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Transfer to 14 partners at 1:1 with 1.5-2.0cpp portal floor
Chase Ultimate Rewards stands as the most versatile transferable points program, combining best-in-class hotel transfers, strong airline coverage, and valuable portal redemptions. The crown jewel is the 1:1 World of Hyatt transfer, widely considered the best hotel transfer value in the industry. With 14 transfer partners spanning all three major alliances, Ultimate Rewards offers flexibility for both domestic and international travel. The program uniquely includes Southwest Rapid Rewards as a transfer partner - the only way to earn Southwest points through transfers, making it essential for Companion Pass strategies. The Sapphire Reserve's 1.5cpp portal value provides a reliable redemption floor, while Pay Yourself Back offers 1.5cpp for statement credits in select categories. This combination of transfer flexibility and fixed-value options makes Ultimate Rewards ideal for both beginners and optimization experts.
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 3,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 3,500 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| Short Haul Intra-Europe | 4,000 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe on Star Alliance | 8,000 | United Mileageplus | economy |
Transfer to 14 loyalty programs
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 91% | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 85% | 1.5 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | — | |
By CardRewards Editorial Team — Cardrewards(Feb 9, 2026)
Chase Ultimate Rewards is the most versatile transferable points currency in the game. With 14 transfer partners spanning all three major airline alliances plus best-in-class hotel transfers to World of Hyatt, it offers a unique combination of flexibility and outsized value that no competitor fully matches.
The program's strength lies in its dual redemption model: transfer to partners for premium cabin flights and aspirational hotel stays at 2-5+ cents per point, or use the Chase Travel Portal for a reliable 1.0-2.0 cpp floor with Points Boost. Add household pooling, no points expiration, and a family of cards covering every spending category, and you have a program that works for beginners and optimization experts alike.
The June 2025 Points Boost change replaced the guaranteed 1.5 cpp Sapphire Reserve portal rate with a variable 1.0-2.0 cpp system — a meaningful shift that makes transfer partners even more important for maximizing value. Legacy cardholders retain the old rates through October 2027, but new cardholders should focus on learning partner sweet spots.
- **Best hotel transfer in the industry**: 1:1 to World of Hyatt delivers 2-4 cpp consistently on Category 1-8 properties
- **Only transferable currency to Southwest**: Essential for Companion Pass strategies and domestic value flights
Points Boost replaces fixed portal multipliers for new Sapphire cardholders, changing CSR from guaranteed 1.5cpp to variable 1.0-2.0cpp
Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card launched with 150,000 point welcome bonus and $120K annual spend threshold
Air Canada Aeroplan added as 14th transfer partner with instant transfers and 10% bonus for Chase Aeroplan cardholders on 50K+ transfers
The Edit luxury hotel collection launched for Sapphire Reserve holders with breakfast, $100 credit, and room upgrades
Cash back redemptions return only 1 cent per point. Booking travel through the Chase Travel Portal can be worth up to 2 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Points Boost redemptions. Transferring points to airline or hotel partners can deliver even higher value, up to 7-10 cents per point.
The most efficient way to redeem Chase points is to transfer them to travel partners. Transfers deliver outsized value, often well more than 2 cents per point. Booking through the Chase Travel Portal is easier, but learning partner awards maximizes long-term value and flexibility.
The two Chase Sapphire Reserve cards, personal and business, offer the biggest signup bonuses and most perks, but they also carry higher annual fees. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent alternative for travelers who want strong value and transferable points with a lower fee.
You cannot book Airbnb through Chase Travel, as Airbnb is not a direct transfer partner. Chase does offer vacation rentals in its portal for select cardholders. Log in to Chase Travel, and if your card is eligible you will see options to search hotels or vacation homes.
American Express provides access to more lounges than Chase through the Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and other partner lounges. The premium cards from both reward systems offer access to the most lounges.
Comprehensive guide covering all earning cards, transfer partners, portal redemptions, and Points Boost changes. Regularly updated with the latest program changes.
Structured program overview with sub-score ratings across coverage, usefulness, efficiency, policy, and transfer quality. Includes global sweet spots database.
Consumer-friendly overview of all redemption options ranked by value. Includes CPP analysis for each method and beginner-friendly transfer partner recommendations.
Transfer to 14 partners at 1:1 with 1.5-2.0cpp portal floor
Chase Ultimate Rewards stands as the most versatile transferable points program, combining best-in-class hotel transfers, strong airline coverage, and valuable portal redemptions. The crown jewel is the 1:1 World of Hyatt transfer, widely considered the best hotel transfer value in the industry. With 14 transfer partners spanning all three major alliances, Ultimate Rewards offers flexibility for both domestic and international travel. The program uniquely includes Southwest Rapid Rewards as a transfer partner - the only way to earn Southwest points through transfers, making it essential for Companion Pass strategies. The Sapphire Reserve's 1.5cpp portal value provides a reliable redemption floor, while Pay Yourself Back offers 1.5cpp for statement credits in select categories. This combination of transfer flexibility and fixed-value options makes Ultimate Rewards ideal for both beginners and optimization experts.
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 3,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 3,500 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| Short Haul Intra-Europe | 4,000 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe on Star Alliance | 8,000 | United Mileageplus | economy |
Transfer to 14 loyalty programs
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 91% | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 85% | 1.5 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | — | |
By CardRewards Editorial Team — Cardrewards(Feb 9, 2026)
Chase Ultimate Rewards is the most versatile transferable points currency in the game. With 14 transfer partners spanning all three major airline alliances plus best-in-class hotel transfers to World of Hyatt, it offers a unique combination of flexibility and outsized value that no competitor fully matches.
The program's strength lies in its dual redemption model: transfer to partners for premium cabin flights and aspirational hotel stays at 2-5+ cents per point, or use the Chase Travel Portal for a reliable 1.0-2.0 cpp floor with Points Boost. Add household pooling, no points expiration, and a family of cards covering every spending category, and you have a program that works for beginners and optimization experts alike.
The June 2025 Points Boost change replaced the guaranteed 1.5 cpp Sapphire Reserve portal rate with a variable 1.0-2.0 cpp system — a meaningful shift that makes transfer partners even more important for maximizing value. Legacy cardholders retain the old rates through October 2027, but new cardholders should focus on learning partner sweet spots.
- **Best hotel transfer in the industry**: 1:1 to World of Hyatt delivers 2-4 cpp consistently on Category 1-8 properties
- **Only transferable currency to Southwest**: Essential for Companion Pass strategies and domestic value flights
Points Boost replaces fixed portal multipliers for new Sapphire cardholders, changing CSR from guaranteed 1.5cpp to variable 1.0-2.0cpp
Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card launched with 150,000 point welcome bonus and $120K annual spend threshold
Air Canada Aeroplan added as 14th transfer partner with instant transfers and 10% bonus for Chase Aeroplan cardholders on 50K+ transfers
The Edit luxury hotel collection launched for Sapphire Reserve holders with breakfast, $100 credit, and room upgrades
Cash back redemptions return only 1 cent per point. Booking travel through the Chase Travel Portal can be worth up to 2 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Points Boost redemptions. Transferring points to airline or hotel partners can deliver even higher value, up to 7-10 cents per point.
The most efficient way to redeem Chase points is to transfer them to travel partners. Transfers deliver outsized value, often well more than 2 cents per point. Booking through the Chase Travel Portal is easier, but learning partner awards maximizes long-term value and flexibility.
The two Chase Sapphire Reserve cards, personal and business, offer the biggest signup bonuses and most perks, but they also carry higher annual fees. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent alternative for travelers who want strong value and transferable points with a lower fee.
You cannot book Airbnb through Chase Travel, as Airbnb is not a direct transfer partner. Chase does offer vacation rentals in its portal for select cardholders. Log in to Chase Travel, and if your card is eligible you will see options to search hotels or vacation homes.
American Express provides access to more lounges than Chase through the Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and other partner lounges. The premium cards from both reward systems offer access to the most lounges.
Comprehensive guide covering all earning cards, transfer partners, portal redemptions, and Points Boost changes. Regularly updated with the latest program changes.
Structured program overview with sub-score ratings across coverage, usefulness, efficiency, policy, and transfer quality. Includes global sweet spots database.
Consumer-friendly overview of all redemption options ranked by value. Includes CPP analysis for each method and beginner-friendly transfer partner recommendations.
Transfer to 14 partners at 1:1 with 1.5-2.0cpp portal floor
Chase Ultimate Rewards stands as the most versatile transferable points program, combining best-in-class hotel transfers, strong airline coverage, and valuable portal redemptions. The crown jewel is the 1:1 World of Hyatt transfer, widely considered the best hotel transfer value in the industry. With 14 transfer partners spanning all three major alliances, Ultimate Rewards offers flexibility for both domestic and international travel. The program uniquely includes Southwest Rapid Rewards as a transfer partner - the only way to earn Southwest points through transfers, making it essential for Companion Pass strategies. The Sapphire Reserve's 1.5cpp portal value provides a reliable redemption floor, while Pay Yourself Back offers 1.5cpp for statement credits in select categories. This combination of transfer flexibility and fixed-value options makes Ultimate Rewards ideal for both beginners and optimization experts.
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 3,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 3,500 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| Short Haul Intra-Europe | 4,000 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe on Star Alliance | 8,000 | United Mileageplus | economy |
Transfer to 14 loyalty programs
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 91% | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 85% | 1.5 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | — | |
By CardRewards Editorial Team — Cardrewards(Feb 9, 2026)
Chase Ultimate Rewards is the most versatile transferable points currency in the game. With 14 transfer partners spanning all three major airline alliances plus best-in-class hotel transfers to World of Hyatt, it offers a unique combination of flexibility and outsized value that no competitor fully matches.
The program's strength lies in its dual redemption model: transfer to partners for premium cabin flights and aspirational hotel stays at 2-5+ cents per point, or use the Chase Travel Portal for a reliable 1.0-2.0 cpp floor with Points Boost. Add household pooling, no points expiration, and a family of cards covering every spending category, and you have a program that works for beginners and optimization experts alike.
The June 2025 Points Boost change replaced the guaranteed 1.5 cpp Sapphire Reserve portal rate with a variable 1.0-2.0 cpp system — a meaningful shift that makes transfer partners even more important for maximizing value. Legacy cardholders retain the old rates through October 2027, but new cardholders should focus on learning partner sweet spots.
- **Best hotel transfer in the industry**: 1:1 to World of Hyatt delivers 2-4 cpp consistently on Category 1-8 properties
- **Only transferable currency to Southwest**: Essential for Companion Pass strategies and domestic value flights
Points Boost replaces fixed portal multipliers for new Sapphire cardholders, changing CSR from guaranteed 1.5cpp to variable 1.0-2.0cpp
Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card launched with 150,000 point welcome bonus and $120K annual spend threshold
Air Canada Aeroplan added as 14th transfer partner with instant transfers and 10% bonus for Chase Aeroplan cardholders on 50K+ transfers
The Edit luxury hotel collection launched for Sapphire Reserve holders with breakfast, $100 credit, and room upgrades
Cash back redemptions return only 1 cent per point. Booking travel through the Chase Travel Portal can be worth up to 2 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Points Boost redemptions. Transferring points to airline or hotel partners can deliver even higher value, up to 7-10 cents per point.
The most efficient way to redeem Chase points is to transfer them to travel partners. Transfers deliver outsized value, often well more than 2 cents per point. Booking through the Chase Travel Portal is easier, but learning partner awards maximizes long-term value and flexibility.
The two Chase Sapphire Reserve cards, personal and business, offer the biggest signup bonuses and most perks, but they also carry higher annual fees. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent alternative for travelers who want strong value and transferable points with a lower fee.
You cannot book Airbnb through Chase Travel, as Airbnb is not a direct transfer partner. Chase does offer vacation rentals in its portal for select cardholders. Log in to Chase Travel, and if your card is eligible you will see options to search hotels or vacation homes.
American Express provides access to more lounges than Chase through the Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and other partner lounges. The premium cards from both reward systems offer access to the most lounges.
Comprehensive guide covering all earning cards, transfer partners, portal redemptions, and Points Boost changes. Regularly updated with the latest program changes.
Structured program overview with sub-score ratings across coverage, usefulness, efficiency, policy, and transfer quality. Includes global sweet spots database.
Consumer-friendly overview of all redemption options ranked by value. Includes CPP analysis for each method and beginner-friendly transfer partner recommendations.
| europe |
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,600 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 6,300 | United Mileageplus | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 7,500 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 13,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | Singapore Krisflyer | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 13,000 | Aer Lingus Avios | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 16,000 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 25,000 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 26,700 | United Mileageplus | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 35,000 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 8,000 | Southwest Rapid Rewards | economy | united_states |
Showing top 20 of 57 sweet spots
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 79% |
| 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 73% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 67% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | 103% | 1.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 42% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 36% | 0.6 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 79% | — |
Chase
- **14 transfer partners across all alliances**: Oneworld (BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus), SkyTeam (Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic), Star Alliance (United, Singapore, Aeroplan)
- **Points Boost replaced flat portal multipliers** in June 2025 — portal value now ranges 1.0-2.0 cpp depending on the booking
- **Household pooling is a superpower**: Combine points from every Chase card in the household to a single Sapphire card for maximum redemption value
- **The trifecta strategy** (CSR + CFF + CFU) covers 5x rotating categories, 3x travel/dining, and 1.5x on everything else with no overlapping annual fees
- **Instant transfers** to most partners — no waiting days for points to land when you find availability
### Hyatt Hotels (1:1 transfer)
The crown jewel of Ultimate Rewards. Category 1-4 Hyatt properties deliver 2-4 cents per point consistently, while aspirational properties like Park Hyatt Paris (35,000 points/night for a $800+ room) push value to 2.3+ cpp. The Globalist status granted by the World of Hyatt card adds suite upgrades and free breakfast, amplifying value further.
### Virgin Atlantic for ANA First Class
Transfer UR to Virgin Atlantic and book ANA First Class (The Suite) for 110,000-120,000 points roundtrip US-Japan. This is widely considered one of the best award redemptions in existence — a $25,000+ ticket for roughly $700 in taxes. Availability is limited but findable 2-3 weeks before departure.
### Aeroplan for Star Alliance Business
Air Canada Aeroplan offers no-fuel-surcharge business class on United, Air Canada, and most Star Alliance partners. 60,000 points for US-Europe in Polaris is a strong sweet spot, and the Excursionist Perk allows a free one-way within a region.
### Southwest for Domestic Value
Transfer to Southwest Rapid Rewards for low-cost domestic flights — as low as 4,000-8,000 points one-way. Combined with the Companion Pass (earned by transferring 135,000 UR), this can deliver 4-6 cpp equivalent value on two-person domestic travel.
### Flying Blue Promo Awards
Air France/KLM's monthly promo awards offer 25-50% discounts on select routes. Europe roundtrip in business for 72,000 points (vs. standard 100,000+) appears regularly. Transfer is instant, so you can wait for promos before committing.
The optimal earning setup uses the Chase trifecta (or quadfecta with a business card):
**Chase Sapphire Reserve** ($550/year, $250 net after travel credit)
- 3x on travel and dining worldwide
- 10x on Chase Travel hotel bookings, 5x on flights
- Transfer access and 1.0-2.0 cpp portal value via Points Boost
**Chase Freedom Flex** ($0/year)
- 5x on rotating quarterly categories (grocery, gas, Amazon, PayPal, etc.)
- 3x on dining and drugstores
- Activate categories each quarter — $1,500 cap per quarter = 7,500 bonus points
**Chase Freedom Unlimited** ($0/year)
- 1.5x on everything (best catch-all card in the ecosystem)
- 3x on dining and drugstores
- No category activation needed
**Pool all points** from Freedom cards to the Sapphire Reserve for transfer access. The Freedom cards earn at elevated rates but can only redeem at 1 cpp on their own — pooling to CSR unlocks 1.5-2.0+ cpp redemptions.
**Business card addition**: Chase Ink Business Preferred (3x on travel, shipping, internet, phone — first $150K/year) adds a massive earning engine. Points pool automatically with personal cards.
### Tier 1: Must-Know Partners
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Best For |
|---------|-------|---------------|----------|
| World of Hyatt | 1:1 | Instant | Hotels worldwide, 2-4 cpp value |
| Virgin Atlantic | 1:1 | Instant | ANA First, Delta One to Europe |
| Aeroplan | 1:1 | Instant | Star Alliance biz, no fuel surcharges |
| Southwest | 1:1 | Instant | Domestic value, Companion Pass |
### Tier 2: Situational Sweet Spots
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Best For |
|---------|-------|---------------|----------|
| Flying Blue | 1:1 | Instant | Promo awards, Europe on AF/KLM |
| British Airways | 1:1 | Instant | Short-haul AA flights (distance-based) |
| United MileagePlus | 1:1 | Instant | Last-minute domestic, Excursionist Perk |
| Emirates | 1:1 | Instant | Emirates First Class (splurge) |
### Tier 3: Niche/Rare Use
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Best For |
|---------|-------|---------------|----------|
| Singapore KrisFlyer | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Singapore Suites (if you find availability) |
| Iberia Plus | 1:1 | Instant | Low-surcharge Avios flights to/from Spain |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | 1:1 | Instant | JetBlue Mint redemptions |
| IHG One Rewards | 1:1 | Instant | PointBreaks deals only |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Largest portfolio but poor cpp value |
**Transfer bonuses**: Chase runs 15-30% transfer bonuses 2-3 times per year, typically to Hyatt, Marriott, or an airline partner. Always check for active bonuses before transferring.
### vs. Amex Membership Rewards
UR wins on hotel transfers (Hyatt >> Hilton/Marriott at Amex ratios), instant transfers to most partners, and household pooling. MR wins on sheer partner count (20+ vs. 14) and access to ANA direct transfers. Both are Tier 1 programs — serious points collectors should earn both.
### vs. Citi ThankYou Points
UR wins on partner quality (Hyatt, Southwest not available via Citi) and portal value. Citi's strength is the Premier's 3x on travel/gas/groceries/restaurants at $95/year — a better value proposition than CSR for moderate travelers. But transfer partner selection clearly favors UR.
### vs. Capital One Miles
Capital One has improved dramatically with airline transfers, but UR still leads on hotel transfers (Hyatt vs. no Hyatt at Cap1) and portal reliability. Cap1's advantage: no annual fee on the Venture X first-year credit ($395 fee - $300 travel credit) and Venture X lounge access.
### Bottom line
Ultimate Rewards is the strongest all-around program. If you can only commit to one ecosystem, Chase is it. The combination of Hyatt, Southwest exclusivity, instant transfers, and the trifecta earning structure is unmatched.
- **Points Boost strategy**: Check portal prices before transferring to partners. Some hotel bookings show 2.0 cpp via Points Boost — potentially beating a partner transfer
- **Refer-a-friend bonuses**: Each Sapphire card generates referral links worth 15,000-20,000 bonus points per approved referral (up to 75,000/year)
- **Product change cycling**: You can product change between Sapphire Preferred and Reserve without a new hard pull. Downgrade CSR → CSP to save $455/year when not traveling, upgrade when you need Priority Pass and 1.5x portal
- **Pay Yourself Back**: CSR gets 1.5 cpp on select rotating categories as statement credits. Check quarterly — sometimes grocery or dining categories appear, effectively turning UR into a 1.5% cash back card
- **Transfer bonus stacking**: When a 25% bonus to Hyatt is active, 40,000 UR becomes 50,000 Hyatt points — enough for 2 nights at a Category 7 property. Set Google alerts for "Chase transfer bonus"
- **5/24 planning**: Chase's 5/24 rule (no approval if 5+ new cards in 24 months) means you should get all Chase cards FIRST before applying elsewhere. Plan your card strategy around this
- **Authorized user trick**: Adding an authorized user to CSR costs $75/year but grants them a Priority Pass membership — worth $429 standalone
- **Legacy rate preservation**: If you held CSR before June 23, 2025, your portal rate stays at 1.5 cpp for points earned before October 26, 2025. Redeem those legacy points in the portal before the deadline
Detailed breakdown of all 14 transfer partners with sweet spot recommendations, transfer ratios, and timing for each partner.
| europe |
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,600 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 6,300 | United Mileageplus | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 7,500 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 13,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | Singapore Krisflyer | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 13,000 | Aer Lingus Avios | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 16,000 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 25,000 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 26,700 | United Mileageplus | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 35,000 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 8,000 | Southwest Rapid Rewards | economy | united_states |
Showing top 20 of 57 sweet spots
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 79% |
| 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 73% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 67% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | 103% | 1.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 42% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 36% | 0.6 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 79% | — |
Chase
- **14 transfer partners across all alliances**: Oneworld (BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus), SkyTeam (Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic), Star Alliance (United, Singapore, Aeroplan)
- **Points Boost replaced flat portal multipliers** in June 2025 — portal value now ranges 1.0-2.0 cpp depending on the booking
- **Household pooling is a superpower**: Combine points from every Chase card in the household to a single Sapphire card for maximum redemption value
- **The trifecta strategy** (CSR + CFF + CFU) covers 5x rotating categories, 3x travel/dining, and 1.5x on everything else with no overlapping annual fees
- **Instant transfers** to most partners — no waiting days for points to land when you find availability
### Hyatt Hotels (1:1 transfer)
The crown jewel of Ultimate Rewards. Category 1-4 Hyatt properties deliver 2-4 cents per point consistently, while aspirational properties like Park Hyatt Paris (35,000 points/night for a $800+ room) push value to 2.3+ cpp. The Globalist status granted by the World of Hyatt card adds suite upgrades and free breakfast, amplifying value further.
### Virgin Atlantic for ANA First Class
Transfer UR to Virgin Atlantic and book ANA First Class (The Suite) for 110,000-120,000 points roundtrip US-Japan. This is widely considered one of the best award redemptions in existence — a $25,000+ ticket for roughly $700 in taxes. Availability is limited but findable 2-3 weeks before departure.
### Aeroplan for Star Alliance Business
Air Canada Aeroplan offers no-fuel-surcharge business class on United, Air Canada, and most Star Alliance partners. 60,000 points for US-Europe in Polaris is a strong sweet spot, and the Excursionist Perk allows a free one-way within a region.
### Southwest for Domestic Value
Transfer to Southwest Rapid Rewards for low-cost domestic flights — as low as 4,000-8,000 points one-way. Combined with the Companion Pass (earned by transferring 135,000 UR), this can deliver 4-6 cpp equivalent value on two-person domestic travel.
### Flying Blue Promo Awards
Air France/KLM's monthly promo awards offer 25-50% discounts on select routes. Europe roundtrip in business for 72,000 points (vs. standard 100,000+) appears regularly. Transfer is instant, so you can wait for promos before committing.
The optimal earning setup uses the Chase trifecta (or quadfecta with a business card):
**Chase Sapphire Reserve** ($550/year, $250 net after travel credit)
- 3x on travel and dining worldwide
- 10x on Chase Travel hotel bookings, 5x on flights
- Transfer access and 1.0-2.0 cpp portal value via Points Boost
**Chase Freedom Flex** ($0/year)
- 5x on rotating quarterly categories (grocery, gas, Amazon, PayPal, etc.)
- 3x on dining and drugstores
- Activate categories each quarter — $1,500 cap per quarter = 7,500 bonus points
**Chase Freedom Unlimited** ($0/year)
- 1.5x on everything (best catch-all card in the ecosystem)
- 3x on dining and drugstores
- No category activation needed
**Pool all points** from Freedom cards to the Sapphire Reserve for transfer access. The Freedom cards earn at elevated rates but can only redeem at 1 cpp on their own — pooling to CSR unlocks 1.5-2.0+ cpp redemptions.
**Business card addition**: Chase Ink Business Preferred (3x on travel, shipping, internet, phone — first $150K/year) adds a massive earning engine. Points pool automatically with personal cards.
### Tier 1: Must-Know Partners
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Best For |
|---------|-------|---------------|----------|
| World of Hyatt | 1:1 | Instant | Hotels worldwide, 2-4 cpp value |
| Virgin Atlantic | 1:1 | Instant | ANA First, Delta One to Europe |
| Aeroplan | 1:1 | Instant | Star Alliance biz, no fuel surcharges |
| Southwest | 1:1 | Instant | Domestic value, Companion Pass |
### Tier 2: Situational Sweet Spots
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Best For |
|---------|-------|---------------|----------|
| Flying Blue | 1:1 | Instant | Promo awards, Europe on AF/KLM |
| British Airways | 1:1 | Instant | Short-haul AA flights (distance-based) |
| United MileagePlus | 1:1 | Instant | Last-minute domestic, Excursionist Perk |
| Emirates | 1:1 | Instant | Emirates First Class (splurge) |
### Tier 3: Niche/Rare Use
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Best For |
|---------|-------|---------------|----------|
| Singapore KrisFlyer | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Singapore Suites (if you find availability) |
| Iberia Plus | 1:1 | Instant | Low-surcharge Avios flights to/from Spain |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | 1:1 | Instant | JetBlue Mint redemptions |
| IHG One Rewards | 1:1 | Instant | PointBreaks deals only |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Largest portfolio but poor cpp value |
**Transfer bonuses**: Chase runs 15-30% transfer bonuses 2-3 times per year, typically to Hyatt, Marriott, or an airline partner. Always check for active bonuses before transferring.
### vs. Amex Membership Rewards
UR wins on hotel transfers (Hyatt >> Hilton/Marriott at Amex ratios), instant transfers to most partners, and household pooling. MR wins on sheer partner count (20+ vs. 14) and access to ANA direct transfers. Both are Tier 1 programs — serious points collectors should earn both.
### vs. Citi ThankYou Points
UR wins on partner quality (Hyatt, Southwest not available via Citi) and portal value. Citi's strength is the Premier's 3x on travel/gas/groceries/restaurants at $95/year — a better value proposition than CSR for moderate travelers. But transfer partner selection clearly favors UR.
### vs. Capital One Miles
Capital One has improved dramatically with airline transfers, but UR still leads on hotel transfers (Hyatt vs. no Hyatt at Cap1) and portal reliability. Cap1's advantage: no annual fee on the Venture X first-year credit ($395 fee - $300 travel credit) and Venture X lounge access.
### Bottom line
Ultimate Rewards is the strongest all-around program. If you can only commit to one ecosystem, Chase is it. The combination of Hyatt, Southwest exclusivity, instant transfers, and the trifecta earning structure is unmatched.
- **Points Boost strategy**: Check portal prices before transferring to partners. Some hotel bookings show 2.0 cpp via Points Boost — potentially beating a partner transfer
- **Refer-a-friend bonuses**: Each Sapphire card generates referral links worth 15,000-20,000 bonus points per approved referral (up to 75,000/year)
- **Product change cycling**: You can product change between Sapphire Preferred and Reserve without a new hard pull. Downgrade CSR → CSP to save $455/year when not traveling, upgrade when you need Priority Pass and 1.5x portal
- **Pay Yourself Back**: CSR gets 1.5 cpp on select rotating categories as statement credits. Check quarterly — sometimes grocery or dining categories appear, effectively turning UR into a 1.5% cash back card
- **Transfer bonus stacking**: When a 25% bonus to Hyatt is active, 40,000 UR becomes 50,000 Hyatt points — enough for 2 nights at a Category 7 property. Set Google alerts for "Chase transfer bonus"
- **5/24 planning**: Chase's 5/24 rule (no approval if 5+ new cards in 24 months) means you should get all Chase cards FIRST before applying elsewhere. Plan your card strategy around this
- **Authorized user trick**: Adding an authorized user to CSR costs $75/year but grants them a Priority Pass membership — worth $429 standalone
- **Legacy rate preservation**: If you held CSR before June 23, 2025, your portal rate stays at 1.5 cpp for points earned before October 26, 2025. Redeem those legacy points in the portal before the deadline
Detailed breakdown of all 14 transfer partners with sweet spot recommendations, transfer ratios, and timing for each partner.
| europe |
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,600 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 6,300 | United Mileageplus | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 7,500 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 13,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | Singapore Krisflyer | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 13,000 | Aer Lingus Avios | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 16,000 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 25,000 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 26,700 | United Mileageplus | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 35,000 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 8,000 | Southwest Rapid Rewards | economy | united_states |
Showing top 20 of 57 sweet spots
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 79% |
| 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 73% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 67% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | 103% | 1.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 42% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 36% | 0.6 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 79% | — |
Chase
- **14 transfer partners across all alliances**: Oneworld (BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus), SkyTeam (Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic), Star Alliance (United, Singapore, Aeroplan)
- **Points Boost replaced flat portal multipliers** in June 2025 — portal value now ranges 1.0-2.0 cpp depending on the booking
- **Household pooling is a superpower**: Combine points from every Chase card in the household to a single Sapphire card for maximum redemption value
- **The trifecta strategy** (CSR + CFF + CFU) covers 5x rotating categories, 3x travel/dining, and 1.5x on everything else with no overlapping annual fees
- **Instant transfers** to most partners — no waiting days for points to land when you find availability
### Hyatt Hotels (1:1 transfer)
The crown jewel of Ultimate Rewards. Category 1-4 Hyatt properties deliver 2-4 cents per point consistently, while aspirational properties like Park Hyatt Paris (35,000 points/night for a $800+ room) push value to 2.3+ cpp. The Globalist status granted by the World of Hyatt card adds suite upgrades and free breakfast, amplifying value further.
### Virgin Atlantic for ANA First Class
Transfer UR to Virgin Atlantic and book ANA First Class (The Suite) for 110,000-120,000 points roundtrip US-Japan. This is widely considered one of the best award redemptions in existence — a $25,000+ ticket for roughly $700 in taxes. Availability is limited but findable 2-3 weeks before departure.
### Aeroplan for Star Alliance Business
Air Canada Aeroplan offers no-fuel-surcharge business class on United, Air Canada, and most Star Alliance partners. 60,000 points for US-Europe in Polaris is a strong sweet spot, and the Excursionist Perk allows a free one-way within a region.
### Southwest for Domestic Value
Transfer to Southwest Rapid Rewards for low-cost domestic flights — as low as 4,000-8,000 points one-way. Combined with the Companion Pass (earned by transferring 135,000 UR), this can deliver 4-6 cpp equivalent value on two-person domestic travel.
### Flying Blue Promo Awards
Air France/KLM's monthly promo awards offer 25-50% discounts on select routes. Europe roundtrip in business for 72,000 points (vs. standard 100,000+) appears regularly. Transfer is instant, so you can wait for promos before committing.
The optimal earning setup uses the Chase trifecta (or quadfecta with a business card):
**Chase Sapphire Reserve** ($550/year, $250 net after travel credit)
- 3x on travel and dining worldwide
- 10x on Chase Travel hotel bookings, 5x on flights
- Transfer access and 1.0-2.0 cpp portal value via Points Boost
**Chase Freedom Flex** ($0/year)
- 5x on rotating quarterly categories (grocery, gas, Amazon, PayPal, etc.)
- 3x on dining and drugstores
- Activate categories each quarter — $1,500 cap per quarter = 7,500 bonus points
**Chase Freedom Unlimited** ($0/year)
- 1.5x on everything (best catch-all card in the ecosystem)
- 3x on dining and drugstores
- No category activation needed
**Pool all points** from Freedom cards to the Sapphire Reserve for transfer access. The Freedom cards earn at elevated rates but can only redeem at 1 cpp on their own — pooling to CSR unlocks 1.5-2.0+ cpp redemptions.
**Business card addition**: Chase Ink Business Preferred (3x on travel, shipping, internet, phone — first $150K/year) adds a massive earning engine. Points pool automatically with personal cards.
### Tier 1: Must-Know Partners
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Best For |
|---------|-------|---------------|----------|
| World of Hyatt | 1:1 | Instant | Hotels worldwide, 2-4 cpp value |
| Virgin Atlantic | 1:1 | Instant | ANA First, Delta One to Europe |
| Aeroplan | 1:1 | Instant | Star Alliance biz, no fuel surcharges |
| Southwest | 1:1 | Instant | Domestic value, Companion Pass |
### Tier 2: Situational Sweet Spots
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Best For |
|---------|-------|---------------|----------|
| Flying Blue | 1:1 | Instant | Promo awards, Europe on AF/KLM |
| British Airways | 1:1 | Instant | Short-haul AA flights (distance-based) |
| United MileagePlus | 1:1 | Instant | Last-minute domestic, Excursionist Perk |
| Emirates | 1:1 | Instant | Emirates First Class (splurge) |
### Tier 3: Niche/Rare Use
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Best For |
|---------|-------|---------------|----------|
| Singapore KrisFlyer | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Singapore Suites (if you find availability) |
| Iberia Plus | 1:1 | Instant | Low-surcharge Avios flights to/from Spain |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | 1:1 | Instant | JetBlue Mint redemptions |
| IHG One Rewards | 1:1 | Instant | PointBreaks deals only |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Largest portfolio but poor cpp value |
**Transfer bonuses**: Chase runs 15-30% transfer bonuses 2-3 times per year, typically to Hyatt, Marriott, or an airline partner. Always check for active bonuses before transferring.
### vs. Amex Membership Rewards
UR wins on hotel transfers (Hyatt >> Hilton/Marriott at Amex ratios), instant transfers to most partners, and household pooling. MR wins on sheer partner count (20+ vs. 14) and access to ANA direct transfers. Both are Tier 1 programs — serious points collectors should earn both.
### vs. Citi ThankYou Points
UR wins on partner quality (Hyatt, Southwest not available via Citi) and portal value. Citi's strength is the Premier's 3x on travel/gas/groceries/restaurants at $95/year — a better value proposition than CSR for moderate travelers. But transfer partner selection clearly favors UR.
### vs. Capital One Miles
Capital One has improved dramatically with airline transfers, but UR still leads on hotel transfers (Hyatt vs. no Hyatt at Cap1) and portal reliability. Cap1's advantage: no annual fee on the Venture X first-year credit ($395 fee - $300 travel credit) and Venture X lounge access.
### Bottom line
Ultimate Rewards is the strongest all-around program. If you can only commit to one ecosystem, Chase is it. The combination of Hyatt, Southwest exclusivity, instant transfers, and the trifecta earning structure is unmatched.
- **Points Boost strategy**: Check portal prices before transferring to partners. Some hotel bookings show 2.0 cpp via Points Boost — potentially beating a partner transfer
- **Refer-a-friend bonuses**: Each Sapphire card generates referral links worth 15,000-20,000 bonus points per approved referral (up to 75,000/year)
- **Product change cycling**: You can product change between Sapphire Preferred and Reserve without a new hard pull. Downgrade CSR → CSP to save $455/year when not traveling, upgrade when you need Priority Pass and 1.5x portal
- **Pay Yourself Back**: CSR gets 1.5 cpp on select rotating categories as statement credits. Check quarterly — sometimes grocery or dining categories appear, effectively turning UR into a 1.5% cash back card
- **Transfer bonus stacking**: When a 25% bonus to Hyatt is active, 40,000 UR becomes 50,000 Hyatt points — enough for 2 nights at a Category 7 property. Set Google alerts for "Chase transfer bonus"
- **5/24 planning**: Chase's 5/24 rule (no approval if 5+ new cards in 24 months) means you should get all Chase cards FIRST before applying elsewhere. Plan your card strategy around this
- **Authorized user trick**: Adding an authorized user to CSR costs $75/year but grants them a Priority Pass membership — worth $429 standalone
- **Legacy rate preservation**: If you held CSR before June 23, 2025, your portal rate stays at 1.5 cpp for points earned before October 26, 2025. Redeem those legacy points in the portal before the deadline
Detailed breakdown of all 14 transfer partners with sweet spot recommendations, transfer ratios, and timing for each partner.
