Best Way to Use Chase Ultimate Rewards: Maximize Every Point 2026
Chase Ultimate Rewards is the second most valuable transferable points currency after Amex Membership Rewards. The key advantage: Chase points transfer at 1:1 to valuable partners including Singapore KrishFlyer, British Airways Avios, and Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve (1.5¢ per point through the portal) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (1.25¢ per point), you have the option to book directly through Chase Travel for a guaranteed floor value — a safety net that Amex does not offer.
Best Chase Transfer Partners Ranked
| Rank | Partner | Ratio | Best Redemption | Value per Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore KrisFlyer | 1:1 | Business U.S. to Asia (80K) | 6–8¢ |
| 2 | British Airways Avios | 1:1 | Qatar QSuite (70K) | 5–8¢ |
| 3 | Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 1:1 | Business U.S. to Europe (50K) | 5–7¢ |
| 4 | Hyatt | 1:1 | Category 1–8 hotels | 2–4¢ |
| 5 | United MileagePlus | 1:1 | Domestic first class | 1.5–2¢ |
| 6 | Marriott Bonvoy | 1:1 | Hotel stays | 0.8–1.2¢ |
| 7 | IHG | 1:1 | Hotel stays | 0.5–0.7¢ |
Sweet-Spot Redemptions
1. Singapore KrisFlyer Business Class
Transfer Chase UR to Singapore KrisFlyer (1:1) and book:
- U.S. to Southeast Asia business class: 80,000–115,000 miles one-way
- U.S. to Europe on Star Alliance partners: 55,000–70,000 miles one-way
- Value: 5–8¢ per point
2. British Airways Avios for Qatar QSuite
Transfer Chase UR to British Airways Avios (1:1) and book:
- Qatar QSuite U.S. to Doha: 70,000–85,000 Avios one-way
- American Airlines domestic: 4,500–15,000 Avios one-way
- Value: 5–8¢ per point
3. Air France-KLM Flying Blue
Transfer Chase UR to Flying Blue (1:1):
- U.S. to Europe business class: 50,000–70,000 miles one-way
- Promo Awards: 25,000–50,000 miles during monthly promotions
- Value: 5–7¢ per point
4. Hyatt — Best Hotel Transfer
- Park Hyatt Tokyo: 25,000–35,000 points/night ($800–$1,200 cash)
- Park Hyatt New York: 30,000–40,000 points/night ($900–$1,500 cash)
- Value: 2–4¢ per point
Portal vs. Transfer: Which Is Better?
| Scenario | Portal Value (CSR) | Transfer Value | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy flight NYC→LHR ($600) | 40,000 points | 30,000 Avios | Transfer |
| Premium economy | 50,000 points | 50K Avios | Tie |
| Business class NYC→LHR ($4K) | 267,000 points | 50K Avios | Transfer |
| Hyatt hotel ($800/night) | 53,000 points | 25K Hyatt | Transfer |
| Budget hotel ($150/night) | 10,000 points | 15K+ IHG | Portal |
The rule: Transfers are better for premium cabins, luxury hotels, and aspirational travel. The portal is better for budget bookings, domestic travel, and when you need flexibility.
Best Chase Cards for Earning UR
| Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Best Earning Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | 100K UR | 3X travel & dining |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 80K UR | 5X travel (portal), 3X dining |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | $0 | 20K UR | 1.5X everything |
| Chase Freedom Flex | $0 | 20K UR | 5X rotating categories |
| Chase Ink Business Preferred | $95 | 120K UR | 3X travel, shipping, internet |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to use Chase points?
Transferring to British Airways Avios for Qatar QSuite or to Singapore KrisFlyer for premium cabin awards delivers the highest value at 5–8¢ per point.
Is it better to use Chase points through the portal or transfer?
For premium travel (business class, luxury hotels), transfers deliver 2–4x more value. For economy bookings, the CSR portal (1.5¢ per point) is competitive.
Can I transfer Chase points to Amex?
No — Chase UR can only transfer to Chase partners. You cannot transfer between bank programs.
What is the best Chase credit card?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95) offers the best value for most travelers. The Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550) is for frequent travelers who use the credits.
Last updated: March 2026. Transfer ratios are subject to change. Verify details with Chase before transferring.