Chase Points Boost: A valuable new redemption option or a disappointing devaluation?
With the huge changes made to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and the introduction of the all-new Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees), there has been a lot happening in the world of Chase credit cards recently.
In this avalanche of changes, Chase has announced an important change to how you redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Chase has long been known for its valuable redemptions of Chase Ultimate Rewards points (ranging from 1.25 cents to 1.5 cents) through Chase Travel℠, but the issuer is phasing out this unique perk in favor of a new feature: Points Boost. This perk now allows eligible cardholders to redeem points for up to 2 cents per point, depending on the card and the redemption.
But is this a positive change or a negative one? Now that the new benefit is live, let's compare these options to see which one offers more value.
Benefit to be axed: Fixed redemption value
Chase is removing the ability to redeem points with the 25% to 50% bonus for cardholders of select premium cards. As the new standard, all cards will offer 1 cent per point for eligible purchases through Chase Travel.
However, despite this being a major negative development, this change will occur gradually for existing cardholders. If you're an existing cardholder whose account was opened before June 23, the points you earn prior to Oct. 26 of this year can still be redeemed at the current rates until Oct. 26, 2027.
Conversely, points earned on new accounts opened from June 23 can only be redeemed for 1 cent per point, unless the purchase is eligible for the new Points Boost perk.
Here's a look at how the changes affect existing and new cardholders:
| Card | Existing cardholders (applied before June 23) | New cardholders (applied on or after June 23) |
|---|---|---|
| Sapphire Reserve | Points Boost up to 2 cents per point on select hotels and flights with select airlines
1.5 cents on all other Chase Travel purchases (on points earned prior to Oct. 26, 2025, and redeemed until Oct. 26, 2027, then 1 cent thereafter)
| Points Boost up to 2 cents per point on select hotels and flights with select airlines
1 cent on other eligible purchases |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) | Points Boost up to 1.5 cents per point on select hotels and up to 1.75 cents on flights with select airlines
1.25 cents on all other Chase Travel purchases (on points earned prior to Oct. 26, 2025, and redeemed until Oct. 26, 2027, then 1 cent thereafter) | Points Boost up to 1.5 cents per point on select hotels and up to 1.75 cents on flights with select airlines
1 cent on other eligible purchases |
Remember that if you hold Chase cash-back cards, you can combine your points into a single account.
The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
New benefit: Points Boost
The replacement benefit — called Points Boost — is now live for new and existing cardholders. This perk takes the place of the 25% to 50% bonuses with Chase Travel redemptions; however, for existing cardholders who applied prior to June 23, points will be redeemed automatically at the higher rate (fixed redemption value or Points Boost) until Oct. 26, 2027.
With Points Boost, cardholders will get more than 1 cent per point on select Chase Travel redemptions. Using Points Boost, select flight and hotel bookings can be made by redeeming points for 1.5-2 cents apiece, depending on your card.
Compared to TPG's June 2025 valuation of Chase points at 2.05 cents each, the new redemption value range from Points Boost can be disappointing. If you're able to get a Points Boost purchase at 2 cents per point, that's fantastic; otherwise, if your purchase is bringing in less than 1.5 cents per point, it represents poor value.
As an overview, the following are the types of Points Boost rates you can expect for different purchases and eligible cards through Chase Travel:
| Card | Hotels Points Boost | Airfare Points Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Sapphire Reserve | Select hotels, including The Edit by Chase Travel: Up to 2 cents per point | Flights with select airlines: Up to 2 cents per point
|
| Sapphire Preferred | Select hotels: Up to 1.5 cents per point (not eligible for bookings through The Edit) | Flights with select airlines: Up to 1.75 cents per point |
Hotel bookings
Sign in to the Chase Travel portal, and search for a hotel as you normally would.
From the looks of it, all The Edit by Chase Travel hotel bookings qualify for a higher redemption of 2 cents per point. As a Sapphire Reserve cardholder, I can get 2 cents per point toward most luxury hotel bookings.
The Chase Travel portal also has a useful filter titled "Points Boost only," which makes searching for eligible hotels a whole lot easier. Points Boost eligible bookings will also denote a little rocket ship should you decide to scroll through the results instead of filtering them.
For example, a three-night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane costs $4,124.31 or 206,216 points for the entire stay.
At the checkout page, you can enter how many points you'd like to redeem. Interestingly, the page shows the redemption being applied is Points Boost, whereby 100,000 points gives you $2,000 in value. It also states how many points I'm saving; in this case, 33,333 points.
This shows the difference between Points Boost and if I were to redeem these points at the typical value of 1.5 cents apiece as a Sapphire Reserve cardholder.
Flight purchases
Booking flights through Chase Travel and taking advantage of Points Boost requires a bit more work. Not all airlines, classes of service and flights are eligible for Points Boost, and we expect that this list can change from time to time.
The list of eligible airlines for Points Boost currently includes:
- Air Canada
- Emirates
- EVA Airways
- Qantas
- Singapore Airlines
- United Airlines
When looking for flights between Los Angeles and New York, I was shown various carriers, but when filtering for only Points Boost-eligible flights, United was the only eligible carrier. Additionally, not all flights and classes of service on United were eligible.
For example, the 9 p.m. departure for New York did not have a Points Boost option for economy or Economy Plus; instead, only premium economy was eligible. This flight costs $1,238 in premium economy or 70,741 points with Points Boost, which is equivalent to 1.75 cents per point and greater than what the Sapphire Reserve would've offered in the past with its 1.5 cents per point.
Note that when exploring premium cabins, Points Boost may or may not provide the best value if award seat availability exists.
For instance, this one-way flight from San Francisco to Taipei, Taiwan, would cost you $3,434 in cash or 171,700 points with Points Boost. You can redeem points to partially pay for the airfare at a rate of up to 2 cents per point.
However, when looking at using Chase's transfer partners, you can get a better deal than Points Boost. If you opted to transfer your points to a partner, in this case Air Canada Aeroplan, you could book your ticket for 100,000 points and minimal taxes and fees. That saves you more than 70,000 points compared to Points Boost. That's a value of 3.4 cents per point, well above TPG's June 2025 valuation of Chase points and the Points Boost valuation of 2 cents.
If you're in need of a flight and no award availability exists, Points Boost is a decent option, considering you can split the payment between points and cash. However, it's worth searching for award availability to compare your options.
Is Points Boost worth it?
If you're a Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Reserve for Business cardholder, you can expect at most 2 cents per point on The Edit hotels and premium cabin airfare, which falls just shy of our June 2025 valuation of Chase points at 2.05 cents apiece. I would say Points Boost redemptions are worth it for premium cabin airfare (if award availability is nonexistent) and The Edit bookings; otherwise, it's not a great use of points.
Unfortunately, Points Boost makes a weaker case for Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred cardholders. For hotels, you'll receive up to 1.5 cents per point, so there's some value to be had beyond the card's previous 25% bonus on Chase Travel purchases. But in terms of airfare purchases, it's hit or miss. Because not all airlines are eligible, it's a huge drawback in comparison to the card's previous benefit, which applied to any airline.
Living in the hope of getting the maximum value from Points Boost redemptions doesn't empower the consumer. You're essentially at Chase's will, which determines which hotel, airline, flight and cabin can give you the most value. Plus, there are advantages to booking directly rather than through an online travel agency.
Remember, booking through Chase Travel can be more expensive than directly with an airline or hotel, so do your homework to calculate whether a potentially higher ticket price through Chase Travel makes sense if Points Boost is applied to it.
Bottom line
Chase has made a major change in how Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed, dropping the 25% to 50% bonus for Chase Travel redemption for new cardholders. Luckily, the issuer has decided to gradually phase the benefit out for existing cardholders (cards opened before June 23), giving them through Oct. 26, 2027 to receive the redemption option that offers more value (for points earned prior to Oct. 26, 2025).
It's nice to see Points Boost rolled out at the same time as the previous perk still being offered, as it gives existing Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred cardholders the option to redeem points either way.
After Oct. 26, 2027, the fixed redemption rates will be completely phased out, and it's anyone's guess how valuable Points Boost will be by then — it could improve or remain limited. For now, existing cardholders need to weigh which is the best option, while new cardholders should compare Points Boost to transferring points to partners to determine how to best maximize their hard-earned points.
Related: 9 things to consider when choosing to book via a portal vs. booking directly
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.