If you’re a Chase Sapphire cardholder, you’re sitting on a treasure trove of points just waiting to be turned into unforgettable travel experiences. Chase Sapphire Points are some of the most versatile and valuable travel rewards out there, with options to cover flights, hotels, and so much more. But with so many choices, knowing how to use those points to their fullest potential can make a huge difference in your travel adventures.
Below, let’s dive into seven game-changing ways to maximize your Chase Sapphire points, so your next trip is one for the books!
1. Book Flights Through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Using your points to book flights is one of the most popular (and cost-effective) ways to redeem Chase Sapphire points. Both Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can book flights through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. What makes this option particularly appealing? You get more value for your points!
- Preferred Cardholders: Points are worth 1.25x through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
- Reserve Cardholders: Points are worth 1.5x, giving you even more bang for your buck.
Pro Tip: Search for flights on other booking sites, then compare prices on the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. You may find better deals with your points!
2. Transfer Points to Airline Partners
Chase has partnerships with many top airline loyalty programs, including United MileagePlus®, Southwest Rapid Rewards®, and British Airways Executive Club®. If you’re eyeing a specific flight or want to maximize value, transferring points to one of these airline partners can be a fantastic option.
Transfers are generally at a 1:1 ratio, which can be incredibly valuable, especially when redeeming for business or first-class flights. Imagine snagging a premium cabin seat at a fraction of the cost!
Top Airline Partners:
- United Airlines
- British Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
Pro Tip: Transferring to airline partners works best when you plan to book flights during off-peak times, as you’ll often get a better rate in terms of point value.
3. Book Hotels Through Chase’s Hotel Partners
Beyond flights, you can also transfer points to hotel partners like Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG® Rewards. Each hotel partner offers unique perks, and your points can often go further than they would booking through a standard portal.
Why Hyatt Stands Out: Hyatt often provides one of the best point-to-value ratios among Chase’s hotel partners. You can secure luxurious stays at hotels like Hyatt Regency or even splurge on an Andaz resort if you’re looking for a more upscale experience.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for “off-peak” redemptions where hotel stays cost fewer points. With Marriott or IHG, these times can save you thousands of points.
4. Use Points for Car Rentals and Road Trip Essentials
If you’re more into road trips than flights, Chase Sapphire points have you covered there, too. You can book rental cars directly through the Ultimate Rewards portal, making it easier than ever to rent a car using points. This feature is great if you’re planning to explore a new city, go off the beaten path, or want the flexibility that a car rental provides.
How It Works: When booking through the Chase portal, your points are worth more (1.25x for Preferred and 1.5x for Reserve), meaning you’ll get better value than you might with cash.
Pro Tip: Check Chase’s portal for available car rental deals, and book early to secure the best prices, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Take Advantage of “Pay Yourself Back” Program
One unique perk of Chase Sapphire points is the “Pay Yourself Back” feature, which allows you to use your points to cover certain purchases and still get a 25% or 50% point boost (depending on your card). This means you can redeem points to offset recent purchases like dining, groceries, and more.
Why It’s Useful: If you’re short on cash or want to save on non-travel expenses, this feature offers flexibility. You’re essentially reimbursing yourself with your points, so you get some financial relief without actually spending cash.
Pro Tip: The eligible categories for “Pay Yourself Back” rotate, so check in periodically to see what’s covered, especially if your travel plans are flexible.
6. Unlock Exclusive Experiences with Chase Experiences
Chase Sapphire cardholders get exclusive access to a range of experiences, from dining events with renowned chefs to private concert experiences. Through the Chase Experiences portal, you can use your points to make these events even more memorable. Imagine dining at a five-star restaurant or attending a concert, all with your points.
How to Find Events: Log in to your Chase account and browse the Chase Experiences section for upcoming events. Some experiences are ticketed with points, while others may be discounted for Sapphire cardholders.
Pro Tip: Popular events can sell out quickly, so check the portal regularly if there’s something on your bucket list!
7. Maximize Points with Everyday Spending
It’s easy to get caught up in redeeming points, but don’t forget about the opportunities to earn them. Chase Sapphire cards are designed to help you rack up points quickly on popular spending categories, especially travel and dining.
- Earn 2x or 3x Points on travel purchases
- Get 3x Points on dining with Chase Sapphire Reserve
- 1x Points on All Other Purchases
Pro Tip: Set your Chase Sapphire as your go-to card for dining and travel expenses. If you’re planning a trip, these points will stack up quickly, getting you even closer to your next redemption.
Bonus Tips for Maximizing Your Chase Sapphire Points
If you’re serious about squeezing every ounce of value from your Chase Sapphire points, here are a few extra tips to help you along the way!
1. Stack Chase Offers for Extra Savings
Chase periodically offers additional savings on certain purchases through their Chase Offers program. These limited-time deals can be activated right in your Chase account and are often valid at popular retailers, travel companies, and restaurants.
How It Works: Log into your Chase account, find an offer you like, and activate it. Use your Chase Sapphire card for the purchase, and you’ll see a statement credit applied, meaning even more value for your points. Offers change frequently, so keep an eye out for deals that match your travel needs.
Pro Tip: Some offers are seasonal or holiday-themed, so check them out especially before big spending periods like summer travel season or the winter holidays.
2. Combine Points with a Partner’s Ultimate Rewards Account
If you and your travel partner both have Chase Sapphire cards, you can combine your points to maximize redemptions. Chase allows you to pool points with one other member in your household or with authorized users, which can come in handy when planning a big trip together. With a combined point balance, you might unlock a premium flight or upscale hotel stay you wouldn’t be able to afford individually.
Pro Tip: This works particularly well if one person has the Chase Sapphire Reserve, giving you more value (1.5x) when booking through Ultimate Rewards.
3. Stay Updated on Limited-Time Redemption Bonuses
Chase occasionally runs limited-time redemption bonuses, where specific categories or partner redemptions are worth more. For example, they may offer enhanced redemption value on purchases like Apple products, where points might get a 25% or even 50% boost when redeemed in the Ultimate Rewards store.
Why It Matters: These bonuses are perfect for those times when travel isn’t an option or when you want to snag tech gear or other non-travel rewards at a discount.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your email for these announcements, as they can be a great way to get additional value from your points without leaving home.
FAQs: Getting the Most Out of Chase Sapphire Points
To wrap things up, here are some commonly asked questions to help you feel confident as you start redeeming your points for your next adventure:
1. What’s the Difference Between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve?
Both cards let you earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, but Chase Sapphire Reserve offers more value and perks, including:
- Higher Points Value: Points are worth 1.5x when booking travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal with Reserve, compared to 1.25x with Preferred.
- Bonus Categories: Reserve earns 3x points on travel (after the first $300 spent) and dining, whereas Preferred earns 2x on travel and 3x on dining.
- Travel Perks: Reserve comes with Priority Pass lounge access, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits, and other premium travel protections.
If you’re a frequent traveler, the Reserve might be worth the higher annual fee for the extra benefits.
2. Can I Use Chase Sapphire Points to Book Flights on Any Airline?
Yes! You can book flights on nearly any airline through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, giving you flexibility. Plus, if you want even more options, you can transfer points to one of Chase’s airline partners to potentially unlock even greater value.
3. Are There Blackout Dates When Using Points for Travel?
When you book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, there are no blackout dates. As long as there’s a seat available, you can book it with your points. However, if you transfer points to an airline’s frequent flyer program, that airline’s policies and availability will apply, which might include blackout dates or limited seat availability.
4. How Long Do Chase Sapphire Points Last?
Chase Sapphire points don’t expire as long as your card account remains open. If you decide to close your account, though, make sure to use up any remaining points beforehand, as they will be forfeited when the account closes.
5. What’s the Best Way to Earn Chase Sapphire Points Quickly?
Maximize points by focusing on your card’s bonus categories. For both Sapphire cards, this includes travel and dining purchases. Some additional strategies include:
- Taking advantage of welcome bonuses (new cardholders can often earn tens of thousands of points after meeting initial spending requirements)
- Leveraging referral bonuses (invite friends to apply for a Sapphire card)
- Using Chase Offers for additional point-earning opportunities with select merchants.
Final Thought: Start Planning Your Next Adventure!
With Chase Sapphire points, the possibilities are nearly endless. From exotic getaways to unforgettable dining experiences and luxury hotel stays, your points can transform ordinary travel plans into remarkable experiences. Use these strategies to make the most of every point, and let your next trip be as rewarding as possible. Now, go out there, explore the world, and make memories—all with a little help from your Chase Sapphire points!
Safe travels, and happy exploring!