Maximizing Travel Rewards: Why I Prefer Chase Ultimate Rewards

When it comes to travel rewards, the choice between credit cards can be overwhelming. Two of the most popular options are the American Express® Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Both cards offer valuable benefits and the ability to earn flexible points that can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners. However, after extensive use of both cards, I have found that Chase Ultimate Rewards points hold a significant advantage over American Express Membership Rewards points. Here’s why I prioritize earning Chase points for my travel needs.

Both Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards are highly regarded flexible point currencies. According to TPG’s August 2025 valuations, Amex Membership Rewards points are valued at 2 cents per point, while Chase Ultimate Rewards points are slightly higher at 2.05 cents per point. This slight edge may seem insignificant, but it can lead to substantial savings and better redemption opportunities in the long run.

One of the key factors that enhances the value of Chase points is their redemption potential through the Chase Travel℠ portal. As a Sapphire Preferred cardholder, my points can be worth up to 1.75 cents each, depending on the specific redemption. In contrast, when redeeming Membership Rewards points through the American Express Travel portal, the value drops to just 1 cent per point. This difference can significantly impact how much value I can extract from my points when booking travel.

While both programs have their merits, I tend to maximize my points by transferring them to airline and hotel partners. American Express boasts 20 transfer partners, compared to Chase’s 14. However, each program offers valuable options that can help maximize rewards through strategic redemptions. For instance, I often find great value in transferring Amex points to partners like Avianca LifeMiles or Air Canada Aeroplan for Star Alliance flights. Yet, I find myself relying less on many of Amex’s other transfer partners, which diminishes the overall utility of my Membership Rewards.

In terms of everyday spending, my primary focus is on dining, which is why my Amex Gold card is a staple in my wallet. It offers 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 each calendar year) and 3 points per dollar on flights booked with airlines or through Amex Travel. While these earning rates are impressive, I am currently prioritizing Chase points because I already have a substantial balance of Amex points. At TPG, we advise against hoarding points, as airlines and hotels frequently devalue their programs. Therefore, it’s essential to diversify my points earning strategy.

With the majority of my flights already booked for the year, my focus has shifted to hotel redemptions. Chase excels in this area, offering excellent transfer partners like Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott. Although my Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points on travel purchases, I am willing to forgo the additional point per dollar spent to accumulate more Chase points, which I find more beneficial for my current travel plans.

Chase Ultimate Rewards are my preferred flexible rewards currency, particularly for hotel redemptions. For example, I recently transferred 6,500 Chase points to Hyatt for an overnight stay at the Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport, a room that would have cost over $200. This kind of redemption showcases the fixed award chart that Hyatt uses, allowing me to find outstanding value, especially during peak travel seasons.

In addition to hotel stays, I appreciate the ability to transfer Chase points to Southwest Airlines, which frequently offers award sales and nonstop flights on routes that other airlines may service with layovers. This has made Southwest my go-to airline for last-minute domestic flights. Similarly, United Airlines is another valuable Chase transfer partner, providing access to numerous flight options through their award ticketing system.

Booking through the Chase Travel portal also presents a competitive advantage. While I generally prefer to use transfer partners for maximum value, the ability to redeem points at up to 1.75 cents each through Chase Travel adds another layer of flexibility. This is especially useful if I find myself in a situation where a transfer partner redemption isn’t available.

Moreover, if my travel plans change, having Chase Ultimate Rewards points gives me the flexibility to redeem for cash back at a rate of 1 cent per point. This ensures that my points retain value even if I pivot away from travel.

Traveling internationally has further solidified my preference for Chase points. While American Express is widely accepted, I have encountered numerous locations abroad that do not accept Amex, making it challenging to earn Membership Rewards points while traveling. In contrast, my Chase Visa credit card is generally accepted, allowing me to continue accruing valuable points.

Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Amex Gold cards offer excellent earning potential, making them integral to my overall points and miles strategy. However, my current focus is on accumulating Chase points due to their superior redemption options and flexibility. This strategy may evolve if I find myself low on Amex points or if an enticing welcome offer arises, but for now, Chase Ultimate Rewards remain my currency of choice.

At TPG, we believe that credit cards can significantly enhance travel experiences, enabling individuals to turn everyday spending into rewarding adventures. Our goal is to provide insights and comparisons that help you find the right card to achieve your travel aspirations.