Pursue ultimate rewards It is one of the most valuable and flexible reward coins, but how do you redeem your points matters as much as winning them.
The Chase Travel℠ portal can be an easy way to book flights, hotels, cruises and more using points or cash. It may be the best option when prize space is limited or cash rates are low.
However, it is 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 cash, points or a combination of both.
Just 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 prize space is not available
- When you want to earn bonus points on paid trips
- When you prefer a simple, fixed refund value
That said, you’ll typically get the most value from Chase points by transferring them to partners as United Mileage Plus and Hyatt Worldso it is always worth comparing options.
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Which cards unlock the most value?
You don’t need a premium card to use Chase Travel, but they unlock the highest value.
*Depending on the specific redemption, please refer to your rewards program agreement for full details.
Because Chase allows you to accumulate points between cards, many travelers combine a card without annual fee 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
Point increase adds a layer to Chase Travel redemptions by increasing the value of points on select reservations.
Instead of relying solely on fixed redemption rates, you can sometimes get a higher value depending on the itinerary and the offer available depending on the card you have.
When booking flights and selected hotels:
- Sapphire Reserve cardholders can redeem up to 2 cents per point
- Sapphire Preferred and Ink Preferred cardholders can redeem up to 1.75 cents per point
Use TPG April 2026 valuation of Chase points at 2.05 cents per point as a benchmark:
- Above 2.05 cents per point: Strong redemption
- 1.5 to 2 cents per point: Solid, especially for convenience.
- Below 1.5 cents per point: It is generally better to transfer points.
This makes it essential to check each reservation rather than assuming a fixed value.
Related: New Favorite Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefit: Build Up Your Hotel Credit with Points Boost
When should you use Chase Travel?
The Chase Travel portal works best in some specific situations.
When to use the portal:
- Cash rates are low
- Prize availability is limited
- Find a strong point boost redemption
- You are booking independent or boutique hotels.
When to skip it:
- Prices are higher than booking directly.
- Transfer Partners Offer Significantly Better Value
- Want points or elite hotel benefits (except The edition properties)
TPG analysis has found that flights booked through the Chase portal average 6% higher than those booked directly, so it’s important to compare before you book.
Related: When to transfer Chase points instead of booking a hotel through Chase Travel
How to use Chase Travel
Booking through Chase Travel is easy:
- Sign in to your chase account
- Open your Ultimate Rewards dashboard
- Click Travel and then Book Trip.
- Search for flights, hotels, cars, cruises, activities or tours
- Choose to pay with cash, points or both
You can also book trips for other people, not just yourself.
How to Book Flights Using Chase Travel
One of the biggest advantages of booking flights through the portal is that you will typically continue to earn airline miles and elite status credit, as the ticket is treated as a paid fare. That makes the portal especially useful when award seats aren’t available or when fares are cheap.
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 checking out.
As always, it pays to compare prices on multiple platforms, even directly with the airline.
How to Book Hotels Using Chase Travel
Hotel reservations follow the same process, but come with some tradeoffs.
The portal can be a great way to earn Chase points on stays at independent or boutique properties, and Points Boost can occasionally improve the redemption value. However, most reservations are treated as third-party reservations, which means you typically won’t earn hotel points, Elite night credits, or receive status benefits.
There is a notable exception: The Edit by Chase Travel, offering perks like room upgrades, property credits, and late check-out at select luxury hotels. You’ll be able to earn double Chase points and hotel loyalty points on these reservations (except Small Luxury Hotels properties, part of Hilton).
Sapphire Reserve Cardholders can unlock additional value on hotel reservations, including two $250 The Edit credits on eligible stays each year and a One-time $250 statement credit for select hotels booked through Chase Travel in 2026.
AND Preferred sapphire Cardholders receive up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel reservations made through Chase Travel.
Related: Book luxury or low-end hotels to get the best value for your points
How to Book Car Rentals, Cruises, and Other Trips Using Chase Travel
Chase Travel also allows you to book rental cars, cruises, tours, and activities, allowing you to plan almost 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 your card, a valuable benefit that can save money on coverage.
Cruises are also available to search and book through the portal, with access to thousands of itineraries on a variety of cruise lines. Typically, you can choose to pay with cash, points, or a combination of both, and some trips may include additional benefits through Chase Travel.
You can also book activities like guided tours and experiences, which can be a convenient way to use up extra points or complete a trip.
Generally, these types of bookings offer cents per point lower value than flights or hotels, so it’s best to use them 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 you book through Chase Travel, keep a few key factors in mind.
- Prices may vary: Sometimes higher, sometimes lower, sometimes identical
- Changes can be more difficult: You will have to turn to Chase Travel for help.
- Benefits may not apply: Especially for hotel elite status.
The most important thing is to always compare portal reservations with options from transfer partners, especially for premium flights and Hyatt stays.
In a nutshell
Chase Travel is a flexible way to redeem Ultimate Rewards points, especially with Boost Points and expanded booking options on all travel types. But this is not a simple fixed value proposition.
For best results:
- Use approximately 2 cents per point as a reference point
- Look for Point Increase Opportunities
- Compare with transfer partners
Used strategically, the portal can help you expand your points and unlock trips you might not otherwise be able to book.
Related: The Power of the Chase Trifecta: Maximize Your Earnings with 3 Cards
