Maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards Points (Sapphire, Freedom)
New to points and miles or need a plan? My number one credit card choice for families who want to travel hack domestically is Chase. Why? Chase Ultimate Rewards are among the most versatile points programs out there. They become a real powerhouse when you pair them with travel transfer partners, Hyatt and Southwest. For about 8 years, our family mainly traveled on Hyatt and Southwest because of the amazing redemptions. I recommend you get to know a system and how it works, and then you can apply your knowledge to the other cards.
🌍Looking for real-world examples of where points and miles can take you? Check out all the trips I have booked on points -> Real Points & Miles Adventure
This blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for supporting NO POINT LEFT BEHIND — it helps me keep sharing savvy travel hacks and family adventures
To maximize your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, focus on strategic earning, smart redemptions, and leveraging transfer partners for outsized value. If you want to focus on Chase Ultimate Rewards to get started in travel hacking. Here is a list of ways you can maximize your earnings.
Check out my Best Credit Card Guide for Travel -> best Chase cards travel hacking
Here’s a breakdown of the most effective strategies:
1. Best Chase Cards to Maximize Ultimate Rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer access to transfer partners and boosted redemption rates. Not sure which one is right for you -> Chase Sapphire Travel Cards
Pair with Freedom Flex® and/or Freedom Unlimited® to earn high points in rotating or everyday categories, then combine them into your Sapphire account. The use of the Chase Sapphire with the two cards is often called the Chase-Trifecta. It is a powerful trio of cards. Chase Ultimate Rewards are my favorite point currency.
2. Maximize Bonus Categories
Use cards strategically:
Sapphire Preferred: 2x on travel and 3x on dining
Sapphire Reserve: 4x on flights and hotels booked directly and 3x on dining
Freedom Flex: 5x on rotating quarterly categories
Freedom Unlimited 1.5 x on everything
Track and optimize spending to hit bonus categories.
3. Shop Through Chase’s Portal
Use the Chase Shopping Portal for extra points on purchases from major retailers.
4. Top Chase Transfer Partners: Hyatt, Southwest & More
Transfer points to airlines (e.g., United, Air Canada, British Airways) or hotels (e.g., Hyatt, Marriott).
New to transfer partners? Check out this list of current Chase Transfer Partners -> Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners
Look for sweet spots like Hyatt redemptions. This is a personal favorite of mine. We transfer a lot of Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt. Check out my reviews of the Hyatts we have stayed in Miami, all on points -> Best Hyatt Redemptions Cruise ports
5. Refer Friends
Earn bonus points (often 10,000–15,000) per referral when friends sign up for Chase cards. Want to support No Point Left Behind? You can use my link -> Chase Sapphire Referral link
6. Plan Big Redemptions Around Promotions
Watch for transfer bonuses (e.g., 30% more points to Virgin Atlantic).
Use during peak travel redemptions or luxury stays.
7. What Not to Do with Chase Points
Skip gift cards, Amazon redemptions, or statement credits unless necessary—they often yield only 1 cent per point or less.
Closing Thoughts
Chase Ultimate Rewards remain one of the most powerful tools in my arsenal. Whether you’re leveraging bonus categories, pooling points across cards, or transferring to high-value partners like Hyatt and Southwest, the key is to be intentional with every redemption. Avoid low-value options, focus on sweet spots, and let your points take you further than you ever imagined.
Remember—travel hacking isn’t just about saving money, it’s about creating experiences for you and your family that might otherwise feel out of reach. With a little strategy, those dream trips become possible. This is the perfect game plan to get started.
Let’s Travel Hack Together!
If you enjoy learning how we travel as a family using points, miles, and smart credit card strategies, I’d love for you to follow along:
Frequently Asked Questions About Chase Ultimate Rewards
**Can you transfer Chase points to Southwest Airlines?**
Yes! Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to Southwest at a 1:1 ratio, making it easy to book flights directly through Rapid Rewards.
**Is the Chase Trifecta worth it?**
Absolutely. Pairing the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve with Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited lets you maximize bonus categories and pool points for higher-value redemptions.
**What’s the best value for Chase points?**
Hotel stays with Hyatt often deliver outsized value, with rooms that can cost $300+ per night available for as few as 12,000 points.
**Can you use Chase points for cruises?**
Yes, but redemption value varies. Booking through the Chase travel portal usually gives you 1.25–1.5 cents per point depending on your card.
