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Chase Ultimate Rewards Points is a popular points currency among points enthusiasts and frugal tourists like me.
The reason? They offer the opportunity to redeem points for discounted flights across multiple airlines and free hotel stays.
Earning Ultimate Rewards Points is relatively easy and straightforward – it is typically accumulated through generous welcome offers and regular spending using any of the credit cards below:
| Personal Credit Cards That Earn Ultimate Rewards Points | Business Credit Cards That Earn Ultimate Rewards Points |
|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Ink Business Cash® Credit Card |
| Chase Freedom Flex® | Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
Important: You Need to Have A Chase Premium Card
To transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to airline and hotel travel partners, you must own at least one of Chase’s premium cards.
Again, you only need one of these cards to unlock the benefit of transferring to Chase airline and hotel partners.
| Chase Premium Credit Cards |
|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Chase Sapphire Reserve® Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card |
Pro Tip: Without one of these three Chase premium cards, you cannot transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to any of Chase’s Travel Partners. In my opinion, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best of the three.
Chase Travel Partners
The chart below lists all the current Chase travel partners.
Please check their website regularly for possible changes.
| Chase Travel Partners |
|---|
| Airlines (1 Chase Ultimate Rewards Point = 1 Airline Point) |
| Aer Lingus Aeroplan British Airways Emirates Flying Blue Iberia Jetblue Singapore Airlines Southwest Airlines United Airlines Virgin Atlantic |
| Hotels (1 Chase Ultimate Rewards Point = 1 Hotel Point) |
| IHG Hyatt Marriott |
Deep Dive on Chase Credit Cards: No-Annual-Fee Cashback Cards Versus Premium Cards
Before we proceed with the steps involved in transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to travel partners, we must understand the difference between no-annual-fee cashback cards and premium Chase cards.
The table below illustrates which category each card belongs in.
| No-Annual-Fee Cards | Premium Cards (AF=Annual Fee) |
|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Flex | Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 AF) |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550 AF) |
| Ink Business Cash | Chase Ink Business Preferred ($95 AF) |
| Ink Business Unlimited |
To soften the blow of the steep annual fees on Chase’s premium cards, the bank provides additional exclusive benefits to premium cardholders that are not available to those who only hold no-annual-fee cards.
One of these valuable premium Chase card benefits is having access to my all-time favorite Ultimate Rewards (UR) redemption option – TRANSFER TO TRAVEL PARTNERS.
Redemption Options for Chase No-Annual-Fee Cashback Cards and Premium Cards
Let’s compare the redemption options of “no-annual-fee” cashback cards versus premium travel cards.
Redemption Options for No-Annual-Fee Cards
| No-Annual-Fee Chase Card Redemption Options |
|---|
| Travel Pay Yourself Back Gift Cards Chase Dining Cash Back Pay With Points |
At first glance, you might think that the choices for no-annual-fee cards are pretty generous, specifically the cashback and gift card options.
But if you want to maximize the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, it is recommended that you explore redemption methods other than cashback, especially if you also have a premium card.
Unless you have an emergency and need cash, exchanging your hard-earned points for cash or gift cards will not generate the best bang for your buck.
Redemption Options for Premium Chase Cards
| Premium Chase Card Redemption Options |
|---|
| Travel Pay Yourself Back Gift Cards Chase Dining Cash Back Pay With Points Transfer to Travel Partners |
The table above shows that “Transfer to Travel Partners” became a redemption option for Chase premium cards.
This exclusive “transfer benefit” will appear on your Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred accounts because they are all premium cards but not in your no-annual-fee cards.
Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Travel Partners
It is essential to underscore that each Chase Ultimate Reward point is not created equal.
The value of each Chase Ultimate Reward point will depend on whether they originate from a premium card or a no-annual-fee card.
Even if no-annual-fee cards generate Ultimate Reward points, you cannot transfer them to partners unless you have one of Chase’s premium cards.
Therefore, I strongly recommend owning at least ONE premium Chase card because this incredibly fantastic redemption benefit would not be possible without one.
Read This Before You Transfer Your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Ensure there is award space or your desired hotel room can be booked on points before transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to airline and hotel partners.
Once you’ve transferred your points, there’s no turning back. It’s a one-way street, so make sure to be mindful of this rule.
Steps on How to Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Travel Partners (Computer)
STEP 1: You Need a Chase Premium Card To Transfer to Airline and Hotel Partners
Go to Chase.com, then Click One of Your Premium Cards.
Each premium card will give you the option to access Ultimate Rewards.
In this example, I transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards Points from my Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, a premium card.
Click “Redeem Ultimate Rewards points.”
You can transfer points from your other no-annual-fee Chase cards to your premium card if you need more points.
Please see the succeeding sections for steps on how to “Combine Points.”
STEP 2: Transfer Points to Travel Partners
Click the “Travel” drop-down arrow, then navigate to “Transfer Points to Partners.”
STEP 3: Look for Your Preferred Travel Partner
Navigate down to your preferred travel partner and click the right arrow to proceed with the transfer.
STEP 4: Enter your Frequent Flier Number
We will use Emirates as an example in this post.
Enter your Emirates Skywards account number, then click next.
STEP 5: Indicate the Number of Points You Want to Transfer
Type in the number of points you would like to transfer in 1,000 Ultimate Rewards Points increments.
The minimum amount that you can transfer is 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points.
The transfer ratio is 1:1, so 1 Ultimate Rewards Point = 1 Airline/Hotel Point.
STEP 6: Verify the Information
Verify if all the information you entered is correct, then click “Submit.”
STEP 7: Wait for the Miles to Show Up In Your Account
How Long Does It Take for Ultimate Rewards Points to Transfer to Travel Partners?
In my experience, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to their travel partners within 24-48 hours.
However, Chase has stated that transfers may take up to 7 business days.
I suggest immediately checking your frequent flier or hotel loyalty account after transferring to verify whether the transfer was completed successfully.
STEP 8: Book Your Flight or Hotel Stay
Book your bucket list flight or hotel stay as soon as the Chase Ultimate Rewards Points enter your account.
Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to Travel Partners (Chase Mobile App)
STEP 1: Log in to Your Account On The Chase Mobile App
After logging in, select a Chase Premium Card.
In this example, I will access my Chase Ultimate Rewards points through my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
STEP 2: Look for Benefits and Rewards
Under your premium card, navigate to the “Benefits and Rewards” section, then click “Book Travel”.
Click “more” with the three dots, then navigate down to the “Transfer Points to Partners” option.
STEP 4: Select Your Preferred Travel Partner
Select your preferred airline or hotel travel partner from the list of Chase’s travel partners.
STEP 5: Enter Your Account Number
Before transferring your points, make sure you sign up for a frequent flier or hotel loyalty account, as Chase will require this information.
STEP 6: Type In the Number of Points You Wish to Transfer
Indicate the number of Chase Ultimate Rewards Points you would like to transfer to your preferred airline or hotel partner.
Remember that this is a one-way street.
Any points transferred out from Chase can not be reversed, so make sure the award space is available before proceeding with this transfer.
STEP 7: Review and Submit
Review transfer details, then “Submit.”
Reminder to only transfer points when you see award availability.
The transfer process is irreversible – you can not transfer your points back to Chase Ultimate Rewards.
STEP 8: Book Your Flight or Hotel Stay
Run your award search and book your flight or hotel stay using the Chase Ultimate Rewards Points you just transferred.
Credit Cards that Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
| Credit Cards | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Cards that earn Ultimate Rewards (UR) Points | 1 Chase Ultimate Rewards. |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Welcome Offer |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Welcome Offer |
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | Welcome Offer |
| Credit Cards that can convert into Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR) Points* | Steps to Convert |
| Chase Freedom Flex® | Welcome Offer |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Welcome Offer |
| Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | Welcome Offer |
| Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | Welcome Offer |
What if my Ultimate Reward Points are in my No-Annual Fee Cashback Cards?
Should you find most of your points in a no-annual-fee card, do not worry.
Chase allows the transfer of points between Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards.
Log in to your Chase account and navigate to any of your Ultimate Rewards-earning credit cards.
Look for the “Ultimate Rewards Points” button and Click “Redeem” to access your points.
Next, click the “Rewards Details” dropdown arrow to find “Combine Points“.
If this is your first time combining Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, please continue reading for a step-by-step walkthrough.
As a general rule of thumb, I suggest transferring all of your no-annual-fee cash-back points to your premium cards so you can move your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to travel partners anytime.
This transfer also significantly increases the worth of your Ultimate Rewards Points acquired from your no-annual-fee cards, making them all the more valuable.
What if my Personal and Business Credit Cards have Different Log-In Information?
Before transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points between your personal and business credit cards, you must merge your personal and business accounts.
To do so, you can call Chase’s customer service using the phone number on the back of any of your Chase credit cards and request that your accounts be combined into one profile.
“Can you link my personal and business accounts so I only need one username and password?”
During the call, you must provide your personal and business account information to verify your identity.
After verification, the agent will then merge both accounts.
Once the accounts are linked, you’ll be able to access all of your accounts with one login and password.
This can save you time and make managing your finances and Chase Ultimate Rewards Points easier.
Whether you have questions about the linking process or need assistance with anything else, Chase’s customer support team is available 24/7 to provide help and support.
Steps for Combining Chase Ultimate Rewards Points (Computer)
STEP 1:
Log in to your Chase profile and select one of your Chase cards that earns Ultimate Rewards points.
In the image below, I selected my Chase Freedom Flex, which currently has 7,925 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points.
I then click “Redeem” in the Ultimate Rewards points section (inside the red box).
STEP 2:
Clicking “Redeem” will lead you to the “Ultimate Rewards” page.
Click the “Rewards Details” drop-down menu, then navigate down to “Combine Points“.
STEP 3:
Click “Combine Points,” then select a no-annual-fee card under “From” on the left column.
In the example below, I selected my no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex.
This account will have the points you will transfer to a premium Chase card.
STEP 4:
Select a premium card under “To”, which is the Chase card where you want your points to go.
In the image below, I am moving points from my no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex to my premium card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
STEP 5:
Initiate the transfer by clicking “Continue.”
You will be directed to a page where you can indicate the number of points you would like to transfer to your premium card.
Since the value of your no-annual-fee Ultimate Rewards points significantly increases when transferred to a premium card, I highly suggest transferring all of your points.
Generally speaking, you would always want your Ultimate Rewards Points stored in one of your premium cards.
Click “Review” once you have made your selection.
If you have two premium cards that include the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, transfer all of your points to the CSR, as that provides the best redemption value among all the other Chase cards.
STEP 6:
Chase will give you another opportunity to review your selection.
You want to ensure that you transfer no-annual-fee Ultimate Rewards Points to a premium card and not vice versa.
In this example, I am moving my Ultimate Rewards Points from my no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex to the Chase Sapphire Preferred, a premium card.
Confirm & Submit.
STEP 7:
Once you have completed this transfer, you will be notified if it was successful.
Once your points are in your premium card, you can now transfer your Ultimate Rewards Points to Emirates Skywards (see next section).
Pro Tip: If you are part of a couple/family who lives in the same address, transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards Points between different individual accounts (between player 1 and player 2) is possible. Holding two premium cards is no longer necessary as long as you meet Chase’s criteria as a household member. One player can keep a premium card, and the other can continue accumulating no-annual-fee Ultimate Rewards Points that can be easily transferred to the owner of the premium card. You need to call Chase to initiate this transfer.
Steps for Combining Chase Ultimate Rewards Points (Mobile App)
STEP 1:
Log in to your Chase profile and select one of your Chase cards that earns Ultimate Rewards points.
In the image below, I selected my Chase Ink Business Cash card.
Scroll down until you see the “Benefits and Rewards” section.
Click “Book Travel“.
STEP 2:
Click the three dots (More), then select “Combine Points.”
STEP 3:
Select your “No-Annual-Fee” Chase card under “From“.
Then, select a Chase premium card under “To“.
In the example below, I am moving my Chase Ultimate Rewards Points from my no-annual-fee Chase Ink Business Cash card to my Chase Ink Business Preferred card, a premium card.
STEP 4:
You will be directed to a page where you can indicate the number of points you would like to transfer to your premium card.
Since the value of your no-annual-fee Chase Ultimate Rewards points significantly increases when transferred to a premium card, I highly suggest transferring all of your points.
Generally speaking, you would always want your Ultimate Rewards Points stored in one of your premium cards.
Click “Review” once you have made your selection.
If you have two premium cards that include the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, transfer all of your points to the CSR, as that provides the best redemption value among all the other Chase cards.
STEP 5:
Chase will give you another opportunity to review your selection.
Again, you should ensure that you are transferring no-annual-fee Ultimate Rewards Points to a premium card and not vice versa.
Confirm & Submit.
Congratulations! You are now ready to transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to Chase’s many travel partners.
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Summary
Final Thoughts
Flying for free is my ultimate motivation for accruing travel miles and points.
Because of its flexibility, I highly recommend you accumulate Chase Ultimate Rewards, whether you aim for premium cabins, discounted airfare, or free hotel stays.
Even though your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points can be exchanged for cash or gift cards, I recommend redeeming them for travel instead, as that pathway will give you the best bang for your buck.
I hope this blog post helped you navigate how to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to travel partners so you could be on your way to your next bucket list trip.
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE – Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. The content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
The comments section below is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all questions are answered.
