Chase Ultimate Rewards Guide

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a versatile rewards program that allows cardholders to earn and redeem points for various travel and shopping benefits. This guide provides an in-depth overview of the program, including tips on how to make the most of your accumulated points.


Chase Ultimate Rewards is a popular and versatile credit card rewards program offered by JPMorgan Chase. It provides cardholders with a range of benefits, including earning and redeeming points for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more. Here's a guide to help you understand and make the most of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program:

1. Chase Credit Cards with Ultimate Rewards:Chase offers several credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Freedom, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and some others.

2. Earning Ultimate Rewards Points:You can earn points through various methods, including:

  • Everyday spending: Earn points for every dollar you spend using your Chase credit card.
  • Sign-up bonuses: Many Chase cards offer a substantial bonus for meeting a minimum spending requirement in the first few months.
  • Special promotions: Chase occasionally offers bonus points for specific spending categories or promotions.

3. Combining Points:If you have multiple Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards, you can combine your points into a single account, making it easier to manage and redeem them.

4. Redeeming Ultimate Rewards Points:You can redeem your Ultimate Rewards points for various options, including:

  • Travel: You can book flights, hotels, and car rentals through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal. Points are typically worth more when used for travel bookings made through the portal.
  • Transfer to travel partners: Chase has airline and hotel transfer partners, such as United, Southwest, Hyatt, and more. You can transfer your points to these partners for potentially more value.
  • Cash back: You can redeem points for statement credits or direct deposits into your bank account.
  • Gift cards and merchandise: Redeem points for gift cards or purchase items directly from the Chase Ultimate Rewards shopping portal.

5. Maximizing Point Value:To get the most value from your Ultimate Rewards points, consider transferring them to travel partners, especially for premium travel experiences. Be sure to research and plan your redemptions to make the most of your points.

6. Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve:The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve are two of the most popular Ultimate Rewards credit cards. The Reserve offers premium benefits like travel credits, airport lounge access, and higher point redemption values, but it comes with a higher annual fee. Consider which card aligns best with your travel and spending habits.

7. Paying Attention to Card Benefits:Chase Ultimate Rewards cards often come with various benefits like travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranties. Familiarize yourself with the benefits your specific card offers to maximize their value.

8. Keeping an Eye on Promotions:Chase occasionally runs promotions that can provide additional point-earning opportunities or bonus redemption options. Keep an eye on your card's website or your account for any special offers.

Remember that the details of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program and the benefits of specific credit cards may change over time. Always check the latest terms, conditions, and benefits associated with your Chase credit card to ensure you're making the most of your rewards.

A comprehensive guide to the Chase Ultimate Rewards program and how to maximize the value of your points..

What is Chase Ultimate Rewards?

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a points-based rewards program that allows you to earn points on everyday purchases and then redeem those points for a variety of rewards, including travel, merchandise, gift cards, and cash back.

How to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points

You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points by using any of the Chase credit cards that offer the program. Most Chase credit cards earn at least 1 point per dollar spent on all purchases, and many cards offer bonus points in certain categories, such as travel, dining, and groceries.

How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points

There are a variety of ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You can redeem them for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, or you can transfer them to one of Chase's airline or hotel partners. You can also redeem your points for merchandise, gift cards, or cash back.

How to maximize the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points

The best way to maximize the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points is to redeem them for travel. When you redeem your points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, your points are worth 25% more than when you redeem them for cash back. This means that every 100 points you redeem for travel is worth $1.25.

You can also transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to one of Chase's airline or hotel partners. This can be a great way to get even more value out of your points, as some partners offer transfer ratios of 1:1 or even better.

Here are some tips for maximizing the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points:

  • Sign up for a Chase credit card that offers bonus points in categories where you spend a lot of money. For example, if you travel frequently, you may want to sign up for a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which earns 2x points on all travel purchases.
  • Redeem your points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Your points will be worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel.
  • Transfer your points to one of Chase's airline or hotel partners. Some partners offer transfer ratios of 1:1 or even better, which can give you even more value out of your points.
  • Use points to book award flights or hotel stays. This can be a great way to save money on travel.
  • Use points to purchase gift cards to your favorite stores or restaurants. This is a great way to save money on everyday purchases.
  • Redeem points for merchandise or cash back. This is a good option if you don't have any immediate travel plans or if you need to cash out your points for some reason.

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a valuable rewards program that can be a great way to save money on travel and other purchases. By following the tips above, you can maximize the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points and get the most out of your rewards program.