The Basics of Chase Ultimate Rewards

The world of credit card rewards programs can be confusing and intimidating. It may be daunting at first, but once you understand how these programs work, you will see just how valuable they are.

This article is intended to give you the basic tools you need to use one of the most powerful and versatile rewards programs out there: Chase Ultimate Rewards.

What Are Chase Ultimate Rewards Points?

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are a transferable loyalty currency that can be redeemed for cash back, flights, hotel stays, shopping and even exclusive experiences.

100,000-Point Welcome Bonus with Chase Ink Business Preferred Is Now Available After Spending $8,000

Until recently, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been offering 100,000 points to new cardmembers who spend $15,000 or more on their card within the first three months after account opening. However, as of June 29, 2023, Chase has lowered the spending requirement to earn this welcome bonus, making this already-great deal even more lucrative. 

Now, you can earn the welcome bonus by spending $8,000 (nearly half the previous spending requirement) in the first three months after account opening.

Ultimate Rewards Drops Partner Korean Aug 25: Reasons to Transfer Now

Ultimate Rewards, the rewards currency of various Chase credit cards, transfer to nine airline loyalty programs...

Aer Lingus

British Airways

Iberia

Korean Air

Singapore Airlines

Southwest Airlines

United Airlines

Virgin Atlantic

Flying Blue (Air France, KLM)

...and three hotel programs.

Hyatt Gold Passport
IHG
Marriott Rewards

As of August 25, you can cross Korean Air off of that list.
How bad is this?
First Class flyers to Asia are probably pretty pissed off.

How Long Does it Take Ultimate Rewards to Transfer?

Transferable points are points you earn from a credit card that you can transfer to many different types of airline miles or other points. They are valuable because they give you so much flexibility. Each airline program has strengths and weaknesses in terms of the number of miles you need and the availability from point A to point B.

Anatomy of an Award: Buenos Aires Rio on Aerolíneas Argentinas & Gol

In February, my parents flew down to South America to join me for a trip in Rio de Janiero, followed by a week spent in Buenos Aires, the location I call home for at least half the year.

I booked them in United Business between Charleston, SC and Rio de Janiero using United miles, and LATAM Business between Buenos Aires and Miami using American Airlines miles.

Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Wrap Up & Index

This is the final post in a series about how to maximize value when transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards to airline loyalty program partners. 
Maximizing Your Ultimate Rewards Series Index

Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: United MileagePlus
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Singapore Krisflyer #1
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Singapore Krisflyer #2 
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Korean SkyPass #1
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Korean Skypass #2
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Korean Skypass #3
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: British Airways Avios 
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Flying Blue
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club #1
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club #2
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Southwest Rapid Rewards
Maximizing Ultimate

Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club #2

This post is part ten of a series about how to maximize value when transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards to loyalty program partners. 
Maximizing Your Ultimate Rewards Series Index

Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: United MileagePlus
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Singapore Krisflyer #1
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Singapore Krisflyer #2 
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Korean SkyPass #1
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Korean Skypass #2
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Korean Skypass #3
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: British Airways Avios 
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Flying Blue
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club #1
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club #2 (this post)
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Southwest Rapid Rewards (future

Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club #1

This post is part nine of a series about how to maximize value when transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards to loyalty program partners. 
Maximizing Your Ultimate Rewards Series Index

Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: United MileagePlus
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Singapore Krisflyer #1
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Singapore Krisflyer #2 
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Korean SkyPass #1
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Korean Skypass #2
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Korean Skypass #3
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: British Airways Avios 
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Flying Blue
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club #1(this post)
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club #2 (future post)
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Southwest Rapid

Maximizing Ultimate Rewards: Flying Blue

This post is part eight of a series about how to maximize value when transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards to loyalty program partners. 
Maximizing Your Ultimate Rewards