Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most valuable and flexible rewards currencies — but how you redeem your points matters just as much as earning them.
The Chase Travel℠ portal can be an easy way to book flights, hotels, cruises and more using points or cash. It can be the best option when award space is limited or cash fares are low. However, it’s not always the best deal.
Here’s how Chase Travel works and when to use it.
What is Chase Travel?
Chase Travel is an online booking platform where you can search and book flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, activities and tours using either cash, points or a combination of both.
Like an online travel agency (think Expedia), it gives you access to a wide range of travel options — but with the added benefit of earning or redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Why it can be useful
There are three main reasons to use Chase Travel:
- When award space isn’t available
- When you want to earn bonus points on paid travel
- When you prefer a simple, fixed redemption value
That said, you’ll typically get the most value from Chase points by transferring them to partners like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt, so it’s always worth comparing options.
Which cards unlock the most value?
You don’t need a premium card to use Chase Travel — but they do unlock the highest value.
| Card | Redemption rate on travel booked through Chase Travel | Earn rate on travel booked through Chase Travel |
|---|---|---|
|
8 points per dollar spent | |
|
|
|
|
Freedom Unlimited: 5% cash back |
*Depending on the specific redemption, see your rewards program agreement for full details.
Because Chase lets you pool points across cards, many travelers pair a no-annual-fee card with a Sapphire card to maximize value.
Related: Better together: The ultimate guide to the best credit card combinations
How to maximize redemptions with Points Boost
Points Boost adds a layer to Chase Travel redemptions by increasing the value of points on select bookings.
Instead of relying solely on fixed redemption rates, you can sometimes get a higher value depending on the itinerary and offer available based on the card you hold.
When booking select flights and hotels:
- Sapphire Reserve cardholders can redeem up to 2 cents per point (although we very briefly saw up to 2.5 cents per point in value for a very small number of hotels)
- Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred cardholders can redeem up to 1.75 cents per point
Use TPG’s November 2026 valuation of Chase points at 2.05 cents per point as your benchmark:
- Above 2.05 cents per point: Strong redemption
- 1.5–2 cents per point: Solid, especially for convenience
- Below 1.5 cents per point: Usually better to transfer points; generally only worth it if you have no other option
This makes it essential to check each booking rather than assuming a fixed value.
Related: New favorite Chase Sapphire Reserve benefit: Stack your hotel credit with Points Boost
When should you use Chase Travel?
The Chase Travel portal works best in a few specific situations.
When to use the portal:
- Cash fares are low
- Award availability is limited
- You find a strong Points Boost redemption
- You’re booking independent or boutique hotels
When to skip it:
- Prices are higher than booking directly
- Transfer partners offer significantly better value
- You want hotel elite perks or points (except for The Edit properties; minimum two- or four-night stay required depending on booking)
TPG analysis has found that flights booked through Chase’s portal average 6% higher than booking directly, making it important to compare before booking.
Related: When to transfer Chase points instead of booking a hotel through Chase Travel
How to use Chase Travel
Booking through Chase Travel is straightforward:
- Log in to your Chase account
- Open your Ultimate Rewards dashboard
- Click Travel, then Book travel
- Search for flights, hotels, cars, cruises, activities or tours
- Choose to pay with cash, points or both
You can also book travel for others, not just yourself.
How to book flights using Chase Travel
One of the biggest advantages of booking flights through the portal is that you’ll typically still earn airline miles and elite status credits, since the ticket is treated like a paid fare. That makes the portal especially useful when award seats aren’t available or when fares are inexpensive.
Booking flights through the portal works similarly to Google Flights or Expedia.
You can compare airlines, review different fare types and select add-ons before heading to checkout.
As always, it’s worth comparing prices across multiple platforms, including directly with the airline.
How to book hotels using Chase Travel
Hotel bookings follow the same process but come with a few trade-offs.
The portal can be a great way to earn Chase points on stays at independent or boutique properties, and Points Boost can occasionally improve redemption value. However, most bookings are treated as third-party reservations, which means you typically won’t earn hotel points, elite night credits or receive status perks.
There is one notable exception: The Edit by Chase Travel, which offers benefits like room upgrades, property credits and late checkout at select luxury hotels. You’ll be able to double-dip on earning Chase points and hotel loyalty points on these bookings (except Small Luxury Hotels properties, part of Hilton).
and cardholders can unlock additional value on hotel bookings, including:
And cardholders receive up to $100 in annual statement credits for hotel reservations made through Chase Travel.
Related: Book low-end or luxury hotels to get the best value from your points
How to book car rentals, cruises and other travel using Chase Travel
Chase Travel also lets you book rental cars, cruises, tours and activities, making it possible to plan nearly an entire trip in one place.
Rental cars follow a similar booking process to flights and hotels, and Sapphire cardholders still benefit from primary rental car insurance when paying with their card — a valuable perk that can save money on coverage.
Cruises are also available to search and book through the portal, with access to thousands of itineraries across a range of cruise lines. You can typically choose to pay with cash, points or a combination of both, and some sailings may include additional perks through Chase Travel.
You can also book activities such as guided tours and experiences, which can be a convenient way to use leftover points or round out a trip.
In general, these types of bookings offer lower cents-per-point value than flights or hotels, so they’re best used for convenience rather than maximizing redemption value.
Related: Save money on your next trip: Use these tips to never pay full price for a rental car
Key things to consider before booking
Before booking through Chase Travel, keep a few key factors in mind.
- Prices can vary: Sometimes higher, sometimes lower, sometimes identical
- Changes can be harder: You’ll need to go through Chase Travel for support
- Perks may not apply: Especially for hotel elite status
Most importantly, always compare portal bookings with transfer partner options — particularly for premium flights and Hyatt stays.
Bottom line
Chase Travel is a flexible way to redeem Ultimate Rewards points, especially with Points Boost and expanded booking options across travel types. But it’s not a simple fixed-value proposition.
For the best results:
- Use approximately 2 cents per point as your benchmark
- Look for Points Boost opportunities
- Compare against transfer partners
Used strategically, the portal can help you stretch your points and unlock trips you wouldn’t otherwise be able to book.
Related: The power of the Chase Trifecta: Maximize your earnings with 3 cards
Published Date : 2026-11-08 19:30:00
Source : thepointsguy.com
