Chase Ultimate Rewards sweet spots: From international business class to domestic travel
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are one of the most valuable transferable currencies you can earn. Because of this — and Chase’s 5/24 rule — many people start with an Ultimate Rewards points-earning card when they first get into points and miles.
If you’re new to Ultimate Rewards, you can redeem your points for travel through the Chase Travel portal. However, the most valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards redemptions often involve transferring points to Chase’s 14 airline and hotel transfer partners.
This guide will cover some of the best Chase sweet spots to help you maximize your next redemption.
Book luxury Hyatt hotel stays with Chase points
Chase’s partnership with World of Hyatt is great news for anyone collecting Ultimate Rewards points. That’s because World of Hyatt’s award chart is very generous: Top-tier Category 8 properties cost between 35,000 and 45,000 points per night, depending on the dates.
With Ultimate Rewards points transferring to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, booking these properties at reasonable rates is easy, especially if you can travel outside of holidays and peak travel times.
For example, during off-peak dates, you can book some of the fanciest Park Hyatt properties in the entire portfolio, including the Park Hyatt New York and the Park Hyatt Sydney, for 35,000 points per night. TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each per our July 2025 estimates, so 35,000 points are worth just over $700. That’s a great deal for hotels that sell for close to $1,000 per night, even when demand is low.
There’s also great value at the lower end of the Hyatt award chart. With Category 1 hotels ranging from just 3,500 to 6,500 points per night, it’s no surprise this is one of the best ways to spend Ultimate Rewards points.
Related: Best Hyatt hotels in the world
Book Iberia flights to Madrid with Chase points
You can score a great deal on nonstop flights to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), operated by Iberia, by redeeming your Chase points through Iberia Club.
Round-trip flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Dulles International Airport (IAD), Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to MAD only set you back 32,000 Avios in economy, 59,000 Avios in premium economy and 81,000 Avios in business class on off-peak dates. Considering that most airlines charge at least 60,000 miles for a one-way business-class award to Europe, you’re essentially getting a steep discount.
This deal is so good that it might be worth paying for a positioning flight to one of these airports.
To get the lowest prices for each route, fly on off-peak dates. Look at the calendar and see if any dates work for you and have award space. Note that the dates in red are peak, and all others are off-peak.
Book flights to Hawaii via Alaska Airlines and American Airlines
Another of our favorite Chase Ultimate Rewards redemptions is transferring points to British Airways Club at a 1:1 ratio and booking flights to Hawaii with Oneworld partners American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
As long as your nonstop flight distance is under 3,000 miles each way, you can leverage British Airways’ unpublished distance-based award chart to fly from several West Coast gateways to Hawaii for reasonable prices in Avios. We found American flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Alaska flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to HNL for as low as 20,000 Avios.
Related: Airlines you can book using Avios: How to maximize your points
Book ANA flights with Virgin Atlantic points
If you’re looking to fly to Japan in some of the world’s best business- and first-class products, you need to know about Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, another transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Flying Club’s award chart for traveling on Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways has some excellent rates, making this one of the best ways to spend your hard-earned Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
For just 145,000 points, you can fly round-trip in first class between the West Coast and Tokyo. Flights from other U.S. gateways only cost an extra 25,000 points (170,000 points round-trip).
Flights in business class are a steal, costing between 105,000 and 120,000 points round-trip, depending on your U.S. departure airport. You may also be able to fly ANA’s industry-leading The Room business class, which is only available on select routes. Or, you can essentially book a lie-flat seat in economy with ANA’s Couchii.
Availability is strictly limited, so you’ll have the best chance at snagging one of these flights either 12 months in advance when they are first loaded or within 14 days of departure when unsold seats are converted to awards.
Book Air France and KLM flights to Europe via Flying Blue
For another luxurious Chase Ultimate Rewards redemption, you can transfer your points to Flying Blue and book flights on Air France or KLM to Europe. Both airlines have substantial North American and European route networks via their hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), respectively.
While Flying Blue prices its awards dynamically, the program offers the lowest saver-level pricing for all one-way flights between the U.S. and Europe as follows, regardless of origin or destination, meaning you can connect at no extra cost:
- 25,000 miles in economy
- 40,000 miles in premium economy
- 60,000 miles in business class
Availability this summer is excellent, considering what a popular time it is to travel to Europe.
Remember, you could spend a few days in Paris or Amsterdam using the free Flying Blue stopover program, a smart way to visit another city without paying additional miles or cash. To book Flying Blue stopovers, you'll need to call Flying Blue at 800-375-8723.
Also, look out for Flying Blue's monthly Promo Rewards, which offer discounts of up to 25% on select routes, classes and dates.
Book short-haul flights to Canada using Chase points
Though Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program still uses an award chart, it uses dynamic pricing for flights operated by Air Canada and select partner airlines.
However, you can still find cheap short-haul tickets from the U.S. to Canada. For example, a flight from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) or JFK to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) can be booked for just 6,500 Aeroplan points one-way on several dates. This is far cheaper than what United Airlines charges for the same flight, which is typically about 15,000 United miles.
How to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points
You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points through spending on these Chase credit cards:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees): Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 in the first six months from account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
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.
Bottom line
The myriad ways you can redeem your Ultimate Rewards points make them one of the most valuable and versatile transferable points currencies. Whether you’re looking to travel domestically or indulge in international luxury, a transfer partner can help you get there.
While these are some of the best Chase Ultimate Rewards redemptions, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. If you play your cards right (pun intended), there are many other ways to get great value out of your Ultimate Rewards points.
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. (Partner offer)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. (Partner offer)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.