Maximizing Your Chase Points: When to Transfer vs. Book Hotels

Travelers often find joy in redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points for hotel stays via the Chase Travel℠ portal. With the introduction of Points Boost, eligible cardholders can now redeem points for hotel accommodations at a value of up to 2 cents per point, depending on the card and the specific redemption.

However, if you hold a Chase card such as the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred, you also have the option to transfer your Chase points to select hotel loyalty programs — including IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt — at a 1:1 ratio. This allows you to redeem points directly through these programs for your hotel stays.

While both booking methods are relatively straightforward, deciding whether to transfer your points or book directly through Chase Travel involves two key considerations. Let’s explore these factors in detail.

1. Comparing Points Costs

The first step in determining whether to transfer Chase points to a hotel loyalty program or book through Chase Travel is to compare the number of points required for redemption. If you have a specific hotel in mind, check the points cost through the Chase Travel portal and compare it to the points needed if you redeemed through the hotel’s loyalty program.

For instance, if you’re looking to stay at a Hyatt property, you might find that transferring 4,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points allows you to redeem 3,500 Hyatt points for a night at the Hyatt Place Atlanta Airport-South. In contrast, booking through the Chase Travel portal would require you to redeem 11,538 Chase points for the same night. If you applied for your Chase Sapphire Preferred after June 22, the redemption value would drop to just 1 cent per point, requiring 14,423 points for the same reservation.

In this scenario, transferring your points to Hyatt provides significantly better value.

If you don’t have a specific hotel in mind, you can still explore your options by selecting a property through Chase Travel and then checking the award rates for comparable hotels through Marriott, IHG, and Hyatt. This will give you a clear picture of how many Chase points you’ll need for each option.

2. Loyalty Program Benefits

The second crucial factor to consider is the loyalty program benefits you receive when booking directly, even for award stays. As a member of hotel loyalty programs, I value the perks that come with my elite status when booking directly with Hyatt, Marriott, or IHG. These benefits often include complimentary upgrades, late check-outs, and the ability to earn elite qualifying nights, which are essential for maintaining status.

When you book through an online travel agency like Chase Travel, you typically miss out on these loyalty benefits, although select properties booked through The Edit by Chase Travel may offer some exceptions. Therefore, I often use Chase Travel for hotels that fall outside my primary loyalty programs, such as boutique or independent hotels.

Real-Life Example

Comparing your options can lead to substantial savings. For instance, my sister-in-law, who has the Chase Sapphire Preferred, was about to book a one-night stay during a road trip through the Chase Travel portal for around 20,000 Chase points. Before she proceeded, I found a comparable Category 1 Hyatt property that only required 5,000 points for the same night. By transferring her points to Hyatt and redeeming them, she saved about 15,000 Chase points.

Consider Upgrading Your Card

If you don’t currently possess a premium Ultimate Rewards card that allows point transfers, now might be the perfect time to consider applying. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is currently offering a welcome bonus of 100,000 points plus a $500 Chase Travel promo credit after spending $5,000 in the first three months. Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business offers a generous 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 in the first six months.

Additionally, remember that you can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to various airline loyalty programs, further expanding your travel options.

Conclusion

In summary, whether you choose to transfer your Chase points to a hotel loyalty program or book through the Chase Travel portal, it’s crucial to evaluate your options carefully. By comparing the points required and considering the loyalty benefits associated with direct bookings, you can maximize the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points and enhance your travel experiences.

For more tips on optimizing your travel rewards, stay tuned for our upcoming articles that will help you navigate the world of travel rewards and credit card benefits. Happy travels!