What is the best way to use Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

The best way to use Chase points is transferring them to World of Hyatt for hotel stays (1.7-2.5 cpp) or to airline partners like Virgin Atlantic for premium cabin flights (often 3+ cpp). These methods consistently deliver more value than the Chase Travel Portal.

Is it better to use Chase points for flights or hotels?

It depends on your travel style. For aspirational trips (business class, luxury hotels), transfers offer incredible value. For domestic economy flights, the difference is smaller. Hyatt transfers almost always beat hotel portal bookings.

Should I use Chase points in the travel portal?

The Chase Travel Portal is now worth just 1 cent per point for all cards. It's okay for flexibility or earning hotel points, but transfer partners typically offer 50-100% more value.

Can I transfer Chase points to airlines?

Yes! Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers 1:1 to 11 airline partners including United, Southwest, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Flying Blue, and Singapore Airlines. Transfers are instant.

How much are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth?

Chase points are worth 1 cent each in the travel portal, but 1.7-2.5 cents when transferred to partners like Hyatt. For premium cabin flights, they can be worth 5-10+ cents each. We value them at 2 cents for planning purposes.

The Best Way to Use Chase Points in 2026: A Complete Redemption Guide

You’ve got a pile of Chase Ultimate Rewards points sitting in your account. Now what?

This is the question I get asked more than almost any other. And honestly, the answer has gotten more complicated since Chase devalued the travel portal in late 2025.

Here’s the thing: how you use your Chase points matters a lot. The difference between the best and worst redemptions can be 5x or more. Let me break down your options, ranked from best to worst.

Quick Decision Framework

Before we dive deep, here’s a simple framework:

Do you want premium cabin flights or luxury hotels? → Transfer to partners (read sections 1-2 below)

Do you want flexibility and hotel perks? → Chase Travel Portal (section 3)

Do you need cash value? → Pay Yourself Back or cash out (sections 4-5)

Now let’s get into the details.

1. Transfer to Hyatt (Best Hotel Value)

Value: 1.7-2.5 cents per point When to use: Almost always for hotel stays

World of Hyatt is the undisputed champion of Chase redemptions. The math just works:

Hotel Type	Points	Cash Price	Value
Hyatt Place (Cat 2)	8,000	$150	1.9 cpp
Hyatt Regency (Cat 4)	15,000	$280	1.9 cpp
Park Hyatt (Cat 7)	30,000	$700+	2.3+ cpp
Andaz/Thompson (Cat 5-6)	21,000	$400+	1.9+ cpp

Why Hyatt beats the portal:

A $300/night hotel costs 30,000 points through Chase Travel (at 1 cpp). Transfer those same points to Hyatt and you might get a Category 5 hotel worth $400+ — or stretch them across two nights at a Category 3.

Sweet spots I love:

Park Hyatt Tokyo — 30,000 points for a $1,000+ room
Andaz Costa Rica — 21,000 points for a luxury treehouse
Hyatt Ziva/Zilara all-inclusives — 25,000/night covers everything

Important: Award chart changes are coming in May 2026. Read our World of Hyatt award chart changes guide to know what’s changing.

Pro tip: If you’re a Hyatt loyalist, Globalist status multiplies your redemption value with confirmed suite upgrades and free breakfast on award stays.

Learn more: Complete Hyatt Points Guide | 21 Best Hyatt Redemptions

2. Transfer to Airlines for Premium Cabins (Best Flight Value)

Value: 2-10+ cents per point When to use: Business/first class flights, especially international

This is where Chase points become absurdly valuable. Premium cabin flights that cost $5,000-15,000 in cash can be booked for 50,000-120,000 points.

Best Airline Transfer Partners

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

ANA First Class: 110,000 points (worth $15,000+) = 13.6 cpp
ANA Business: 90,000 points roundtrip to Japan
Delta award access (often cheaper than booking through Delta)

Flying Blue (Air France/KLM)

Monthly Promo Rewards with 25-50% discounts
Check current transfer bonuses for extra value
Europe business class: 50,000-72,000 roundtrip during promos
Transfer when bonuses are active (we track these on our deals page)

United MileagePlus

Huge Star Alliance network
No fuel surcharges on most partners
Good availability on partner carriers

British Airways Avios

Short-haul sweet spots: NYC-BOS for 7,500 Avios
Distance-based chart rewards positioning
Check our Avios guide for best uses

Real Examples

Here’s what I’ve personally booked:

Route	Class	Points	Cash Price	Value
US-Tokyo	ANA First	110K (Virgin)	$15,000	13.6 cpp
US-Paris	AF Biz	55K (Flying Blue)	$4,000	7.3 cpp
NYC-Miami	Economy	12K (United)	$180	1.5 cpp

Notice how premium cabins deliver insane value while domestic economy is meh? That’s the key insight.

New to award booking? Check our step-by-step guide to booking award flights and award flight search tools.

3. Chase Travel Portal (Convenient but Devalued)

Value: 1 cent per point (all cards) When to use: Need flexibility, want hotel perks, or Points Boost is active

The Chase Travel Portal got nerfed in October 2025. It used to offer:

1.25 cpp for Sapphire Preferred
1.5 cpp for Sapphire Reserve

Now? Everyone gets a flat 1 cent per point.

When the Portal Still Makes Sense

1. You want hotel loyalty points Portal bookings earn hotel points and elite nights. Award stays through Hyatt don’t. If you’re chasing status, this matters.

2. Points Boost is active Chase occasionally offers 1.5-2x value on select bookings. Check before you book — it’s random but worth checking.

3. No award availability Can’t find award space? The portal shows any seat available for cash.

4. Using orphan points Have 8,000 points left after a transfer? Use them in the portal rather than letting them rot.

When to Skip the Portal

You can transfer to Hyatt for better value (almost always)
You want premium cabin flights (transfer to airlines)
You’re planning ahead and can wait for award availability

Full details: Chase Travel Portal Complete Guide

4. Pay Yourself Back (Good for Specific Categories)

Value: 1.25-1.5 cents per point When to use: Dining, groceries, or home improvement purchases

Pay Yourself Back (PYB) lets you redeem points for statement credits on purchases in specific categories:

Card	Rate	Current Categories
Sapphire Preferred	1.25 cpp	Dining, hotels, annual fee
Sapphire Reserve	1.5 cpp	Dining, hotels, annual fee

When PYB Beats the Portal

If you spent $500 at restaurants, you can redeem:

Portal: 50,000 points for $500 travel
PYB (CSR): 33,333 points for $500 dining credit

That’s 33% fewer points for the same value. Not bad.

The Catch

PYB is only valuable if you have eligible purchases to redeem against AND you’re not planning premium travel redemptions. I’d rather save my points for a Park Hyatt than get 1.5 cpp on tacos.

5. Cash Out (Last Resort)

Value: 1 cent per point When to use: Emergencies only

You can cash out Chase points to a bank account at 1 cent per point. Don’t do this unless you’re desperate.

Why it’s the worst option:

Same value as the portal but less flexible
Leaves 50-150% of value on the table vs. transfers
Cash redemptions to external accounts end March 27, 2026

If you need cash, consider whether you actually have credit card debt you should pay down instead of hoarding points.

Redemption Value Comparison

Here’s everything ranked:

Redemption Method	Typical Value	Best For
Hyatt Transfers	1.7-2.5 cpp	Hotel stays
Airline Transfers (Premium)	3-10+ cpp	Business/First class
Airline Transfers (Economy)	1.3-1.7 cpp	Domestic flights
Pay Yourself Back	1.25-1.5 cpp	Dining/grocery credits
Chase Travel Portal	1.0 cpp	Flexibility, hotel perks
Cash Out	1.0 cpp	Emergencies

My Personal Strategy

Here’s how I actually use my Chase points:

70% → Hyatt transfers (almost all my hotel stays) 20% → Airline transfers (international business class 1-2x/year)
10% → Portal/PYB (last-minute trips, orphan points)

I never cash out. The value difference is just too big.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Cashing Out

Never redeem for cash unless you’re in financial trouble. You’re throwing away 50-150% of your points’ value.

2. Booking Hyatt Through the Portal

Always transfer to Hyatt directly. You’ll get the same room for fewer points AND you won’t lose out on earning Hyatt points.

3. Ignoring Transfer Bonuses

Chase periodically offers transfer bonuses (20-40% extra miles). We track these on our deals page. Timing your transfers can add significant value.

4. Hoarding Forever

Points devalue over time. Use them within 2-3 years of earning. Don’t wait for the “perfect” redemption that never comes.

5. Not Checking Points Boost

Before booking in the portal, check if Points Boost is active on your route. It’s inconsistent but occasionally offers real value.

The Bottom Line

The best way to use Chase points in 2026:

Transfer to Hyatt for hotel stays (1.7-2.5+ cpp)
Transfer to airlines for premium cabin flights (3-10+ cpp)
Use the portal only when flexibility or hotel perks matter
Pay Yourself Back for statement credits at 1.25-1.5 cpp
Never cash out unless absolutely necessary

Your Chase points are worth approximately 2 cents each when used well. Don’t settle for 1 cent.

Need help building your Chase points balance? Check out our complete Chase Ultimate Rewards guide and best Chase credit cards. Also see 10 points mistakes that cost you money to avoid the most common errors.