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AmEx Points vs. Chase Points: Which Is Right for You?

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Table of Contents

An overview of AmEx points vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points

Amex membership rewards points, chase ultimate rewards® points, amex vs. chase transfer partners, credit cards that earn amex or chase ultimate rewards® points, why choose between chase or amex here’s why points collectors usually have both.

Both Chase and AmEx points are worth about the same when transferring to partners.

Certain Chase cards offer a higher baseline value.

Hyatt, Southwest, IHG and United loyalists should choose Chase. Delta flyers, Hilton fans should choose AmEx.

Cash-back enthusiasts will prefer the Chase ecosystem to AmEx.

Advanced points nerds tend to collect both currencies instead of picking one.

American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards® are two of the most popular and well-established transferable points programs in the points and miles world.

However, when comparing AmEx points versus Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which comes out on top?

Whether you're just starting to collect points and miles or are debating a change in strategy, it's worth considering which is the better points program to focus your attention and loyalty. We compare what you need to know in this deep dive on AmEx points and Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.

Both Membership Rewards points and Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed for travel through each individual program's online travel-booking portal. Both programs also offer other non-travel redemption options, but these generally provide lower value.

Here are the key differences between AmEx and Chase Ultimate Rewards® points:

Number of transfer partners. AmEx leads the way with 20 airline and hotel partners versus Chase's 14 transfer partners . That means more access to airline sweet spots for AmEx points collectors.

Redemption rate for travel purchases. Chase offers certain Sapphire and Ink cardholders the opportunity to redeem points for travel at 1.25 to 1.5 cents per point. Meanwhile, AmEx travel redemptions generally top out at 1 cent per point (unless you know where to transfer them , which can get you a baseline value of up to 2.8 cents per point).

Redeeming points for purchases. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are more valuable when using points to pay for purchases. You can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for at least 1 cent per point to cover card charges. Meanwhile, AmEx point redemptions top out at just 0.7 cent per point when paying with points at checkout at select retailers.

Cash out/statement credit rates. Chase lets cardholders redeem Ultimate Rewards® points for cash back at a rate of 1 cent per point. AmEx points can be redeemed to Cover Your Card Charges at a rate of just 0.6 cent per point, remitted as a statement credit.

The quality of the portal. In next-level points nerdiness, we dived deep to analyze and compare the online travel portals of Chase and AmEx, as well as Citi Thank You and Capital One (two other heavy hitters in the transferable currency space). Chase's portal beat AmEx's at nearly every turn.

Types of cards offered : AmEx and Chase both offer credit cards that earn points within their programs. The cards are different and target consumers with varying travel needs.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Membership Rewards points are the points earned on American Express cards — excluding airline and hotel co-branded cards. Cardmembers can redeem Membership Rewards points in a variety of ways, from gift cards to paying with points at checkout with certain online retailers. However, the most valuable way to redeem Membership Rewards points is for travel redemptions.

The value of AmEx points

Ignoring poor-value redemption options, AmEx Membership Rewards points are worth between 1 and 2 cents per point , depending on how you use them.

In the AmEx Travel portal

AmEx Membership Rewards are worth up to 1 cent per point when used for qualifying reservations through American Express Travel . You'll get this rate when booking flights or Fine Hotels & Resorts (on qualifying cards) through AmEx Travel.

Other travel purchases made through AmEx Travel — from prepaid hotels to cruises — provide just 0.7 cent per point.

Via AmEx transfer partners

NerdWallet analysis finds that Membership Rewards points can be worth up to 2.8 cents each when redeemed through transfer partners. This high value is due to valuable AmEx partners like ANA Mileage Club (baseline value: 2.8 cents per mile) and Air Canada Aeroplan (baseline value: 1.4 cents per mile).

However, that's just the baseline value. You can get an even higher value by redeeming AmEx points for premium cabin awards (i.e., first or business class tickets). Just one of many examples: Transfer 100,000 AmEx points to ANA Mileage Club to book a round-trip award flight in United Airlines business class between the U.S. and Europe.

United is currently selling the same flights for $3,012.40. That means you would need 301,240 AmEx points to book this flight through the AmEx Travel portal. After factoring in the taxes and fees of $323.50, which is quite high but typical of London award flights, you'd get around 2.7 cents per point from this premium cabin redemption.

As statement credit

The AmEx Cover Your Charge program is the simplest way for Membership Rewards collectors to redeem their points as a statement credit. Unfortunately, this redemption is a pretty poor value at only 0.6 cent per point.

» Learn more: What is a statement credit on travel cards?

What are AmEx points good for?

Airline point redemptions. If you love flying, AmEx is the program for you, as 17 of AmEx's 20 transfer partners are airline loyalty programs . Also, airline bookings, including upgrades with points, provide among the highest redemption rates when booking through AmEx Travel. Even still, you'll generally get more value when redeeming points through transfer partners.

Booking niche mileage sweet spots. AmEx points unlock some of the highest-value sweet spots in the points and miles world — from 44,000-point business class flights to Africa (via the Etihad Guest sweet spot on Royal Air Maroc) to 220,000-point around-the-world award tickets in business class (via Aeromexico Club Premier).

Lounge access. While AmEx points themselves don't get you into lounges, premium AmEx cards do offer lounge access. Through AmEx's expansive Global Lounge Collection , eligible cardmembers get access to over 1,400 lounges in 140 countries.

Skip AmEx points if …

You’d rather earn cash back. AmEx points provide only 0.6 cent per point in value when redeemed to cover card charges. Considering most AmEx Membership Rewards cards earn a base rate of 1 point per dollar spent, that's a poor return on your spending. You'll do much better by getting a dedicated cash-back credit card .

You want to earn points that can transfer to United, Southwest Airlines or Hyatt. AmEx offers 20 airline and hotel transfer partners, but United, Southwest and Hyatt aren't among them. Instead, you'll want to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to transfer points to any of these programs.

You plan to redeem points for non-airfare travel. AmEx generally offers subpar redemption rates for other types of travel purchases. Even prepaid hotels — with the exception of Fine Hotels & Resorts — and cruises booked through AmEx Travel provide just 0.7 cent per point in value.

Chase offers dozens of rewards cards — including co-branded credit cards from Southwest, Hyatt, IHG Rewards, United, Air Canada and more. Just three Chase-branded cards earn Ultimate Rewards® points.

Despite their small numbers, these cards play an outsize role in the points and miles world.

The value of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are worth at least 1 cent per point in value — that’s the baseline rate at which you can cash out points for a statement credit . However, you can redeem Ultimate Rewards® points at a higher rate for travel purchases through Chase's portal and by transferring points to Chase's 14 airline and hotel partners.

In Chase's travel portal

Each of the three Chase credit cards that specifically earn Ultimate Rewards® points offers bonus value for redeeming points for travel through Chase. The bonus varies by card:

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : 50% more value (1.5 cents per point).

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : 25% more value (1.25 cents per point).

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : 25% more value (1.25 cents per point).

Note that this small roundup does not include Freedom and other Ink cards that earn cash back that can be converted to Ultimate Rewards® points.

Via Chase transfer partners

In NerdWallet analysis, we found that the overall value of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points is around 1 cent to 2.2 cents when redeemed through Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners.

Not all partners necessarily provide this much value. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards® points transfer to Marriott at a 1:1 transfer ratio, and our analysis finds that Bonvoy points have a baseline value of just 0.8 cent per point.

To get top value, you'll want to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to valuable partners such as Air Canada Aeroplan (baseline value: 1.4 cents per point ) or World of Hyatt ( 2.3 cents per point ) — or for high-value redemptions through other partners.

As cash back

Generally speaking, Chase Ultimate Rewards® can always be redeemed for cash back at a rate of 1 cent per point.

What are Chase Ultimate Rewards® points best for?

United and Southwest redemptions. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points transfer to both United MileagePlus and Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 transfer ratio. That makes earning Chase Ultimate Rewards® points a great way to top off your points collection in either of these airline programs.

World of Hyatt bookings. Hotel transfer partners generally provide poorer value than airline partners; however, Hyatt is a key exception. With the introduction of off-peak award pricing, Hyatt reward nights now start at just 3,500 points per night. Collecting Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can be a shortcut for accumulating Hyatt points to take advantage of Hyatt's high-value redemptions.

Redeeming points for paid travel. Depending on which card you have, Chase Ultimate Rewards® provide either 1.25 or 1.5 cents per point in value toward paid travel purchases through Chase's portal. That provides an excellent way to take advantage of booking cheap flights and hotel stays — using fewer points than it would take to redeem for a reward flight or night.

Skip Chase Ultimate Rewards® points if …

You want to transfer points to Delta Air Lines SkyMiles. Although Chase partners with four North American airlines, Delta isn't one of them. Focus on earning AmEx points if you want to top off your Delta SkyMiles account.

You're looking for expert-level sweet spots. Chase transfer partners are solid, but Ultimate Rewards® doesn't partner with some of the international programs that can provide the best of the best sweet spots — like Avianca LifeMiles and Etihad Guest .

Both AmEx points and Chase Ultimate Rewards® points offer a diverse group of over a dozen transfer partners. However, each program excels in a slightly different way. Start by comparing the transfer partners and transfer rates for AmEx points versus Chase points.

AmEx transfer partners, Singapore Krisflyer and Air France-KLM, generally offer high-value redemptions. We recommend avoiding Marriott and Aer Lingus, among others. Read our analysis on AmEx transfer partners here .

Meanwhile, the best Chase partners are World of Hyatt and United MileagePlus. We recommend that you don't transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to partners like JetBlue True Blue and IHG Rewards Club, where you'll get less-than-ideal value. See our full breakdown of which Chase transfer partners to avoid .

Chase Ultimate Rewards® offers fewer transfer partners than AmEx, but the ones it does are generally well-known programs. Of Chase's 11 airline partners, four are North American airlines: Southwest Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus, JetBlue TrueBlue and Air Canada Aeroplan. Five are European airlines that can provide value when flying within the U.S.

» Learn more: International airline programs you can use to book domestic flights

Chase point transfers are simpler to calculate, as Chase Ultimate Rewards® points transfer to all partners at a 1:1 transfer ratio. So, you don't have to worry about calculating how many airline miles — or kilometers in the case of Aeromexico — you'll end up with after your transfer.

Also consider that Air Canada Aeroplan — just one airline partner of both AmEx and Chase — opens up award redemptions on over 40 airline partners. You can see just how far-reaching each program’s transferable points can take you.

AmEx points transfer to 20 airline and hotel loyalty programs, including several airlines from each major airline alliance.

SkyTeam: Aeromexico, Air France-KLM, Alitalia, Delta.

Star Alliance: Air Canada, ANA, Avianca Airlines, Singapore Airlines.

Oneworld: British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia Airlines, Qantas Airlines.

Several of AmEx's airline partners may be unfamiliar to those who aren't points and miles nerds. However, knowledgeable travel rewards collectors know that gems can be found in just those types of programs. In fact, AmEx points can unlock most of the cheapest business class redemptions from the U.S. to Europe .

AmEx offers nine cards that earn transferable Membership Rewards points , while Chase offers just three credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards® points that can be transferred to partners.

Right away, you can see that AmEx offers more options for earning Membership Rewards points. But that doesn't necessarily make AmEx the right option for you.

The right card for you depends on what you're looking to get from the card. Here's a summary of just a few card categories and how AmEx and Chase compare.

Terms apply.

Other cards that earn Membership Rewards include:

The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express .

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card .

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express .

Business Green Rewards Card from American Express .

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express .

Here’s a closer look at the premium travel cards offered by both AmEx and Chase.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

• 10 points per $1 on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals purchased through Chase.

• 5 points per $1 on air travel purchased through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining not booked with Chase.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.

• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.

The secret of the choice between AmEx points versus Chase points is that you don't actually have to pick just one. Advanced points and miles collectors optimize their card portfolio to earn both AmEx points and Chase points at the highest earning rates.

That could mean using the American Express® Gold Card to earn 4x points at U.S. restaurants and 4x points on U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per year in purchases. And using the Chase Sapphire Reserve® to earn 3x points on general travel and up to 10x points on travel purchased through Chase. Terms apply.

By earning both types of points, you won't have access to "only" 20 transfer partners through AmEx or "only" 14 partners through Chase. Instead, you can transfer points to a combined 24 airline and hotel transfer partners.

You can even come out ahead with the 10 overlapping partners, as both AmEx and Chase run bonus promos for transfers throughout the year. For example, AmEx is currently offering a 30% bonus for transfers to Marriott Bonvoy — while Chase is offering a 50% bonus for transfers to Marriott Bonvoy. There will also be instances where one program will run a bonus, and the other will have the standard 1:1 rate.

If you had only Chase or AmEx points, you'd miss out on all of the transfer bonuses offered by the other program.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page . All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The American Express® Green Card is no longer available through NerdWallet. All information about The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express is no longer available through NerdWallet. All information about the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is no longer available through NerdWallet. All information about the Business Green Rewards Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Business Green Rewards Card from American Express is no longer available through NerdWallet. To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page .

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Best Chase credit cards of April 2024

If you’re looking for great cash-back rates and valuable transferable reward points, consider our top picks for the best Chase credit cards. Chase offers a wide selection of credit cards for all customers, whether you’re looking for the easiest cash-back option or a premium travel card. Chase also makes it easy to combine rewards across multiple accounts, so holding more than one Chase card can allow you to maximize your earning strategy — especially if you’re interested in maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

With so many card options available, you’re sure to find a Chase card that fits your wallet — so check out the list below of offers from our partners compiled by our team of travel experts. 

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Best overall mid-tier card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for business travelers
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for dining and travel insurance
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card : Best for frequent Southwest flyers
• Chase Freedom Flex℠ : Best for rotating bonus categories
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : Best for a lower annual fee
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card : Best for office supplies and technology services
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card : Best for no annual fee business card

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, maximizing chase credit cards, how we rate, what is chase, how to choose the best chase credit card, ask our experts, pros + cons of chase credit cards, frequently asked questions.

• No Annual Fee

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

• You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else. 

• Annual $50 hotel statement credit when booked through Ultimate Rewards
• Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance
• The card comes with a $95 annual fee
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus, earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption
• Reasonable $95 annual fee; bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners
• Primary car insurance; and perks including cellphone and purchase protection
• Extended warranty
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement
• High spending needed to get 100,000-point sign-up bonus
• No travel perks
• Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications
• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, bonus points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve .

• Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards hotel and airline travel partners
• 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals and Chase Dining purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through the portal, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
• 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel℠
• $300 Annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
• Steep initial $550 annual fee
• May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

While other airlines’ top credit cards have annual fees toppling over $500 per year, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card comes with just a $149 annual per year. If Southwest is your airline of choice, you’ll receive a number of perks every year: a $75 Southwest travel credit and 7,500 points on your cardmember anniversary. These benefits alone make up the annual fee for frequent Southwest flyers. For every $10,000 spent on this card, you’ll earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points, fast-tracking your way to A-List Status. Read our full review of the  Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card .

• Travel and purchase protections through Chase.
• $75 annual Southwest travel credit.
• 7,500 points on each cardmember anniversary.
• 20% inflight discount on food, drinks and WiFi.
• Ability to earn A-List status faster by spending on this card
• $149 annual fee.
• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 7,500 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex delivers a formidable 5% cash back on select bonus categories and travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This card is an excellent addition to your wallet as it provides ongoing rewards, a welcoming sign-up bonus and no annual fee to worry about. Read our full  review of the Chase Freedom Flex .

• The generous sign-up bonus is impressive for a no annual fee card.
• The card features several categories that earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards and rotating quarterly bonus categories and 3% back on dining and drugstores.
• Your phone is protected against theft or damage for up to $800 per claim (up to $1,000 per year) when you pay that bill with the card.
• You must remember to activate your bonus categories quarterly or risk not earning 5x on select purchases.
• This card charges foreign transaction fees so it's best to use it within the U.S.
• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
• No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Plus credit card is a great starter card for those who are loyal to the carrier. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card .

• Earn 3,000 points each year after your cardmember anniversary
• Extended warranty and purchase protection
• Secondary car rental insurance and collision damage waiver.
• Baggage delay insurance
• Up to $3,000 in reimbursement for lost luggage
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel accident insurance via Visa Signature
• $69 annual fee
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• Flight redemption limited to U.S., Caribbean and Central American destinations
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Cash is an excellent no annual fee card for small business owners. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on office supplies and select utilities, as well as 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations. On top of that, the Ink Business Cash card also offers automatic credit limit increase assessments every six months — and sometimes even sooner — to suit the needs of growing businesses. Read our full review of the Chase Ink Business Cash card .

• The current sign-up bonus on this card is an impressive up to $750.
• There is no annual fee which is perfect for small business owners.
• You’ll earn 5% at office supply stores and on common monthly bills such as internet, cable and phone services. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.
• 5% cash back earned on certain categories is capped at the first $25,000 you make in combined purchases each account anniversary year.
• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited’s sign-up gives you a generous $750 cash back spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening plus unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase. It fills in rewards gaps not covered by the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. You can maximize this card by pairing it with cards including the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Ink Business Preferred. Read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card .

• No annual fee
• Flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Primary insurance for car rentals
• 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months on purchases (then a variable APR of 18.49% - 24.49% applies)
• Higher spend to receive sign-up bonus
• No conversion to Chase points without holding the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred
• No travel protections
• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best travel rewards credit cards available. It offers comprehensive travel protection plus elevated rewards on travel and dining purchases while maintaining a reasonable $95 annual fee. 

New travel credit card users who are looking to earn transferable rewards without committing to a high annual fee would be a great fit for the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been in my wallet for 5-plus years and is the go-to midlevel rewards credit card that I recommend to people. It usually has a pretty solid sign-up bonus, with points that can be transferred to some of my favorite loyalty programs, like British Airways Executive Club and World of Hyatt. The strong earning rates on dining and travel as well as streaming services makes it a good choice for a millennial like me. Finally, I like using this card when renting cars, as it provides primary rental car insurance and a little more peace of mind.” —  Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

Transferable points are often considered the golden currency in the travel reward world, but if you find that you prefer American Express travel partners, the American Express® Green Card offers a comparatively low annual fee while still allowing you to earn on travel, restaurants and more.

The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. 

You get tons of perks for a $95 annual fee. Instead of having to spend $15,000 to qualify for the 100,000 bonus points offer, new cardholders can qualify for the bonus points by spending $8,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Although this is primarily a business card, it’s also a great travel card as well. Frequent flyers who book trips through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards can maximize the value of their earned points when booking travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal. The best part? The cash back you earn doesn’t expire as long as your account remains open.

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I’ve found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

The Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a good option if you want to avoid paying an annual fee and want to earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 you spend at office supply stores, on internet, cable and your phone bill, 2% cash back on the first $25,000 you spend at gas stations and restaurants plus an unlimited 1% cash back on every other purchase you make.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel card with matching benefits. The card offers an elevated earning rate on many bonus categories, includes premium lounge access and features a  $300 annual travel credit . For just about any traveler, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a solid pick.

Frequent flyers will find the Chase Sapphire Reserve to be a great addition to their wallet, thanks to its travel perks and benefits. 

“The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a no-brainer for me. My top two spending categories are travel and dining, and this card lets me earn 3 points per dollar in both of these categories. Then, I can transfer these points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners or redeem them for a generous 1.5 cents apiece through the Chase travel portal or Pay Yourself Back program. The card has a high annual fee, but I don't mind paying it thanks to perks like a $300 travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access and impressive travel protections.” —  Benji Stawski , former senior reporter

If you’re looking for a more luxury-focused travel card, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express instead. The Amex Platinum comes with more benefits, travel credits and lounge access — as well as a higher annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees ). 

The Southwest Priority card is a great card for Southwest loyalists who can maximize the card’s perks and benefits. Some notable features include an annual bonus of 7,500 Rapid Rewards points (valued at $113, according to TPG’s valuations ), a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and four upgraded boardings per year. 

Southwest loyalists can easily justify the Priority’s annual fee with the anniversary point bonus, travel credit and other perks. 

Any Southwest loyalist should add the Priority card to their travel wallet, as the perks and benefits easily pay for the annual fee every year. 

If you still want a Southwest card but find that you don’t need all of the perks on the Priority, consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card , which offers similar perks with a lower fee. 

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Chase Freedom Flex makes cash-back earning easier than ever. You can earn elevated cash back on dining and travel, but every quarter, the Freedom Flex also earns 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases at a rotating selection of merchants (after activation). 

The Chase Freedom Flex is a great addition to any beginner’s wallet since it has no annual fee and offers a large spectrum of elevated cash-back categories.  

“I love when a cash-back card is more than a cash-back card, and that's definitely the case with the Chase Freedom Flex. I can effectively convert the cash-back rewards on this card into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points, since I also have the Chase Sapphire Reserve — opening up fantastic redemptions like luxury World of Hyatt properties and top-notch premium airplane cabins.” —  Nick Ewen , director of content 

If you know your spending habits do not align with the quarterly bonus categories offered by the Chase Freedom Flex, consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited® instead. You will still earn the same elevated rate on travel and dining but you get 1.5% cash back on all other purchases instead of 1%. 

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card is a great starter card for Southwest travelers thanks to its low annual fee. In addition to earning bonus points on Southwest purchases, the card comes with two EarlyBird check-ins annually and bonus points for each account anniversary.

If you’re a casual Southwest flyer (at least once a year), you’ll likely benefit from the perks on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card. 

For beginner travelers who occasionally fly Southwest, adding the Southwest Plus card can be a great way to expand your travel card collection. 

If you’re looking for more benefits from your Southwest credit card, consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card which features a higher annual bonus upon card renewal and additional benefits when flying the carrier. 

The Ink Business Cash offers a great introductory offer, no annual fee and multiple elevated reward rates. In addition, you can increase the value of your rewards by transferring rewards to an eligible Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points.

New business owners who are looking to separate their business and personal expenses while earning rewards on a card with no annual fee should consider the Ink Business Cash card. 

The Ink Business Cash card offers elevated cash-back rates on regular business categories and a solid sign-up offer, all with no annual fee. When combined with a higher-end Ultimate Rewards card, the Ink Business Cash is a no-brainer for any small-business owner looking to maximize their rewards earning.

If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee business card but have varied spending habits, consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card . That card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all spending and features a similar introductory bonus.

There is no easier cash-back business card than the Ink Business Unlimited, as you’ll earn 1.5% back on all purchases. In addition, it features a generous introductory annual percentage rate period and primary insurance on business-related car rentals — all for no annual fee. 

Small-business owners who want a simple business card will benefit from the Ink Business Unlimited’s flat reward rate.

“I have the Chase Ink Business trilogy — the Ink Business Cash Credit Card, Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited cards. The first two cards maximize my points-earning on things like office supply, internet and phone purchases, whilst the Ink Unlimited covers everything else, with a flat 1.5% earning rate. The fact that I have the Ink Preferred means I can convert my cash back from the Ink Unlimited into more valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. This no-annual-fee card will stay in my wallet for years to come.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

If your business has more specialized purchases that align with the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card , it can be a better fit, as the bonus categories have higher earning rates than the Ink Business Unlimited’s flat 1.5%. 

Decide the type of rewards you want to earn

Chase offers a wide range of credit cards — including ones that earn the issuer’s own Ultimate Rewards points as well as cobranded products with partners like United and Marriott . You could even opt for a top cash-back card if you don’t want to mess with travel rewards. Before you apply for a Chase credit card, consider what type of rewards are most useful for you. Many travelers will benefit from the flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards, though everyone’s situation is different.

Earn the welcome bonus

Once you’ve pulled the trigger on applying for a new card, it’s critical to ensure you hit the minimum spending requirements to earn the welcome bonus. Most Chase credit cards give you at least three months to do so, but it’s critical to plan your spending accordingly. In some cases, the bonus can get you over $1,000 worth of rewards, so missing out on it can be a major setback for your travel planning.

Add new cards to maximize your earning potential

Getting a top Chase credit card can unlock valuable rewards, but if you really want to take your card strategy to the next level, consider adding more than one to your wallet. While managing multiple credit cards takes added effort, it can also expand the number of points or miles you can take home. You can use one card to earn bonus points on travel and dining, for example, and then another card can give you extra rewards at drugstores. In fact, Chase cards feature prominently in our guide to the best credit card pairings .

Chase, also known as JPMorgan Chase Bank, is a large American national bank. It offers a large variety of banking and investment products for both consumers and small businesses — including a wide range of credit cards. 

Types of Chase credit cards

Chase offers a large selection of credit card products. Some notable types are defined below.

Travel credit cards are typically tailored to travelers, offering more rewards on travel purchases and providing additional protection and value-added perks. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers an annual $300 travel credit, which can help lower the out-of-pocket cost of your trips. In addition, it offers extensive travel protection when things go wrong, along with lounge access — both perks that can make your next trip a simpler process. 

Cash-back credit cards earn a percentage of cash back on each purchase you make. Some — like the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card — offer a simple, flat cash-back rate on all purchases. This could be a great fit for someone who is looking for a straightforward earning structure without needing to worry about maximizing bonus categories.

Other cards — like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ — feature bonus categories which help those who have more tailored spending habits get the most return on their spending.

But the best part about Chase is that you can effectively convert your cash-back rewards into fully transferable (and more flexible) Ultimate Rewards points, simply by having a higher-end Chase card.

A “starter” credit card typically refers to a simple product that’s relatively easy to get. Generally these don’t impose an annual fee, and they offer basic cash back so as not to overwhelm a new entrant into the world of credit cards.

One such card would be the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, as it earns an unlimited 1.5% back on all purchases plus an elevated rate on travel and dining, two big expense categories for many people. With no annual fee, even the newest credit card user can find many benefits with the Freedom Unlimited. 

Business credit cards typically offer business-focused perks and elevated earning rates on business spending. These cards are a great way to keep your business expenses separated from your personal expenses and earn on what you are already spending. Chase offers multiple business products under the Ink family of credit cards .

Business owners will have to look over their spending and see which card will help them earn the most on their current expenses.

Finally, cobranded credit cards are issued by a bank in partnership with another organization. The cards typically feature brand-specific rewards and benefits, most frequently with travel companies. For example, Chase issues cobranded cards with United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and the World of Hyatt loyalty program.

However, it can also partner with a lifestyle brand — as it’s done with the Instacart Mastercard®  and DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® .

How to apply for a Chase credit card

You can apply for a Chase credit card online, by mail or in person at a Chase bank. You'll need some basic information like your social security number and gross annual income. Here's what else you should know before you submit an application.

The Chase 5/24 rule is infamous in the credit card world. While Chase has never publicly published this policy, data has proven that it almost always applies.

In short, Chase will not approve new applicants who have opened five or more personal credit cards within the last 24 months. This applies to all bank cards, not just Chase cards. You generally have to be under this number to be approved for a new Chase credit card. You can learn more with our full guide to the Chase 5/24 rule .

Chase's 48-month rule states that you're ineligible to earn a bonus on a Chase card if you're a current cardholder of that specific card or if you have already earned a sign-up bonus on a specific card you've had within the last 48 months.

Chase credit card benefits

Chase credit cards come with many benefits and perks. Some notable benefits are highlighted below.

Many Chase cards fit into the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem . However, only three that are available to new applicants earn Ultimate Rewards points: the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. These Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to a number of airline and hotel partners but can also be used to book travel directly, making them incredibly valuable when it comes to redemption.

Luckily, if you have one of these products, you can combine your cash-back rewards with your Ultimate Rewards points in a single account — allowing you to maximize your earning. 

Chase is known for some of the best welcome bonuses in the card industry. You can see the current welcome bonus on the card tiles above — and you can refer to our guide with historical offers to see how the current ones measure up.

Travel and shopping protections can be some of the most underrated perks offered by credit card companies. You hope you won’t need to use them, but they can save the day when things go wrong.

One of Chase’s most notable benefits is primary rental car coverage, available on many popular products like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. When you charge a rental car to an eligible card, you’re covered for theft, loss or damage to the vehicle, without needing to invoke your personal insurance. 

Related: Best credit cards with travel insurance

One of the most notable features of Chase cards is their pairability, thus maximizing the reward potential for your wallet. It is worth considering adding multiple Chase cards to your wallet to get the best return on your spending.

There are multiple strategies for pairing Chase cards, but one of the most popular is commonly known as the Chase Trifecta — the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited®. However, the best combination of cards should be tailored to your spending and specific reward needs.

That being said, you’ll almost certainly want to feature the Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred in your strategy to ensure you’re earning fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points. Then, select the cash-back Chase cards that best match your spending habits.

Related: How (and why) to combine your Chase Ultimate Rewards points into a single account

Redeeming your Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are among the most valuable transferable rewards currencies out there. TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each, but you have the potential to redeem them at a higher rate for the right travel redemption. 

In many cases, the best way to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points is by transferring them to Chase’s travel partners . Popular programs that can unlock luxury travel experiences include World of Hyatt, Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus. However, if you don’t want to mess with another loyalty program, using your Ultimate Rewards points directly with Chase Travel can still offer a solid value .

For an in-depth look at how to maximize your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, check out our complete guide . 

• 1 Sign-up bonus Choose a card that aligns with your financial goals — if you’re saving for a big vacation, applying for a card with a generous sign-up bonus may help cover some of the travel costs for that trip.
• 2 Annual fee Whether your preference is a card with no annual fee or a premium card with a high annual fee, choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.
• 3 Bonus categories Choose the card that earns rewards in your most frequently used bonus categories like groceries, gas and streaming subscriptions.

What's your favorite Chase card — and why?

• Using Chase credit cards responsibly can help you build your credit score.
• Chase credit cards can earn points, miles or cash back on every dollar you spend.
• Some Chase credit cards provide purchase, theft and fraud protection.
• Select Chase credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, lounge access and more.
• Chase credit cards can encourage overspending.
• Carrying a balance and using your Chase card irresponsibly can damage your credit score.
• The cost of borrowing on Chase credit cards is higher than traditional loans.
• Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score.
• Chase has some of the most stringent application restrictions of any issuer.

There’s no single Chase credit card that’s best for everyone. Instead, it will depend on your spending habits and what rewards you are looking for. Luckily, Chase cards are easy to pair and maximize, so you can consider adding multiple cards to your wallet.

To apply for any Chase card on this list, you can click on the card’s name, photo or “Apply Now” link to the right of the card. Then, simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete (and submit) your application.

Chase doesn’t have an official limit on the number of Chase cards one person can have. In fact, many TPG staffers have had several Chase credit cards at the same time. However, Chase does limit the amount of total credit it will extend to you. It also has the 5/24 rule (more on that below). Finally, as a general rule of thumb, you can only be approved for one personal card and one business card within 90 days — but even that’s not a hard-and-fast rule.

There are also different application rules for specific Chase cards. You can only hold one Sapphire card at a time. You can only have a single personal Southwest credit card; however, you can hold both a Southwest business card and personal card, which is a great way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass.

For more details on Chase’s application rules, read our guide to credit card application restrictions .

That being said, having a score of at least 700 will give you the best chances of being approved for the top Chase credit cards. Of course, it’s possible to be approved with a slightly lower score; it’s just not as likely.

To cancel a Chase credit card, you’ll need to call the number on the back of your card. A phone agent can help you complete the cancellation process. However, be sure to use (or transfer) all of your rewards first, since you may forfeit them after canceling (or shortly thereafter). Pay off any outstanding balances, and be sure to update your account with any merchants that automatically bill the card you’re closing.

Just note that canceling a credit card should not be taken lightly, as it can affect your credit score. You can check out our guide to how to cancel a credit card to help you determine if you should go this route.

Chase does not publish an official score for approval, but our data suggests that a score of at least 670 will increase your chances of getting approved. In addition, rewards credit cards generally require a higher credit score for approval, typically 720-plus.

Having a score of at least 700 will give you the best chances of being approved for the top Chase credit cards. Of course, it’s possible to be approved with a slightly lower score; it’s just not as likely.

Related: How to check your credit score for absolutely free

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Travel Insurance – 10 Frequently Asked Questions [2024]

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Overview

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card remains one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards for numerous reasons. Alongside excellent earning rates and a fair amount of benefits that justify the $95 annual fee, the card also offers numerous shopping and travel insurance benefits.

If you’re like most people, you hear the word “insurance,” and your eyelids start feeling heavy. Let’s be honest: Insurance isn’t thrilling. The terminology can feel confusing, leaving you with many questions about what exactly the travel insurance on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card does and doesn’t cover.

You have questions, and we have answers. Here’s a simple look at your most common questions about travel insurance on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Before moving any further, let’s ensure you’re familiar with the long list of travel protections built into the Chase Sapphire Preferred card :

• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Travel accident insurance
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement

You’ll also enjoy several other cardholder benefits and protections beyond travel insurance :

• Extended warranty protection
• No foreign transaction fees
• Purchase protection
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel and emergency assistance

Some of the benefits seem more obvious than others. And, as with all insurance, there are always specific terms to understand, exclusions to mind, and coverage limits . Let’s clear some of those up.

1. What Flight Insurance Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Have?

When flying, you’ll have 2 types of insurance: travel accident insurance and trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Both types are in effect for trips for which you paid at least a portion of the cost with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Let’s look at each benefit.

Travel accident insurance applies to you and your immediate family members if one of you becomes permanently injured or dies while traveling. The cardholder benefit guide lists specific dollar amounts that you can be paid for specific injury types. The coverage is further divided into 2 categories: traveling on a common carrier and 24-hour coverage .

Coverage related to a common carrier covers both injuries and death resulting from your travel on a licensed air, land, or sea transport that regularly carries paying passengers . Think planes and ferries, for example. You’ll also be covered while at an airport, terminal, or station immediately before or after a trip, including courtesy transport to or from these places if provided as part of your trip. If your flight booking includes the airline picking you up from the hotel, this could be covered if all other conditions are met.

The 24-hour coverage applies around the clock and is valid on trips of up to 30 days. If you take a trip longer than this, coverage will end 1 minute after midnight on the 31st day, though it would come back into effect when you are in transportation to the airport for your flight home. If you drive yourself to the airport, coverage should resume once you are inside the airport .

This benefit reimburses you for the money you lose when a trip paid for (in whole or part) with your card is interrupted or canceled. Trip interruption is when you’ve started the trip and must end it early for a covered reason; trip cancellation applies to canceling a trip before it begins. The maximum benefit payout here is $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip. Both the cardholder and immediate family members are covered.

Trip cancellation coverage begins when you make your first deposit toward the trip and ends when you depart on your scheduled departure date. Trip interruption starts on your scheduled departure date and ends on your scheduled return date. However, if these dates or times are adjusted for reasons beyond your or the carrier’s control, the benefit will adjust automatically .

What expenses are reimbursable? They include nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses by a licensed supplier, such as a travel agency, hotel, shore excursion agency, etc. When canceling for a covered reason, you’re also covered for redeposit fees to get your airline miles back. Unfortunately, this benefit doesn’t cover lost money you paid for tickets to shows or theme parks, tee times at golf courses, museums, or other entrance fees unless they’re part of a tour package.

You’ll be covered for a few more situations with trip interruption coverage only . These include fees for returning a rental car early or to the nearest facility and up to $250 of expenses to transport you for necessary medical treatment. However, that doesn’t include medical transport (such as ambulances or medevac).

What if you paid with Chase Ultimate Rewards points and are due a refund under these benefits? You’ll be reimbursed according to the value on your travel supplier’s confirmation receipt, assuming that’s listed. If there’s no trip value listed on the receipt after you paid with points, you’ll be reimbursed at a value of 1 cent per point.

Covered Reasons

Not every reason for canceling a trip or ending it early is covered under these benefits. Covered reasons include accidental death or injury, a sickness requiring hospitalization, severe weather, a named storm warning, a change in military orders, a subpoena or call to jury duty, your home being burglarized or becoming uninhabitable, your hotel becoming uninhabitable, a public transportation strike that makes you miss 20% of a trip or a scheduled tour departure, and more. Consult the Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits guide to see if your specific cancellation or interruption reason is covered.

Trip cancellation insurance doesn’t cover everything. For example, changing your mind about a trip is not covered. If your plans are subject to change, you may want to purchase Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

This part is a bit confusing, but yes. Chase’s benefits guide for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card states explicitly that cruise lines aren’t included in the definition of a “common carrier.” However, cruise lines are included in the definition of a “travel supplier.”

Why does this matter? Many of the trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits only apply to travel with a common carrier, which doesn’t include cruise lines. However, some benefits do apply to cruises . These include stolen luggage benefits or even canceling a trip if delays mean you’ll miss at least 20% of the trip or that you’ll miss the departure of your cruise ship.

The travel accident and injury benefits also apply while you’re cruising, but it’s worth noting that returning late to your cruise ship, only to find it’s left for the next island without you, isn’t a covered expense. You’ll be on your own for the costs of catching up to your ship.

There are 2 types of baggage protection here: coverage for delayed bags and coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Baggage delay insurance covers up to $100 per day for up to 5 days when your bags are delayed by at least 6 hours, covering each additional 24 hours past that until the maximum of 5 days is reached. This benefit applies to you and your immediate family members when you pay for at least part of your trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You don’t need to be traveling with your immediate family members for them to be covered , as long as at least part of their trip was paid for with your card, which can be a nice perk if you book travel for relatives.

Coverage begins on the scheduled departure date and ends on the scheduled return date, though coverage adjusts automatically if there are changes outside your or the travel provider’s control. There’s also a list of non-covered items, such as medical devices, losses due to war/conflict, electronics, and cash equivalents. In case of baggage delay, you must report it to the travel provid er as soon as possible and keep receipts for necessary expenses you incur ; you’ll submit these for reimbursement afterward.

Lost luggage reimbursement is different; it covers lost, stolen, or damaged luggage during your trip. Both checked and carry-on bags are covered up to a maximum of $3,000 per person per trip. However, there’s a limit of $500 for jewelry, watches, and electronics.

There are some specifics to understand about this coverage, however. First, it doesn’t cover items you leave behind by accident . Second, coverage applies to you and immediate family members (even if you aren’t traveling with them) so long as you paid for at least part of the trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Coverage is available from the scheduled start to the scheduled end of your trip, but it is automatically adjusted if there are uncontrollable delays to either date.

Coverage applies to common carriers and cruise lines, and you must report the loss, theft, or damage within the timeframe specified by your travel provider. Then, the coverage on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card will cover any difference in the value of your monetary loss (after depreciation of the items) and the payment you receive from the travel provider . Thus, this is secondary coverage. It’s worth noting that documents, furs, tickets, and cash-like items aren’t covered.

Accidents can happen on any trip, from accidentally slipping on the wet deck of a cruise ship to spending nights in a hospital at a far-flung destination. Does your health insurance at home cover you when you head to Florida? What about South America? These are questions worth asking. If your medical coverage won’t be in effect, it’s worth considering medical travel insurance .

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card includes travel accident insurance for you and your immediate family members . It’s in effect if you pay at least part of the airfare for your trip with this card. You’ll receive varying maximum payouts depending on the type of injury (or death) encountered during your trip, and the maximum limit also depends on whether the accident occurs while traveling on a common carrier or at some other point during your trip . The 24-hour benefit provides maximum coverage of $100,000, increasing to $500,000 when traveling on a common carrier.

But how does this work in practice?

If more than 1 person is injured , the benefits administrator will pay no more than 2 times the maximum limit for each type of injury. That sum will be divided among all covered persons eligible for benefits payments.

In case of death , the benefits administrator will give the money to your named beneficiary. If you haven’t named a beneficiary, the order of preference goes from a spouse or domestic partner to children, then parents, siblings, and finally, your estate. If you go missing and haven’t been found after a year, then this will trigger the “loss of life” benefit.

Coverage begins either when you reach the airport, station, or terminal for travel on a common carrier or when you enter courtesy transportation provided to take you to the point at which your trip begins, such as a train station or airport. If you didn’t buy your tickets in advance but are purchasing them when you arrive at the station, coverage begins once you make the payment for travel. Coverage ends after you leave the transportation vessel or exit the courtesy transportation provided afterward.

The 24-hour coverage functions a bit differently. It’s in effect around the clock for up to 30 days, starting from your scheduled departure for air travel. If your trip is longer than 30 days, coverage will pause 1 minute after midnight on the 31st day and resume when you reach the airport for a flight home or are in courtesy transportation to the airport for the flight home.

Obviously, there are exclusions. You aren’t covered if you’re a pilot or crew member on a flight, you get injured while committing a crime, you get injured while skydiving, your injury is self-inflicted, or you’re injured in a war.

Lastly, you may wonder how COVID-19 factors in . The benefits guide says this under covered losses: “Quarantine of you or your traveling companion imposed by a physician or a competent governmental authority having jurisdiction, due to health reasons.”

Thus, your illness could be covered if a doctor or government requires quarantine related to COVID-19. COVID-19 is generally covered under most travel insurance policies in the same way sicknesses are covered. However, not traveling to avoid COVID-19 risks isn’t covered. As the benefits guide says, “Your disinclination to travel, a country closing its borders, or a travel supplier canceling or changing travel arrangements due to an epidemic or pandemic.”

Hotels aren’t treated separately under the Chase Sapphire Preferred card travel insurance terms. If you must cancel or interrupt a trip for a covered reason, then your hotel cancellation fees can be covered. This would include situations like forfeiting a first night’s room cost for canceling your hotel booking at the last minute, assuming you couldn’t arrive for a covered reason, such as a travel delay or a last-minute injury that made you unable to travel.

While you won’t find the word “Airbnb” or even “vacation home” in the benefits guide, you will find a description that covers these types of rentals :

“Provider of Lodging – a hotel, inn, motel, bed and breakfast, or hostel; a Provider of Lodging includes non–commercial time shares, condominiums, or rentals of a private residence; such rental shall require a written contract between You and the property owner or management company, executed in advance of the commencement of the rental period …” Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits guide.

So long as you’ve reserved your rental in advance and have a written contract — which Airbnb provides at the time of booking, courtesy of your confirmation details — your vacation home rental should count as a type of lodging. The contract must state the cancellation provisions, must not include a rental of more than 60 days, and your booking must be made directly with a licensed website or agent — not with the homeowner directly (unless that person is a licensed agent).

Airbnb is a covered lodging type, meaning your booking should qualify for trip interruption, trip cancellation, and trip delay coverage .

In short, yes. However, there are some exclusions. Since your personal auto insurance policy may not cover you abroad, it’s great to know that paying with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card and declining the rental company’s collision damage waiver can provide protection on your next rental .

You can be covered up to the actual cash value of most rental cars against theft or collision damage. Coverage can include administrative fees, loss-of-use charges, and even towing charges. Coverage applies to rentals up to 31 days and covers you plus any additional drivers listed on the rental contract .

You’ll need to use your card (or your points) to pay for the entire cost of the rental , and most vehicle types are covered by this primary insurance. However, coverage doesn’t apply to exotic or antique cars, high-value vehicles, cargo vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, or vans with seating for more than 9 people (including the driver). Note that Teslas qualify as high-value vehicles, so these aren’t covered .

The benefits guide doesn’t spell out any specific excluded countries . However, Visa typically excludes coverage in Israel, Jamaica, and Northern Ireland, plus you may not be able to use your card to pay for a rental (and thus coverage won’t be in effect) with U.S. Treasury Department monetary embargoes . These destinations include places where your credit cards won’t work, such as Cuba, Sudan, Syria, and North Korea.

Unfortunately, no. Because Turo and Zipcar rentals aren’t considered rentals from a rental car agency, most credit card rental car insurance doesn’t cover them .

To file a claim, you should first gather all of the documents related to your claim . These can include receipts, accident reports, police reports, photos, hospital records, or anything else pertinent to the type of claim you’re making.

Next, you can call the benefits administrator at 866-390-9735 or visit eclaimsline.com to submit online . Different claims have different required timelines. For example, auto claims must be filed within 100 days of the incident. However, you need to file within 90 days for baggage delays or losses, but you’re supposed to contact the benefits administrator within 20 days of these incidents to at least provide notice, even though you have 90 days to finish submitting the claim.

This question will be subjective, and different people will arrive at different conclusions. Travel insurance can be useful for the unexpected, but no 2 trips are equal. The best way to decide whether you need additional insurance beyond what the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers is to look at what it doesn’t cover.

Will you be skydiving? Do you have significant trip expenses related to Turo rentals or short connections that could cause domino effects if you miss a departure time? Are you renting an RV or going camping — types of travel not covered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?

If you have prepaid, nonrefundable expenses that wouldn’t be reimbursed by your credit card’s travel insurance in the event of delays or cancellations, getting a travel insurance policy that covers these could be a good idea and could provide peace of mind. That said, not every travel activity is covered by every travel insurance policy, so you want to make sure you choose a policy that covers your expenses for your particular trip .

If you look at your trip and decide that your flights, hotel plans, and simple plan of just relaxing at the beach will be covered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, then purchasing an extra policy probably isn’t necessary.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers numerous protections for purchases and trips. Insurance terms can feel confusing, but hopefully, the explanations of these policies should clarify what is and isn’t covered, as well as policy limits, in a way that helps you know whether the coverages are sufficient for your upcoming travels.

Want to learn more about what else this card offers beyond travel insurance? Consult our full Chase Sapphire Preferred card review .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the chase sapphire preferred card have trip insurance.

Yes, it has several types of travel protections. Cardholders get rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost and damaged luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement.

How to file a claim with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card travel insurance?

You can call the benefits administrator at 866-390-9735 or visit eclaimsline.com to submit online. Each claim type has different required documents and a different required submission timeline, so check your benefits guide for your specific claim type.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred card reimburse for travel cancellation?

Yes, you can be reimbursed for monetary losses of up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip if you cancel for a covered reason. You’ll need to pay for at least part of your trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card, and the cancellation must be for a covered reason, such as death, injury, or being called to active military duty.

What insurance does Chase Sapphire Preferred card cover?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has several types of travel protections. Cardholders get rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost and damaged luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. Cardholders also get shopping insurance benefits, such as purchase protection and extended warranty protection, plus other benefits like roadside dispatch and travel and emergency assistance services (though these are pay-per-use benefits).

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.

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What are the best ways to use chase points.

When it comes to transferable points currencies, the Chase Ultimate Rewards ® program offers high value and flexible redemption options. Using designated Chase credit cards for daily purchases can earn you rewards like cash back to spend on hotels, airfare, merchandise and more.

How do I earn Chase rewards points?

Begin by applying for the Chase Freedom or Chase Sapphire credit cards. Getting any of the credit cards will allow you to earn points.

You can also earn cash back rewards points with other Chase credit cards and travel cards that you can apply for online, but starting with one of the top two Chase credit cards listed above can help you maximize your points earning potential.

How can I redeem my Chase Ultimate Rewards?

There are multiple ways to redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Cash back is a redemption option, but some products have redemption options that are more popular than cash back. Travel expenses are also up there, but there are other options if you don't travel or would simply prefer to turn those points into usable cash for other expenses.

• Apply them to your bill: Ultimate rewards points can be used as a statement credit applied to your monthly balance. They convert at the rate of one cent per point.
• Pay Yourself Back ® program: This was introduced during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020 and is available for Freedom, Sapphire and Ink cards. You can choose to receive a statement credit on one or more of your eligible purchases.
• Redeem them for a gift card: The standard conversion rate is the same as statement credits, but Chase regularly offers gift cards for discounted prices.
• Pay for merchandise: Point values vary depending on which card you have and which redemption option you choose. They're generally lower than what you can get for statement credits or gift cards, but only for Amazon and Paypal. Rewards points can be used to pay for all or part of your purchases. They can help you get all of the latest products on Amazon or Apple merchandise, including a full offering of the Apple ® Ultimate Rewards store.
• Book travel through the Chase portal: This is where Ultimate Rewards points are most valuable. You can book hotels, airfare and vacations at 1.5 cents per point with Sapphire Reserve. Sapphire Preferred is 1.25 cents per point. There's additional earn when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards on select products.
• Transfer to airline and hotel partners: Chase has a partner network that includes multiple airlines and hotel chains. You can transfer points at a rate of 1:1.
• Book Chase Experiences and Chase Dining: This is a program that offers experiences such as dining and sporting events. Redeem your points for exclusive events curated around your passion with select cards. Your points can also be redeemed for takeout, reservations or exclusive culinary experiences.

The best ways to use your Chase points

If you're looking for affordable flights, nights at luxury hotels or all-inclusive vacation packages for yourself and the family, Chase Ultimate Rewards is the program for you. It's easy to use and you'll earn as you spend. But keep in mind, there are options other than travel to suit all customers.

To make sure you get maximum value for your Chase points, utilize our partner network. Some of the bigger names on that list include Southwest Airlines, Marriott, United Airlines and Hyatt Hotels. If you're looking to cash out your points, check into Chase's Pay Yourself Back® program. The conversion rate varies based on the card. If you redeem for cash back, you can use the money to travel, shop, dine out or give it to charity.

Chase Sapphire is an official partner of the PGA Championship .

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If credit cards were food, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card cards would definitely be peanut butter and jelly, respectively.

That’s because both cards start out perfectly solid on their own. Even if you never knew how to combine their powers, you’d be very happy using both on a daily basis. But once you discover how to make a PB & J sandwich, there’s no going back. You’ve discovered a treat that’s sweet, protein-rich and gives you an excellent excuse to eat Wonder Bread. 

It’s the same thing with the Sapphire and the Freedom Flex–combine them, and you’re in for a tasty treat that you wish you’d discovered sooner.

But what exactly is the “PB & J” of Chase rewards? Well, get your favorite white bread ready and let’s find out.

First, a little explanation of benefits…

Before I share the “recipe” to Chase’s PB & J, here’s a quick overview of both cards to provide some context.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Intro bonus.

Rewards Rates

• 5% 5% cash back on activated bonus category purchases each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1%)
• 5% 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3% 3% cash back on dining (including restaurants, takeout and eligible delivery services)
• 3% 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
• 1% 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 5% 5% cash back on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
• No annual fee
• Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
• Earns up to 5% cash back
• Foreign transaction fee
• Must active bonus categories every quarter
• 5% categories are capped
• Additional perks: Purchase protection, extended warranty protection, trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, cell phone protection, complimentary Doordash and Instacart+ membership
• Foreign transaction fee: 3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Chase Freedom Flex – 5X rotating rewards

Here are the key highlights of Chase’s peanut butter, the Freedom Flex card. 

• 5% cash back on activated bonus category purchases each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1%) , with the categories for Q2 2024 including Amazon.com, hotels and restaurants. 
• 0% intro balance transfer APR for 15 months (intro balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days) on both purchases and balance transfers. 
• $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within your first three months . 
• $0 annual fee

For more detail, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex .

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

• 5x 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit)
• 3x 3x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
• 2x 2x points on travel purchases not booked through Chase
• 1x 1x points on other purchases
• 5x 5x points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025 (that's 3x points in addition to the 2x points you already earn on travel)
• Valuable welcome bonus
• Extensive list of transfer partners
• Extra value on travel redemptions
• No premium travel perks
• Has an annual fee
• Additional perks: $50 annual hotel credit, trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, complimentary Doordash and Instacart+ membership along with quarterly Instacart+ credits
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Chase Sapphire Preferred – a grab bag of travel perks 

In a similar vein, here’s a quick breakdown of Chase’s homemade grape jam, the ever-popular Sapphire Preferred card: 

• 2x points on travel purchases , plus 3x points on dining, 3x points on select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ and 1x points on other purchases. 
• 25% travel redemption bonus when you redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards points through Chase Travel (e.g. redeem 10,000 points, get $125 in value). 
• 60,000-point welcome bonus after spending $4,000 within three months. 
• $50 annual statement credit good towards a hotel booked through Chase Travel. 
• $95 annual fee

To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred . 

Circling back to our “recipe,” notice how Chase is quick to point out that your 60,000-point welcome bonus is worth $750 in travel redemption–all thanks to that handy 25% redemption bonus. And if you think about it, that means the points you earn with the card are worth 1.25X towards travel, too. 

So in reality, as long as you’re redeeming points through Chase Travel, your rewards chart really looks like this: 

• 5X > 6.25X on travel booked through Chase Travel
• 3X > 3.75X on dining/online groceries/streaming
• 2X > 2.5X on general travel
• 1X > 1.25X on everything else

Those are some mighty impressive earnings rates, lending even more value to the CSP as a travel companion. 

But here’s the crazy thing: that 25% bonus multiplier applies to every Chase Ultimate Rewards point you earn, regardless of which card you earn it with . 

Here’s how it all works. 

Here’s how your Chase Sapphire Preferred account lets you earn 6.25X with your Freedom Flex card

In our Chase Ultimate Rewards guide we outline all of the dozen-ish ways you can redeem your hard-earned Chase points. From trips to back massages to cash back, there’s hardly a bad option. 

But perhaps the most underrated option is the Combine points feature. 

Combine points allows you to move Chase Ultimate Rewards points from one Chase card to another–meaning you can earn points with one card–and spend them with another. Another that has, say a 25% points multiplier on points redeemed for travel…

As you can see, the option only applies to Chase rewards cards that generate Chase Ultimate Rewards points. So the Prime Visa and the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card cards, for example, won’t appear here–but your Freedom and Sapphire cards will. 

Unlike a bank transfer, combining Chase Ultimate Rewards points is free and instantaneous. Plus, you can always move the points back if you wish (although I’ve never found a reason to move points from a Sapphire card back to a Freedom card).

Then, as soon as you’ve combined all of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points into your Sapphire account, you can go spend them at Chase Travel where you’ll get an extra 25% in value: 

This trick also works with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card where you’ll get 50% extra value (provided you’re cool with the card’s $550 annual fee). 

Now, while I heartily recommend this trick to most travelers I meet–especially if they already have both cards–you should know that it still comes with three big caveats. 

PB & Js aren’t perfect, and neither is this trick

Though delicious, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches aren’t perfect. They’re high in fat, sugar and carbohydrates, and unlike the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, they don’t travel especially well. 

In a similar vein, here are the caveats to the “PB & J of Chase cards”: 

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred card charges a $95 annual fee and requires a 670+ FICO score to apply. 
• With the Chase Freedom Flex, you can only earn 5% cash back on activated bonus category purchases each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1%) (generating 7,500 Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth $93.75). 
• Hotel rooms booked using points typically don’t generate any additional rewards or allow you to utilize your status benefits. 

But if you’re OK with these caveats, I hope you enjoy this simple recipe for tastier travel rewards.  And for more tips to help you get off the ground–quite literally–check out our Beginner’s guide to travel rewards .

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.