Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners: The Basics

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable flexible points currency that give the biggest return when transferred to one of the Chase Ultimate Rewards partners.

These points can be used in a variety of ways, but undoubtedly, for high-value travel rewards.

If you’re just getting started with miles and points, knowing how to earn Ultimate Rewards points and who these airline and hotel transfer partners are is the first step.

As you learn more, you’ll need to understand the value each transfer partner can deliver to maximize each of your Ultimate Rewards points.

In this post about Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, let’s stick with the first step and build from there.

Which Ultimate Rewards credit card gives me access to Chase transfer partners?

You can earn transferable Ultimate Rewards points with the Sapphire Reserve,  the Sapphire Preferred, and Chase Ink Plus/Preferred.

Ultimate Rewards Points earned with the Chase Freedom Flex, Freedom Unlimited, Ink Unlimited, or Ink Cash Card are technically cash back rewards points.

This means, by themselves, they cannot be transferred to any of Chase’s airline or hotel transfer partners. When it comes to booking travel, they can only be used to redeem for travel rewards in the Chase travel portal for a fixed 1 cent per point value.

However, there is a simple way around this. 

Combine the points earned by using the Freedom, Freedom Flex, Freedom Unlimited, Ink Unlimited, or Ink Cash Card with the transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards Points you’re earning with either of the Chase Sapphires and Chase Ink Preferred.

Once combined, these points can be transferred and have all the same benefits as had you earned them with a Sapphire or an Ink Preferred.

For visual learners, here’s an infographic to explain how it works.

Not all Chase transfer partners are created equal, though. 

Chase Ultimate Rewards Points are generally valued at 2 cents per point and can be redeemed for far more. So, ideally, you’ll want to maintain or even increase that value in any points transfer.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Generally speaking, the Chase Ultimate Rewards airlines are the best way to use your UR points. The same logic holds for other flexible point currencies, like Amex Membership Rewards. The exception comes with Marriott Bonvoy points because they can be used directly to book any Marriott hotel, as well as transferred to airline partners.

2. Among the hotel partners, Hyatt is by far the most valuable, even more valuable than some airline partners. The other hotel partners, while useful in some situations, are valued at less than 1 cent per point. For this reason, I don’t recommend transferring to these hotel partners unless you just need to top up an account with a small number of points for immediate redemptions. 

What is the Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer ratio?

All Chase rewards points transfer at a 1:1 ratio. 

You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points in 1,000 point increments. This lets you get close to the exact amount of points needed for your award redemption without transferring way too many out of your Ultimate Rewards account. 

For more on why it’s never a good idea to transfer more than you need for your award travel redemption, keep reading.

How long does it take for my points to transfer?

This is so important because you don’t want to lose an award seat or a hotel room while you’re waiting for your Ultimate Rewards Points to transfer.

Nearly all Chase Ultimate Rewards Points transfer instantly and I can confirm this as my experience, as well. The exceptions are Singapore Air and Marriott. These transfers can take between 1-2 business days.

If you forget, simply check the transfer timing information while you’re setting up the transfer from within your Ultimate Rewards account.

Who can I transfer my points to?

Chase has one of the most flexible policies when it comes to pooling your points with that of a spouse/domestic partner or business partner.

Naturally, you can transfer points to yourself. But you’re also allowed to combine your Ultimate Rewards points with one spouse/domestic partner, who shares the same address as you.

For business cards like the Ink Preferred, the address need not be the same, but the person must be an authorized user on the business card.

Unlike Citi ThankYou points, though, there isn’t a time limit in which these points have to be used once they are shared with a spouse or employee.

How do I transfer my Chase Ultimate Rewards points to a travel partner?

You’ll need to log in to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal using your account sign-in information. Your airline or hotel loyalty account will also need to be linked to your Ultimate Rewards account.

Once you have done this, the transfer process is straightforward. You can check out my step-by-step Chase transfer guide for guidance.

Why not just earn the miles or points for the airline or hotel I want and not bother with transfer partners?

Flexible points currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards offer more protection against airline and hotel award program changes.

United miles are always United miles. If United devalues their miles, you have the flexibility to transfer Ultimate Rewards Points to another airline. If you only have United miles, they’ve just lost value.

What are a few of the best ways to use Chase Ultimate Rewards Points?

The examples below are just a few examples of how valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards Points can be.

Hyatt

Arguably Chase’s most valuable transfer partner, Hyatt offers reasonable pricing, mid to upscale brands, and valuable perks for loyalty program members like free parking, free breakfast, and late checkout.

Hyatt’s global footprint continues to grow. Even though they’ve transitioned to an award chart with off-peak, standard, peak, the Hyatt brand is strong and continues to deliver 2+ cents on redemptions.

This is exceptional for a hotel award program.

Hyatt also has solid value on cash and point awards, as well as using points to upgrade to a suite.

Iberia and British Airways

Iberia and British Airways short-haul flights are a great way to fly domestically and within the same country or continent for cheaper than what a legacy carrier, like American, would charge.

Both programs base their award pricing on distance. So, shorter flights cost less. Both airlines are in the Oneworld Alliance with American Airlines which means you can book American Airlines operated flights by using your British Airways or Iberia Avios.

And now, with Alaska Airlines joining Oneworld, Avios can be used to book flights operated by Alaska Airlines as well.

You can find British Airways and Iberia sweet spots from North America to Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Hawaii.

Iberia also offers a great off-peak business class redemption from cities on the east coast of North America to Madrid for just 34k Avios one-way!

My Beginner’s Guide to British Airways has what you need to know about how to maximize your Avios.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Chase’s newest transfer partner caused much excitement when it was added.

Aeroplan is in the Star Alliance and offers competitive pricing on business class award flights to Europe, particularly cities in western Europe. You can add value to the redemption by adding a stopover to your itinerary for just 5k extra miles.

You can find super cheap flights to Canada, as well as luxury redemption opportunities with partners like Etihad.

This Aeroplan Guide goes into more detail about how best to maximize this award program.

United

United has moved away from its fixed award chart in favor of dynamic pricing. While this isn’t exactly great news for award travelers looking for value, United still allows free one-ways and open-jaws courtesy of their Excursionist Perk.

United’s award pricing for a business calls round trip ticket to Europe is decidedly mediocre. However, combined with United’s generous routing rules, there’s a lot of value to be had.

You can find more of the best ways to use United miles in this United Guide.

Bottom Line

The Chase transfer partners have faced stiff competition over the years from the likes of American Express and Capital One. However, given how easy it is to earn Ultimate Rewards points, the program’s beginner-friendly approach, and exclusive partners like United and Hyatt, this flexible points system continues to offer a lot of value for award travelers.

How have you used your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points? 

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