Last Updated: July 2025
Looking to squeeze every last drop of value from your Chase Ultimate Rewards points? You're in the right place. Transfer partners are the secret sauce that can transform your points from decent value (1 cent each for cash back) to exceptional value (2-5 cents or more per point).
Quick Answer: Chase has 14 transfer partners including 9 airlines (United, Southwest, JetBlue, British Airways, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, Iberia Plus, and Aeroplan) and 3 hotels (World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards). Most transfers happen at a 1:1 ratio and process instantly.
Here's the thing about Chase Ultimate Rewards—they're incredibly flexible, but only if you know how to use them. After helping thousands of readers maximize their points over the years, I've learned that understanding transfer partners is what separates casual point collectors from serious travel hackers. Let me show you exactly how to get the most from your hard-earned points.
What Are Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners?
Think of Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners as your points' passport to better value. Instead of redeeming your points directly through Chase's travel portal (where you'll get 1.25-1.5 cents per point depending on your card), you can transfer them to airline and hotel loyalty programs where they often stretch much further.
These partnerships allow you to move your Chase points directly into the loyalty programs of major airlines and hotels. Once transferred, your points become that program's currency—so 1,000 Chase points become 1,000 United miles or 1,000 Hyatt points. The magic happens when you find sweet spot redemptions where those transferred points are worth far more than their cash value.
The best part? Unlike some competing programs, Chase makes transfers simple and fast. Most happen instantly, though a few partners can take up to two business days. This speed means you can often grab award availability the moment you spot it.
Complete List of Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners
Let's break down all 14 transfer partners, including the details that actually matter when you're planning your next redemption.
Airline Transfer Partners (9 Partners)
United Airlines MileagePlus
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant
- Sweet Spots: Excursionist Perk for multi-city trips, partner awards on Star Alliance
- Best For: Domestic flights, extensive route network
- Learn more at united.com/mileageplus
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant
- Sweet Spots: Points worth ~1.4 cents each, no change fees, companion pass potential
- Best For: Domestic travel, flexibility, families
- Learn more at southwest.com/rapidrewards
JetBlue TrueBlue
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant
- Sweet Spots: Flash sales, Mint business class to Europe
- Best For: East Coast travelers, Caribbean destinations
- Learn more at jetblue.com/trueblue
British Airways Executive Club
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant
- Sweet Spots: Short-haul flights (7,500 Avios), off-peak awards
- Best For: Short domestic flights on American Airlines
- Learn more at britishairways.com/executive-club
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant
- Sweet Spots: Promo Rewards (25-50% off), North America to Europe
- Best For: Europe travel, monthly promotional awards
- Learn more at flyingblue.com
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant
- Sweet Spots: Delta One business class, ANA first class to Japan
- Best For: Premium cabin international travel
- Learn more at virginatlantic.com/flying-club
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant to 2 business days
- Sweet Spots: Fifth freedom routes, Singapore Suites
- Best For: Asia-Pacific travel, ultra-premium experiences
- Learn more at singaporeair.com/krisflyer
Iberia Plus
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant
- Sweet Spots: Off-peak awards to Europe (17,000 Avios), domestic Spanish flights
- Best For: Spain/Europe travel, Oneworld connections
- Learn more at iberia.com/iberia-plus
Air Canada Aeroplan
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant
- Sweet Spots: No fuel surcharges on many partners, stopover on one-way awards
- Best For: Star Alliance awards, Canada travel
- Learn more at aeroplan.com
Hotel Transfer Partners (3 Partners)
World of Hyatt
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant
- Sweet Spots: Category 1-4 properties, all-inclusive resorts
- Best For: Luxury aspirational properties, consistent value
- Learn more at hyatt.com/world-of-hyatt
Marriott Bonvoy
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant to 2 business days
- Sweet Spots: Fifth night free on awards, peak/off-peak pricing
- Best For: Worldwide footprint, variety of brands
- Learn more at marriott.com/bonvoy
IHG One Rewards
- Transfer Ratio: 1:1
- Transfer Time: Instant
- Sweet Spots: PointBreaks promotions, fourth night free
- Best For: International destinations, Holiday Inn properties
- Learn more at ihg.com/onerewards
How to Transfer Chase Points to Partners
Ready to make your first transfer? Here's exactly how to do it—I'll walk you through each step so nothing gets lost in translation.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process
- Log into your Chase account at chase.com and navigate to your Ultimate Rewards dashboard
- Select "Transfer to Travel Partners" from the main menu—you'll see all available partners displayed
- Choose your transfer partner and click on their logo. You'll need to link your loyalty program account if it's your first transfer to that partner
- Link your loyalty account by entering your member number and last name exactly as it appears in the partner program. This is crucial—mismatched names will cause delays
- Enter the number of points you want to transfer. Remember, transfers must be in increments of 1,000 points
- Review and confirm all details carefully. Double-check the loyalty program number—once you transfer, there's no going back
- Submit the transfer and note the confirmation number. Most transfers complete instantly, but keep this number just in case
Pro Tips for Smooth Transfers
After guiding countless readers through their first transfers, here are the mistakes I see most often (and how to avoid them):
- Always confirm award availability first—never transfer speculatively
- Match names exactly between Chase and partner accounts to avoid processing delays
- Screenshot your confirmation in case you need to follow up
- Transfer only what you need plus a small buffer for taxes/fees
- Check for transfer bonuses which Chase occasionally offers (typically 20-30% bonus)
Sweet Spot Redemptions by Partner
Let's talk about where your points can really shine. These are the redemptions where I consistently see values of 2 cents per point or higher.
Best Airline Sweet Spots
United MileagePlus
- Domestic saver awards starting at 5,000 miles one-way
- Partner awards on Turkish Airlines to Europe (30,000 miles one-way)
- Excursionist Perk adds a free one-way within a region on round-trip international awards
British Airways Executive Club
- American Airlines flights under 650 miles for just 7,500 Avios
- Off-peak awards to Europe starting at 13,000 Avios
- Aer Lingus business class to Europe for 48,750 Avios
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Delta One Suites to Europe for 50,000 points one-way
- ANA First Class to Japan for 110,000-120,000 points round-trip
- Upper Class to London starting at 47,500 points one-way
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- Monthly Promo Rewards offering 25-50% discounts
- Business class to Europe from 53,000 miles one-way
- Inter-Europe flights starting at 7,500 miles
Best Hotel Sweet Spots
World of Hyatt
- Category 1 hotels for just 5,000 points per night
- Luxury all-inclusives in Mexico/Caribbean using points
- Suite upgrades using points + cash combinations
Marriott Bonvoy
- Off-peak Category 1-5 redemptions
- Fifth night free on award stays
- Vacation packages combining hotel + air
Comparing Chase to Other Programs
How does Chase stack up against the competition? Let's look at the key differences that matter when choosing your primary points currency.
Chase vs American Express Membership Rewards
Transfer Speed
- Chase: Mostly instant
- Amex: Can take 24-72 hours for some partners
Airline Partners
- Chase: Stronger for domestic travel (United, Southwest)
- Amex: Better for international premium cabins (more partners)
Hotel Partners
- Chase: Hyatt is the crown jewel
- Amex: Only has Hilton and Marriott
Transfer Ratios
- Chase: All 1:1
- Amex: Some partners less favorable (Hilton at 1:2)
Chase vs Citi ThankYou Points
Partner Overlap
- Both have: JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, Flying Blue
- Chase exclusive: United, Southwest, Hyatt
- Citi exclusive: Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific
Transfer Minimums
- Chase: 1,000 points
- Citi: 1,000 points
Portal Value
- Chase: 1.25-1.5 cents with premium cards
- Citi: Up to 1 cent per point
Chase vs Capital One Miles
Transfer Partners
- Chase: 14 partners
- Capital One: 18 partners
Unique Advantages
- Chase: Hyatt partnership, instant transfers
- Capital One: Turkish Airlines, more international carriers
Earning Potential
- Chase: Category bonuses up to 5x
- Capital One: Flat 2x on everything with Venture X
Strategies for Maximizing Value
Want to get the most from your transfers? Here are the strategies I use to consistently achieve 2+ cents per point in value.
The Research-First Approach
Never transfer points without a plan. I always:
- Search for award availability first
- Calculate the cash price alternative
- Ensure I'm getting at least 1.5 cents per point value
- Consider transfer bonuses if available
Stack With Transfer Bonuses
Chase occasionally offers transfer bonuses—typically 20-30% extra points when transferring to specific partners. When these align with your travel plans, they can push good redemptions into great territory. I've seen bonuses to Virgin Atlantic, Marriott, and Flying Blue in recent years.
Use the Right Card for Transfers
Not all Chase cards can transfer to partners. You need:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (our full review)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase Ink Business Preferred
Freedom cards can't transfer directly but can pool points to a premium card in your household.
Think Beyond Direct Routes
Some of the best redemptions come from understanding airline partnerships. For example:
- Book Lufthansa First Class using United miles
- Fly Japan Airlines using British Airways Avios
- Access Emirates using Singapore KrisFlyer miles
Time Your Transfers Strategically
While most transfers are instant, I recommend:
- Transferring only when you're ready to book
- Keeping points in Chase for flexibility until needed
- Taking advantage of program-specific promotions
- Monitoring partner program devaluations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After years of helping readers navigate these waters, here are the costly mistakes I see most often.
Transferring Without Checking Availability
This is the big one. Points transferred to partners can't come back to Chase, so always:
- Search for award availability first
- Have backup dates in mind
- Understand the partner's booking rules
- Know cancellation policies before transferring
Ignoring the Math
Not every transfer makes sense. Always calculate:
- Cash price of your desired redemption
- Points required for the award
- Value per point (cash price ÷ points needed)
- Compare to booking through Chase Travel portal
Overlooking Transfer Times
While most are instant, some partners take longer:
- Marriott: Up to 2 business days
- Singapore Airlines: Up to 2 business days
- Plan accordingly for time-sensitive bookings
Forgetting About Fees
Partner programs often charge fees that Chase doesn't:
- Close-in booking fees
- Phone booking fees
- Change/cancellation fees
- Always factor these into your value calculations
Missing Transfer Bonuses
Sign up for partner program emails to hear about:
- Transfer bonuses from Chase
- Partner-specific promotions
- Sweet spot fare sales
- Program changes that affect value
Tools and Resources
Make your life easier with these essential tools for maximizing your Ultimate Rewards transfers.
Award Search Tools
- ExpertFlyer - Comprehensive award availability search
- Seats.aero - Real-time award availability
- Point.me - Multi-program award search
Planning Resources
- Google Flights for cash price comparisons
- Partner airline award charts
- Roame for routing options
- Award booking services for complex itineraries
Tracking Tools
- Spreadsheet for your points balances
- Award booking calendars
- Price tracking for comparison
- Partner program apps for real-time balances
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers take? Most transfers to partners happen instantly. However, Marriott Bonvoy and Singapore Airlines can take up to 2 business days. Always check current processing times before transferring for time-sensitive bookings.
Can I transfer points back from partners to Chase? No, transfers are one-way only. Once you move points to a partner program, they cannot be returned to Chase. This is why it's crucial to confirm award availability before transferring.
Do transferred points expire? Once transferred, points follow the partner program's expiration rules. For example, United miles don't expire, but Flying Blue miles expire after 24 months of inactivity. Research each program's policies before transferring.
Which Chase cards allow transfers to partners? Only premium Chase cards allow transfers: Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Business Preferred. Freedom cards cannot transfer directly but can pool points to a premium card.
What's the minimum transfer amount? All Chase transfer partners require minimum transfers of 1,000 points, and subsequent transfers must be in 1,000-point increments.
Are there fees for transferring points? Chase doesn't charge fees for transferring points to partners. However, partner programs may charge fees for award bookings, changes, or cancellations.
Can I transfer points to someone else's loyalty account? Generally, you can only transfer to accounts in your own name or an authorized user's name. Some partners allow family pooling, but this varies by program.
When do transfer bonuses typically occur? Chase offers transfer bonuses sporadically, usually 2-4 times per year. Common bonus amounts are 20-30%, and they typically last 4-6 weeks. Sign up for Chase emails to get notified.
The Bottom Line
Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners unlock incredible value for your points—but only if you use them strategically. The key is understanding which partners offer the best value for your specific travel goals and always doing the math before transferring.
Remember, flexibility is the true value of Ultimate Rewards. Keep your points in Chase until you're ready to book, research thoroughly before transferring, and always calculate the cents-per-point value to ensure you're getting a good deal.
Whether you're booking short domestic hops on Southwest, luxury hotels through Hyatt, or aspirational first-class flights with Virgin Atlantic, these transfer partners give you options that cash simply can't match. Start with the sweet spots I've outlined, but don't be afraid to explore—some of the best redemptions come from thinking creatively about partner combinations.
Ready to put your Ultimate Rewards to work? Pick a destination, check award availability with your chosen partner, and make those transfers count. Your next adventure is just a transfer away.
This post contains affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.