Blog >> Chase Ultimate Rewards: A Complete Guide To Transfer Partners

Chase Ultimate Rewards: A Complete Guide To Transfer Partners

By Kevin Zanes / October 18, 2024
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If you are a traveler looking to make the most of your credit card rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR) is one of the top points programs out there. These points are among the most valuable in the travel rewards world, offering flexibility, ease of use, and incredible potential to save money on travel. However, the real magic happens when you unlock the potential of the Chase transfer partners, allowing you to turn your points into frequent flyer miles or hotel rewards. This can stretch your points even further and open up premium travel experiences for a fraction of the cost. But to fully take advantage of these opportunities, you need to understand how the transfer system works.

Ready to make your points work harder for you?

Let’s dive in!

What Is A Transfer Partner?

A transfer partner is an airline or hotel loyalty program that lets you move points from the rewards system of your credit card into their program. Instead of redeeming points directly through the Chase Travel℠ portal, you can transfer them to a partner program, like Air France-KLM Flying Blue or World of Hyatt, and then use those points for flights, hotel stays, or other travel perks.

The main benefit? More flexibility and potentially better value. Transfer partners often offer redemption rates that far exceed the value you would get by booking travel through a travel portal. By transferring points, you can access award charts, promotions, and exclusive deals from these programs, sometimes resulting in luxurious Business Class flights or high-end hotel stays for fewer points than expected.

Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners

Air France Business Class

Credit. Air France. Air France Business Class.

Chase has partnered with several well-known airlines and hotels, making it easier for you to find a program that matches your travel plans. Points typically transfer at a 1:1 ratio, meaning for every Chase point you transfer, you get one point in the airline or hotel program.

Here is the current list of Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners:

Airline Partners

  • Aer Lingus AerClub
  • Air Canada Aeroplan
  • Air France-KLM Flying Blue
  • British Airways Executive Club
  • Emirates Skywards
  • Iberia Plus
  • JetBlue TrueBlue
  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
  • United MileagePlus
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Hotel Partners

  • IHG One Rewards
  • Marriott Bonvoy
  • World of Hyatt

Note: You must transfer points in 1,000 point increments.

Whether you are looking to book a luxurious hotel stay or snag a hard-to-find award flight, the list of transfer partners with Chase provides plenty of opportunities to use your points strategically to maximize value.

Related: Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses

How Long Do Ultimate Rewards Transfers Take

Andaz Bali

Credit. Hyatt. Andaz Bali.

Transfer times vary depending on the partner, but most transfers are relatively quick. Here is a general guide on how long you can expect each transfer to take:

  • Airline Instant Transfers: Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, JetBlue, Southwest, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic
  • Airline Same-Day Transfers: Air Canada, Air France-KLM, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines
  • Hotel Instant Transfers: Hyatt
  • Hotel Same-Day Transfers: Marriott and IHG

It is worth noting that transfer times are generally fast enough for you to act on last-minute award space when you find it, especially with airlines or hotels that offer instant transfers.

Key Things To Watch Out For When Transferring Points

Before you jump into transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to a travel partner, there are a few important things to keep in mind. While transferring points can offer incredible value, there are potential pitfalls that could reduce the benefit of your hard-earned rewards. To make sure you are getting the most out of your points and avoid any costly mistakes, here are some key factors to watch out for during the transfer process:

  • Transfers Are One-Way. Once you transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to a travel partner, the transaction is final and cannot be reversed, so be sure of your decision before completing the transfer.
  • Bank And Loyalty Account Names Must Match. Make sure the name on your Chase account matches the name on your loyalty program account, as any discrepancies could cause delays or prevent the transfer from going through.
  • Transfers To A New Loyalty Account May Take Longer. If you have just opened a new loyalty account with an airline or hotel, transfers may take longer to process, so plan ahead to avoid delays in booking your rewards travel.
  • Multiple Transfers May Increase Transfer Time. If you make multiple transfer requests to the same loyalty account within a short time frame, the processing may slow down, so it is best to avoid rapid consecutive transfers.
  • Transfer Times May Vary. Transfer times can vary, even when sending points to the same loyalty account, so it is a good idea to allow extra time (when possible) in case your points do not appear immediately.

How To Transfer Points To Partners

Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points is a straightforward process, and it is done through your Chase account:

Step 1 – Log In To Your Chase Account And Navigate To Transfer Points

Log Into Your Chase Account

Credit. The Points Guy. Log Into Your Chase Account.

Go to the Ultimate Rewards dashboard by selecting your Chase credit card (such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®). Look for the option under “Travel” that says “Transfer points to partners.”

Step 2 – Select Your Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partner

Select Your Chase Transfer Partner

Credit. The Points Guy. Select Your Chase Transfer Partner.

From the list, choose the airline or hotel program to which you want to transfer points. Make sure you already have an account with that program. If you do not, provide your loyalty program membership number so Chase can transfer the points to the right place.

Step 3 – Choose The Number Of Points To Transfer

Choose The Number Of Points To Transfer

Credit. The Points Guy. Choose The Number Of Points To Transfer.

Enter how many points you would like to transfer (points are transferred in 1,000 point increments).

Step 4 – Confirm And Complete The Transfer

Confirm And Complete The Transfer

Credit. The Points Guy. Confirm And Complete The Transfer.

Double-check the details before confirming the transfer. Most transfers are final, so you want to be sure the points are going to the right program and in the right amount. Once completed, your points should appear in the account of the loyalty program, often instantly or within a few hours, ready to be used.

How To Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Credit Cards That Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards

Credit. Chase. Credit Cards That Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards.

You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points through spending in key bonus categories, sign-up bonuses, and referral offers with eligible Chase cards such as:

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Chase Ultimate Rewards

Final Thoughts

Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners are a game-changer for travelers who want to stretch their points further and unlock premium travel experiences. By leveraging the ability to transfer points to top airline and hotel programs, you gain access to exclusive deals, better redemption rates, and the chance to turn everyday spending into incredible adventures — whether that is a solo Business Class flight across the globe or a staycation at a local hotel with the kids.

To get the most value, make sure you are familiar with the transfer process, keep an eye on transfer times, and know how to earn points efficiently. With a little planning, your Chase Ultimate Rewards can take your travel to the next level, allowing you to experience more of the world for less.