5 Ways Chase Award Travel

Introduction to Chase Award Travel

Chase award travel is a popular rewards program offered by Chase Bank, allowing cardholders to earn and redeem points for travel-related expenses. With a wide range of credit cards to choose from, Chase offers some of the most valuable and flexible rewards programs in the industry. In this article, we will explore the 5 ways to maximize your Chase award travel, including earning points, transferring points to airline partners, booking travel through the Chase portal, using points for statement credits, and taking advantage of Chase’s travel insurance and assistance benefits.

Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points is the first step to maximizing your award travel. Chase offers several credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Chase Ink Preferred. These cards offer varying levels of rewards earning, from 1X to 3X points per dollar spent, depending on the category. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3X points on travel and dining purchases and 1X point on all other purchases. To maximize your earnings, it’s essential to use the right card for the right purchase.

Transferring Points to Airline Partners

One of the most valuable ways to use Chase Ultimate Rewards points is to transfer them to airline partners. Chase has partnerships with several major airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines, as well as international carriers like British Airways and Air France. Transferring points to airline partners can provide a significant increase in value, with some transfers offering up to 2 cents per point in value. For example, transferring 50,000 points to United Airlines could be worth up to $1,000 in award travel.

Booking Travel through the Chase Portal

Another way to use Chase Ultimate Rewards points is to book travel through the Chase portal. The Chase portal allows cardholders to book travel, including flights, hotels, and rental cars, using their points. The portal offers a fixed value of 1.25 to 1.5 cents per point, depending on the card used. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a value of 1.25 cents per point, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a value of 1.5 cents per point. Booking travel through the portal can be a convenient option, as it eliminates the need to search for award availability and transfer points to airline partners.

Using Points for Statement Credits

Chase Ultimate Rewards points can also be used for statement credits, which can be a useful option for cardholders who prefer to use their points for non-travel expenses. Statement credits can be used to offset any purchase made on the card, including travel expenses, dining purchases, or other everyday expenses. However, using points for statement credits typically offers a lower value, around 0.6 to 1 cent per point, compared to transferring points to airline partners or booking travel through the portal.

Taking Advantage of Chase’s Travel Insurance and Assistance Benefits

Finally, Chase offers a range of travel insurance and assistance benefits that can provide cardholders with peace of mind and protection while traveling. These benefits include trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, and travel assistance, among others. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers up to $10,000 in trip cancellation insurance per person, per trip. These benefits can be a valuable addition to the Chase award travel program, providing cardholders with protection and assistance in case of unexpected events or travel disruptions.

💡 Note: Always review the terms and conditions of your Chase credit card to understand the specific benefits and rewards offered.

In summary, Chase award travel offers a range of options for cardholders to maximize their rewards. By earning points, transferring points to airline partners, booking travel through the portal, using points for statement credits, and taking advantage of travel insurance and assistance benefits, cardholders can get the most value out of their rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world of award travel, Chase offers a flexible and valuable rewards program that can help you achieve your travel goals.