The Thrifty Traveler Podcast · Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Chase Ultimate Rewards points offer significant value when transferred to its extensive network of over a dozen airline and hotel partners. Key partners like United Airlines, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Southwest Airlines provide opportunities for more valuable redemptions than using the Chase travel portal directly. Other notable partners include Iberia, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, and hotel chains like Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG.
“So, Chase partners with more than a dozen different airlines and hotel programs. This is where you unlock the most value. You know, most people will look at Chase Ultimate Rewards and think, oh, I can use these for flights and hotels through the Chase travel portal. But the real power of Chase Ultimate Rewards comes from transferring them to partners.”
“So, for example, you can transfer them to United Airlines. That's going to get you significantly more value than booking through the Chase portal. You can transfer them to Air Canada Aeroplan, which is arguably the best airline loyalty program in the world. You can transfer them to Southwest Airlines, which is very difficult to get good value from, but Chase makes it easy.”
“And then you also have hotel partners, like Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG. The list is extensive. And this is where you're going to unlock the most value. It's also where things get a little bit more complicated, but that's why we're here to help.”