Best Way to Use Chase Points
Chase Ultimate Rewards guide for 2026
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 ways to use your ultimate rewards points
World of Hyatt Hotels
2-5 cppTransfer 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.
ANA First Class via Virgin Atlantic
20+ cppTransfer 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.
United Excursionist Perk
3-7 cppTransfer to United and book round-trip international awards with a free stopover via the Excursionist Perk. Visit two destinations for the price of one.
Southwest Companion Pass Strategy
MultiplierTransfer 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.
British Airways Short-Haul
2-5 cppTransfer 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 to Avoid
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 flight availability across all partner airlines in one place.
Search Award FlightsNeed 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 Card | Annual Fee: $895
200,000 Membership Rewards® points
after $20,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Key Benefits:
- 5x points on flights & hotels via Amex Travel
- 1.5x points on purchases over $5,000
- Airport lounge access
American Express® Business Gold Card
Business Card | Annual Fee: $375
100,000 Membership Rewards® points
after $15,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Key Benefits:
- 4x points on top 2 spending categories (up to $150K/yr)
- Up to $240 in annual statement credits
Chase Ink Business Preferred®
Business Card | Annual Fee: $95
100,000 Ultimate Rewards points
after $8,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Key Benefits:
- 3x points on travel & shipping
- 3x points on advertising
- 3x points on internet/cable/phone
The Platinum Card from American Express
Personal Card | Annual Fee: $695
80,000 points
after $8,000 in 6 months
Key Benefits:
- $200 airline fee credit
- $200 hotel credit (FHR/THC)
- $200 Uber credit
Capital One Venture Rewards
Personal Card | Annual Fee: $95
75,000 miles
after $4,000 in 3 months
Key Benefits:
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Capital One Venture X Rewards
Personal Card | Annual Fee: $395
75,000 miles
after $4,000 in 3 months
Key Benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit (Capital One Travel)
- 10,000 bonus miles annually
- Capital One Lounge access
* Credit card approval subject to eligibility. Terms and conditions apply. American Express cards shown are available to US residents only.