Who are the Chase Transfer Partners? Everything to Know

In the competitive world of credit card rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards consistently ranks as one of the most valuable and flexible points currencies available. Favored by frequent travelers and savvy spenders alike, Chase points are not just versatile in their usage but also potent when transferred to Chase’s array of partner airlines and hotels. This guide delves into who these partners are, how you can leverage these partnerships, and offers strategies to maximize your points’ value.

Chase Ultimate Rewards Overview

Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be accumulated through everyday spending on several Chase credit cards, including the esteemed Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the traveler-favorite Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, and the business owner’s ally, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Points earned can be redeemed in numerous ways but are often most valuable when transferred to one of Chase’s numerous airline and hotel partners.

List of Chase Airline Transfer Partners

Chase Ultimate Rewards maintains partnerships with the following 11 prestigious airline programs, each allowing a 1:1 transfer ratio:

• Aer Lingus AerClub: Great for flights to and from Ireland with decent award availability.
• Air Canada Aeroplan: Known for its extensive Star Alliance network and reasonable redemption rates.
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue: Offers regular promo awards which are excellent for saving on transatlantic flights.
• British Airways Executive Club: Best utilized for short-haul flights on American Airlines due to a distance-based award chart.
• Emirates Skywards: Good for luxurious flights, though high surcharges can apply.
• Iberia Plus: Similar to British Airways but often with lower taxes and fees, especially on flights between the US and Spain.
• JetBlue TrueBlue: A revenue-based program where points values fluctuate based on cash prices of tickets.
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: The only way to book first-class suites on Singapore Airlines, a highly sought-after experience.
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards: Offers no blackout dates and two free checked bags, making it a favorite for domestic travelers.
• United Airlines MileagePlus: No fuel surcharges and good availability on domestic and international flights.
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Known for its lucrative partner redemption options, such as using points for ANA first class.

List of Chase Hotel Transfer Partners

Chase points can also be transferred to three major hotel loyalty programs, each at a 1:1 transfer ratio, allowing for direct point conversion:

• IHG One Rewards: Features a vast network of hotels ranging from economical to luxury properties globally.
• Marriott Bonvoy: With an extensive portfolio of hotels at various redemption rates, often good value can be found.
• World of Hyatt: Generally considered the best Chase hotel partner due to low redemption rates and high-value points.

Transfer Process and Time Frames

Transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards is a straightforward online process:

1. Log into your Chase account and access the Ultimate Rewards portal.
2. Navigate to the ‘Transfer to Travel Partners’ section.
3. Select the desired partner and link your loyalty program account if it’s not already linked.
4. Enter the number of points you wish to transfer and confirm the transaction.

Most transfers are instantaneous, though some, like those to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Marriott Bonvoy, can take up to two business days.

Best Practices for Transferring Chase Points

To maximize the value of your Chase points, consider these best practices:

• Transfer When Ready: To minimize the risk of point devaluation, transfer points only when you have a specific redemption in mind.
• Match Names: Ensure the name on your Chase account matches the loyalty program to avoid delays or rejections.
• Watch for Bonuses: Occasionally, Chase offers transfer bonuses to certain partners which can significantly increase the value of your points.

Comparative Analysis with Other Programs

While Chase Ultimate Rewards is highly competitive, programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards also offer unique benefits:

• American Express Membership Rewards: Known for frequent transfer bonuses and a wide range of airline partners.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards: Offers some less common transfer partners, giving it a niche appeal for certain travel destinations.

Final Thoughts

Chase Ultimate Rewards points continue to be a staple in the travel rewards sphere, offering cardholders flexibility, variety, and significant value. By strategically using Chase’s transfer partners, cardholders can maximize their rewards for almost any travel plan—from a weekend getaway to a luxury international adventure.