Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards® points is one of the most powerful ways to unlock outsized value from your credit card rewards. A lot of people simply book their travel though the travel portal because it’s simple, but then they are wasting a lot of points unknowingly.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to transfer Chase points, the mistakes to avoid, and how to make sure you’re getting the maximum value every time. We’ll also look at real examples that show how transferring points can save you hundreds of dollars (or thousands) on flights and hotels.

Whether you're just starting your points-and-miles journey or you’ve heard about “transfer partners” and finally want to understand how they work… you're in the right place.

Why Transferring Chase Points Is So Powerful

Chase Ultimate Rewards points become dramatically more valuable when you move them to a partner airline or hotel program. While you can book travel through the Chase Travel Portal, transferring often gives you 2–4x more value per point.

This is especially true for business-class flights, international travel, and Hyatt hotel stays.

If you haven’t yet read my beginner posts, these will help you build a strong foundation:
• How to Redeem Points and Miles for Maximum Value
• How to Earn Points and Miles for Nearly-Free Travel
• What Are Your Points Really Worth?
• What Are Transfer Partners?

If you want the easiest way to learn everything step-by-step, grab my FREE Beginner’s Guide

Which Chase Cards Can Transfer Points?

Not all Chase cards can transfer points to travel partners.
You need one of the following:

✔ Transfer-Eligible Chase Cards

• Chase Sapphire Preferred – my #1 recommendation for beginners
Link to Application

• Chase Sapphire Reserve
Link to Application

• Ink Business Preferred
Link to Application

• Chase Sapphire Business

Link to Application

If you only have Freedom or Ink Cash/Unlimited cards, you can still use transfer partners — you just need to combine those points into one of the cards above first. More on that below.

Chase Transfer Partners (2026 Updated List)

Hotel Partners (1:1 Transfer Ratio)

• World of Hyatt
• IHG Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy

⚠ Important: Transfers are final. Once you send points to a partner, you cannot return them to Chase.
This is why it’s crucial to confirm award availability first.

Before You Transfer: Always Confirm Award Space

This is the golden rule.

Before transferring points, go directly to the airline or hotel website and make sure:

✔ A flight or hotel room is actually available on points

✔ You see the exact number of points required

✔ You are ready to book immediately

Award space can change by the hour, and since transfers can’t be undone, you never want to transfer “hoping something opens up.”

How to Transfer Chase Points (Step-by-Step)

This process works the same on desktop or mobile.

1. Log into your Chase app or Chase.com

Open the card that earns Ultimate Rewards points.

2. Enter the Ultimate Rewards Portal

Scroll to your points balance and tap “Redeem” or “Ultimate Rewards.”

3. Select a transfer-eligible card

Make sure you’re in the dashboard for one of these:
• Sapphire Preferred
• Sapphire Reserve Personal or Business
• Ink Business Preferred

If not, switch cards at the top.

4. Choose “Transfer to Travel Partners”

You’ll see the full list of airlines and hotels.

5. Select your travel partner

Tap the airline or hotel you want to transfer to.

6. Link your loyalty account

This is your frequent flyer or hotel account.
If you don’t have one yet, create one — they’re all free.

7. Enter the amount of points to transfer

Chase transfers in 1,000-point increments, always at a 1:1 ratio.

8. Submit the transfer

Some partners transfer instantly.
Others can take a few hours or even a few days.

9. Book immediately

Once the points hit your airline or hotel account, reserve your trip right away.

How to Combine Chase Points Before You Transfer

If you have points sitting on a Freedom, Ink Cash, or Ink Unlimited card, you need to move them into a Sapphire or Ink Preferred card first.

Here’s how:

1. Go to Ultimate Rewards

2. Scroll to “Combine Points”

3. Select the card you’re transferring FROM

4. Select the card you’re transferring TO

(Your Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Preferred)

5. Enter the number of points and submit

You can also transfer points to a member of your household, but Chase requires a quick one-time verification by phone before enabling it.

Click in this 5 minute Youtube video below and I will walk you through all of this step by step with exact screenshots

Real Example: Why Transferring Beats the Chase Portal

Let’s look at a real-world comparison:

Example: Business Class to Europe

• Portal price: 200,000+ points one way
• Transfer to Air France Flying Blue: ~43,000 points

This is exactly what I did recently — same flight, same seat, one-fifth of the points.

This is why understanding transfer partners is so important.

You can learn more about maximizing redemptions here:
👉 How to Redeem Points and Miles for Maximum Value

**When You Shouldn’t Transfer Points**

There are a few situations where transferring isn’t the best move:

✘ You don’t see award availability

✘ You aren’t ready to book immediately

✘ The portal is cheaper

If you want help comparing value, check this out:
👉 What Are Your Points Really Worth?

Which Transfer Partners Give the Best Value?

Here are the programs that consistently give the highest value per point (especially for beginners):

⭐ Best Airline Partners

• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Air France / KLM Flying Blue
• Virgin Atlantic
• British Airways
• United MileagePlus

⭐ Best Hotel Partner

• World of Hyatt — hands down the #1 use of Chase points.

Want a full breakdown?
👉 What Are Transfer Partners?

The Best Chase Cards for Travel Beginners

If you’re starting from scratch and want to tap into transfer partners, these are great cards to add into your wallet:

⭐ Chase Sapphire Preferred

My #1 recommended first travel card.
Referral link: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19u/ZZQEZSCHC9

⭐ Chase Sapphire Reserve

Best for frequent travelers who want premium perks.
Referral link: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19u/ZZQEZSCHC9

⭐ Ink Business Preferred

A huge points earner if you’re eligible for a business card.
Referral link: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/21u/GW4T50MRVZ

Want Me to Teach You All This Step-by-Step?

If you're just getting started or want to avoid beginner mistakes, I made a completely free guide that walks you through:

• Which cards to start with
• How to avoid wasting points
• How to find award availability
• The exact steps to earn your first free flight or hotel stay

👉 Grab the Free Beginner’s Guide

Final Thoughts

Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points is one of the easiest ways to dramatically increase the value of your rewards. Once you understand how to confirm award space, transfer points, and book strategically, your points go from “nice to have” to “fly business class to Europe for 43,000 points” powerful.

If you haven’t yet read my beginner posts, these will help you build a strong foundation:
• How to Redeem Points and Miles for Maximum Value
• How to Earn Points and Miles for Nearly-Free Travel
• What Are Your Points Really Worth?
• What Are Transfer Partners?

How to Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to Travel Partners