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Reader Question: Can you transfer Chase Freedom cash back to an authorized user's Ultimate Rewards account?

Nov. 09, 2020
4 min read
Reader Question: Can you transfer Chase Freedom cash back to an authorized user's Ultimate Rewards account?
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Here’s a reader question from someone I didn’t expect to answer points and miles of questions: My mom. Ever since I got into this hobby in 2011, my mom has let me manage her loyalty and credit card accounts. I tell her which cards to apply for and she uses them for daily spending and pays them off every month. When it’s time to travel somewhere, she asks me to handle all the point transfers and redemptions.

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Well, recently, she brought up an interesting redemption question that I thought I’d share with all of you:

"Can I transfer my cash back rewards from the Chase Freedom Unlimited to an Ultimate Rewards account that I’m an authorized user on?”

To give you some context, my mom has her own Chase Freedom Unlimited that she uses for daily spending. She is also an authorized user on my dad’s Chase Sapphire Preferred Card account. It's been like this for years and she's perfectly content not paying the $95 annual fee while still getting the perks of this card.

My mom had tried to transfer her Freedom Unlimited rewards by using the “combine points” tab online. However, she got a slightly confusing error message that she couldn't make sense of.

(Screenshot courtesy of Chase.com)

Related: Chase’s 5/24 rule: Everything you need to know

How to transfer Freedom cash back rewards to an authorized user's Ultimate Rewards account

I’m glad my mom checked with me because the answer is yes ­– you can convert your Freedom cash back rewards to Ultimate Rewards points, even if you’re just an authorized user on the latter account. Unfortunately, this isn’t possible online. You’ll have to call Chase and ask to speak to someone in the Ultimate Rewards department.

When you speak with an agent, you’ll need to confirm information for your own account as well as the authorized user account you’re transferring points to. Once the agent verifies that you are, in fact, an authorized user on the receiving account, they can complete the transfer in a matter of minutes. The points post pretty much instantly once the transfer is complete.

If you’re a Chase Freedom cardholder who happens to be an authorized user on an Ultimate Rewards credit card, you can transfer your rewards just like you would if both accounts belonged to you. It’s a great feature that can open up a world of redemption opportunities, helping you maximize your rewards further.

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Related: Does being an authorized user prevent you from applying and earning a sign-up bonus?

The cons of being an authorized user

Being an authorized user on a significant other’s travel rewards card is a great way to save on credit card annual fees. However, in the short-term, you’ll lose out on a pretty substantial sign-up bonus. For example, at the moment the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is offering a bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at two cents each, making this bonus worth up to $1,200.

Eventually, my mom will take herself off my dad’s account and get her own card. But in the meantime, it’s good to know that she can transfer her Freedom Unlimited cash back rewards to his Ultimate Rewards account if she needs to.

Featured image by Getty Images/iStockphoto
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

    Earn 125,000 points
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  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended 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.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.