a smooth and affordable travel experience.

How To Use Chase Travel The Right Way

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most flexible points programs available. In addition to transferring points to airline and hotel partners, you can also book flights, hotels, rental cars, activities, and cruises directly through the Chase Travel portal. 

Used correctly, this portal can be one of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points, especially when you combine it with Points Boost and The Edit by Chase Travel.

Why Book Through The Chase Travel Portal

Even though you can often get maximum value by transferring points to airline and hotel partners, there are still strong reasons to use the Chase Travel portal.

• Flexibility. Portal bookings work like a normal online travel agency. There are no blackout dates or limited award seats.
• You Can Earn Miles and Status. When you book flights through Chase Travel, your tickets are treated like paid fares. This means you still earn frequent flyer miles and elite status credit on those flights. Hotel and car rental bookings usually do not earn hotel points or elite credit.
• Simplicity. Not everyone wants to juggle award charts, transfer partners, and complex routing rules. With the portal, you work with one balance of points and one booking site. You see prices in both cash and points and choose what works best, without worrying about saver awards or partner quirks.

What Your Points Are Worth In The Portal

When you redeem points through Chase Travel, the value you receive depends on which card you use and whether the booking is eligible for Points Boost.

In general:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ can get up to 2.0 cents per point on select flights and hotels with Points Boost.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card can get up to 1.75 cents per point on select flights and up to 1.5 cents per point on select hotels with Points Boost.
• Other Ultimate Rewards cards such as Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card generally give 1.0 cents per point in the portal.

If you hold multiple cards, you can move your Ultimate Rewards points to the card that offers the best portal value, as long as it is not the Chase Ink Business Premier® Credit Card.

Chase Travel Points Boost

Points Boost is a newer feature that improves the value of your points on select flights and hotels. When a booking is Points Boost eligible, you may see a much higher value per point than the standard rate. These offers are marked clearly in the portal, so it is easy to spot when your points will go further.

The Edit by Chase Travel

The Edit by Chase Travel is a curated collection of high end hotels available to Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ card holders. When you book an Edit property through Chase Travel you typically receive:

• Daily breakfast for two
• A property credit
• A welcome amenity
• Room upgrades, early check in, or late checkout when available

Edit properties also receive the maximum Points Boost value, which means you can get up to 2.0 cents per point while also enjoying extra on property perks. For premium hotel stays, this can be one of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points without having to transfer to a hotel program.

When Chase Travel Offers Strong Value

The portal can provide good value in specific situations, even if partner transfers often deliver better results.

• When Cash Fares Are Low. Budget friendly fares can make portal bookings very appealing. If a domestic flight costs 120 USD, using 12,000 points can be a solid and simple redemption. This is especially useful for last minute trips or short routes where partner award prices are high or availability is limited.
• When Award Availability Is Hard To Find. Some routes have little to no saver award space. In these cases, using the portal can be easier than searching for partner seats that never appear. Since the portal books paid fares, availability is usually wide.
• When Points Boost Offers Elevated Value. Select flights and hotels in the Chase Travel portal qualify for Points Boost, which increases the value of each point you redeem. These offers can raise your redemption rate up to 1.75 cents per point with mid tier cards and up to 2 cents per point with premium cards.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Annual Travel Credit

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ cards include an annual 300 USD travel credit that makes the Chase Travel portal even more useful. This credit automatically applies to a wide range of travel purchases, including flights, hotels, rental cars, tolls, parking, and many everyday travel expenses. 

Because the credit is easy to use and resets each year, it helps offset the annual fee and supports a smoother booking experience through Chase Travel.

Tips And Tricks To Maximize Value

Maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards points often comes down to a few simple habits. Small choices in timing, partner selection, and booking strategy can greatly increase the value you receive from every point. With the right approach, you can reduce your overall point cost, avoid unnecessary fees, and unlock more premium travel options.

• Combine One-Way Awards For Flexibility. Book two one-way flights instead of a round-trip to mix programs and find the best pricing on each direction of your journey.
• Check Multiple Gateways. Some departure cities release award seats earlier or more consistently than others. Routes from New York City (JFK), Boston (BOS), Washington (IAD), Chicago (ORD), and Toronto (YYZ) often show stronger availability than routes from Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO).
• Watch For Transfer Bonuses. Transfer bonuses can cut redemption costs by 10% to 40%, helping you book premium seats for fewer points.
• Book During Monthly Promotions. Many programs publish monthly award discounts that can reduce the number of miles you need. Key promotions include Miles & More Mileage Bargains, Flying Blue Promo Rewards, and KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes.
• Travel During Off-Peak Seasons. Flying during shoulder seasons or midweek can reveal lower award rates and more available premium cabin seats across many partner airlines.
• Compare Programs Before Booking. Award prices can vary across partners, so checking several programs before you transfer points helps you find the lowest mileage cost for the same flight.
• Avoid High Surcharges. Booking award flights through programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or United Airlines MileagePlus usually results in low fees while British Airways Executive Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club add the highest surcharges – sometimes exceeding 1,000 USD.
• Use Award Search Tools. Tools like seats.aero and roame.travel quickly scan multiple programs to help you find the best availability.
• Keep Points Flexible Until Booking. Confirm saver-level award space before transferring credit card points, since most transfers are final and cannot be reversed.
• Rebook If A Better Deal Appears. Most programs now allow free or low-cost cancellations, so you can cancel and rebook if a cheaper or better itinerary opens up.

Final Thoughts

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are one of the most powerful tools available for travelers who want to explore more while spending less. With valuable airline and hotel partners, flexible ways to redeem, and upgraded features like Points Boost and The Edit by Chase Travel, these points can unlock premium cabins, high quality hotel stays, and memorable trips for a fraction of the normal cost. The key is understanding where the strongest value lives and using a clear plan to reach it.

By focusing on high value transfer partners, comparing programs before you move your points, and using the Chase Travel portal when it provides simple savings, you can stretch your balance much further than you might expect. Small habits such as searching early, watching for transfer bonuses, or keeping your points flexible until you are ready to book can make a noticeable difference in the value you receive.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points work best when you pair strategy with flexibility. They can support almost any travel style, from premium cabin flights to comfortable hotel stays to easy domestic trips.

If you are ready to go deeper, explore individual transfer partners or look for new award sweet spots that match your travel goals. The more you learn, the more your Chase Ultimate Rewards points can help you see the world.

Kevin Zanes