Going on vacation is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it can also be one of the most expensive. Between flights, hotels, rental cars, and daily expenses like food and souvenirs, costs can escalate quickly, even if you manage to snag a good deal on airfare. However, this is where travel rewards come into play, offering a pathway to significantly reduce the financial burden of travel.
Travel rewards, particularly those offered through credit cards, can transform your travel experience by making flights and hotel stays nearly free. By using the right travel credit card for your everyday purchases, you can accumulate points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. If you’re new to the travel rewards game, now is an excellent time to consider adding a travel credit card to your wallet. Two of the most popular travel credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Sapphire Preferred, are currently offering higher-than-usual welcome bonuses, which can easily fund your next vacation.
Both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards are currently offering 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. These points are worth at least $750 when redeemed through the Chase Travel℠ portal, with the potential to get even more value when you transfer them to Chase’s travel partners.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most valuable and flexible travel rewards points available. You can redeem them directly through the Chase Travel℠ portal for flights, hotels, rental cars, and more, or you can transfer them to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners. This includes 11 airlines and three hotel chains, such as World of Hyatt, United MileagePlus, and Air Canada Aeroplan, allowing you to book stays at all-inclusive resorts or even fly business class around the world.
Best Ways to Redeem 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
With 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points in hand, the possibilities are extensive. Here are some of the best ways to maximize these points for travel:
Business-Class Flights
One of the most luxurious ways to spend your points is by booking a business-class flight. For instance, you can transfer your points to Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue program to book a business-class seat on a KLM flight, potentially allowing you to experience the comfort and amenities of a long-haul international flight without spending a dime. Other airlines in the Chase transfer program, like Singapore Airlines and Emirates, also offer high-value redemptions for business and first-class travel, providing a premium travel experience for a fraction of the cost.
Staying at Hyatt’s All-Inclusive Properties
World of Hyatt is one of the most valuable Ultimate Rewards transfer partners. One of the best ways to utilize this partnership is by booking stays at Hyatt’s all-inclusive resorts, which are located worldwide, from the Ziva Cancun in Mexico to the Zoëtry Montego Bay in Jamaica. You can even opt for an ultra-luxurious experience at the Impression Moxché by Secrets in Cancun, a couples-focused all-inclusive resort offering high-end dining and butler service.
The redemption rate for Hyatt’s all-inclusive award chart starts as low as 12,000 points per night for Category A properties on off-peak dates. With 60,000 bonus points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you could potentially book up to five nights at one of these all-inclusive resorts. These stays include everything from food and alcohol to entertainment and kids’ clubs, making your vacation nearly free aside from airfare and transportation to and from the airport.
Booking Domestic Flights
Another excellent use of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points is booking domestic flights. By transferring points to United MileagePlus or Southwest Rapid Rewards, you can book round-trip flights within the U.S. for as low as 12,500 points each way. This means your 60,000 points could cover multiple round-trip flights, allowing you to explore several destinations within the country at no cost.
Staying at Marriott Bonvoy Properties
If you prefer staying at Marriott properties, you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott offers a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Depending on the property category and season, 60,000 points could cover several nights at a Marriott hotel, making it an excellent way to save on accommodation during your travels.
Maximize Value with Chase Travel Partners
While the easiest way to use Ultimate Rewards points is to redeem them for cash back at a rate of 1 cent per point, this often doesn’t provide the best value. Transferring your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners can significantly increase the value of your points, often allowing you to redeem them for flights or hotel stays that would cost far more if paid for in cash.
For example, transferring your points to United MileagePlus or British Airways Executive Club can unlock award flights that provide incredible value, especially for international travel. Similarly, transferring points to World of Hyatt can yield exceptional returns, particularly if you book stays at some of their higher-end properties or all-inclusive resorts.
The 60,000-point welcome bonuses offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards present a tremendous opportunity for savvy travelers to explore the world for free or at a significantly reduced cost. Whether you’re interested in booking a business-class flight, staying at an all-inclusive resort, or simply saving on domestic flights, Chase Ultimate Rewards points offer unmatched flexibility and value. By strategically redeeming your points, you can unlock incredible travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach, all while minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses.