Chase Ultimate Rewards · Ultimate Rewards Points

Best way to use Chase points.

Verified July 2026

TL;DR

Chase Ultimate Rewards are arguably the most versatile points currency thanks to the 1:1 transfer to World of Hyatt — consistently the best hotel redemption in the game. Chase also transfers to top airline partners. The Sapphire Reserve gives 1.5 cpp through the Chase Travel portal as a solid fallback.

Top 5 redemptions.

The highest-value uses for your ultimate rewards points.

1

World of Hyatt Hotels

2-5 cpp

Transfer 1:1 to Hyatt and book Category 1-8 hotels for 3,500-40,000 points per night. All-inclusive Ziva/Zilara resorts deliver 3+ cpp value consistently.

2

ANA First Class via Virgin Atlantic

20+ cpp

Transfer to Virgin Atlantic and book ANA first class to Japan for 120,000 points round-trip. Same sweet spot as Amex but Chase points work too.

3

United Excursionist Perk

3-7 cpp

Transfer to United and book round-trip international awards with a free stopover via the Excursionist Perk. Visit two destinations for the price of one.

4

Southwest Companion Pass Strategy

Multiplier

Transfer to Southwest to help earn the Companion Pass (135k qualifying points). Once earned, a companion flies free on every flight for up to 2 years.

5

British Airways Short-Haul

2-5 cpp

Transfer to BA Avios for short European or domestic AA flights from 4,000 Avios one-way. Great for positioning flights.

Transfer strategy.

Start by checking Hyatt availability for hotel stays — the 1:1 Chase-to-Hyatt transfer is the single most reliable high-value redemption. For flights, check Virgin Atlantic for premium cabins and United for economy/business. Use the Chase Travel portal at 1.5 cpp (Sapphire Reserve) only as a fallback.

Chase sweet spots.

Hyatt all-inclusive resorts (Ziva/Zilara): 20,000-25,000 points/night for $500+ value

Park Hyatt properties worldwide: 25,000-30,000 points for $500-1,000+ value

ANA first class via Virgin Atlantic: 120,000 round-trip

United Excursionist Perk: free stopover on international round-trips

Southwest Companion Pass: companion flies free for up to 2 years

Common mistakes.

Ignoring Hyatt — it's the single best use of Chase points for most people

Always using the Chase Travel portal instead of transferring to partners

Not checking both United AND Virgin Atlantic for the same route (prices differ)

Transferring to Southwest without a Companion Pass strategy

Forgetting that Freedom Flex/Unlimited points can be combined with Sapphire points

Frequently asked questions.

What is the best way to use Chase points?

Transfer to World of Hyatt for hotel stays (2-5 cpp value) or to airline partners like Virgin Atlantic for premium cabin flights (5-20+ cpp). The Chase Sapphire Reserve portal at 1.5 cpp is a decent fallback but transfers almost always yield better value.

Is Chase to Hyatt the best transfer?

Yes, for most people. Chase to Hyatt at 1:1 consistently delivers 2+ cents per point value, with all-inclusive resorts reaching 3-5 cpp. It's the most reliable high-value transfer in the entire points ecosystem.

Should I use Chase points through the travel portal?

The Sapphire Reserve gives 1.5 cpp through the portal, which is decent. Use it as a fallback when award availability is limited. But transfers to Hyatt (2+ cpp) and airline partners (2-20+ cpp) usually provide better value.

Can I combine Chase points from multiple cards?

Yes, Ultimate Rewards points from Freedom Flex, Freedom Unlimited, Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, and Ink cards can all be combined into one account. You need a Sapphire or Ink card to transfer to partners.

Ready to use your Chase points?

Search award space across every partner — or open the chat and tell it where you want to go.

Need More Points?

Earn bonus points with these credit card offers

Can't find availability at your current points balance? These credit cards offer generous welcome bonuses to help you book your dream flight.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Business · Annual fee $895

US only

200,000 points

after $20,000 in 3 months

  • Hotel credit ($600)
  • Dell credit ($1150)
  • Adobe credit ($250)
Learn more & apply

American Express Business Gold Card

Business · Annual fee $375

US only

200,000 points

after $15,000 in 3 months

  • ChatGPT Business Statement Credit ($300)
  • FedEx, Grubhub and Office Supply Statement Credit ($240)
  • Walmart+ Statement Credit ($155)
Learn more & apply

The Platinum Card from American Express

Personal · Annual fee $895

US only

175,000 points

after $12,000 in 6 months

  • Hotel credit ($600)
  • Digital entertainment credit ($300)
  • Uber Cash and One credit ($320)
Learn more & apply

American Express Gold Card

Personal · Annual fee $250

US only

100,000 points

after $8,000 in 6 months

  • Dining credit ($120)
  • Resy credit ($100)
  • Disney Streaming credit ($120)
Learn more & apply

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Personal · Annual fee $95

100,000 points

after $5,000 in 3 months

  • Chase Travel hotel credit ($100)
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit ($120)
  • DoorDash DashPass ($120)
Learn more & apply

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Personal · Annual fee $795

100,000 points

after $6,000 in 3 months

  • Travel credit ($300)
  • The Edit hotel credit ($500)
  • Dining credit ($300)
Learn more & apply

Credit card approval subject to eligibility. Terms and conditions apply. American Express cards shown are available to US residents only.