Significant updates have recently reached the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see Fees and fees), along with the launch of the all-new Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (check Fees and fees). This period has been quite eventful for Chase credit cards.
Among these changes, Chase has recently modified how it redeems Ultimate Reward Points. Traditionally, these points have been valued at around 1.25 to 1.5 cents each when used via Chase Travel. However, this beneficial option is being phased out. Eligible cardholders used to redeem points for as much as 2 cents each, depending on their specific card and how they choose to redeem them.
So, is this an upgrade or a downgrade? Now that the new features are in effect, it might be helpful to compare the different options and assess which ones are genuinely more beneficial.
Removed Profit: Fixed Redemption Value
Chase is eliminating the option for certain premium cardholders to redeem points with a bonus of 25% to 50%. The new standard is now set at 1 cent per point for qualifying purchases through Chase Travel.
While this is certainly not a welcome change, it’s worth noting that those who have cards opened before June 23rd can still redeem points earned prior to October 26th this year at the old rates until October 26th, 2027.
On the flip side, points accrued through new accounts opened after June 23rd will only be redeemable for 1 cent each, except for those who qualify for the new Points Boost Park.
It’ll be interesting to see how these modifications affect both existing and new cardholders.
New Benefits: Point Boost
Point Boost is now available to both new and existing cardholders. This benefit, which replaces previous bonuses for tracking travel, guarantees higher redemption rates for existing cardholders who signed up before June 23. They will see automatic redemption at elevated rates until October 26, 2027.
The upswing is that cardholders can earn 1 cent or more per point on selected Chase Travel transactions. The idea is to rate flight and hotel bookings at anywhere from 1.5 to 2 cents per point based on your card.
However, the range of new redemption rates can feel underwhelming compared to the previous reporting of Chase points at 2.05 cents each. Getting 2 cents from a point boost is fabulous, but if you’re under 1.5 cents, it’s not exactly a great deal.
Hotel Reservations
Log into Chase Travel Portal to search for hotels as you normally would.
All hotel bookings through Chase Travel are now eligible for the higher redemption rate of 2 cents per point. As a Sapphire Reserve cardholder, I can claim 2 cents for my booking at many luxury hotels.
Chase’s portal has also introduced a useful filter termed “Points Boost Only,” which simplifies finding eligible hotels. Throughout your search, these specific bookings will reflect a small rocket symbol.
For instance, a three-night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel London in Park Lane would amount to 206,216 points or $4,124.31.
Flight Purchases
Booking flights through Chase requires a bit more effort for the Point Boost. Not every airline or flight will qualify, and this list is subject to change.
Currently, eligible airlines include:
- Air Canada
- Emirates
- Eva Airways
- Qantas
- Singapore Airlines
- United Airlines
While I was exploring flights between Los Angeles and New York, I realized that United was the only eligible carrier when filtering for Point Boost options. Also, not all flights and service classes from United qualify.
For example, a flight departing New York at 9 PM did not have options for economy or economy plus under the point boost criteria; only premium economy was eligible. This specific flight would earn 1.75 cents per point for 70,741 points, which is actually better than the prior rate of 1.5 cents per point provided by Sapphire Reserve.
Keep in mind that when looking for premium cabins, Point Boost may not always yield the best return if award seat availability is an option.
For instance, one route from San Francisco to Taipei earns up to $3,434 in cash or 171,700 points. You can redeem these points and pay for part of your fare at a rate of up to 2 cents per point.
If you explore Chase’s transfer partners, you might also find a better value than what’s offered through Point Boost. In this case, transferring points to Air Canada Aeroplan could allow you to book flights for just 100,000 points, saving you over 70,000 points compared to Point Boost, translating to about 3.4 cents each. This easily outstrips the June point ratings of Chase.
If you’re in need of a flight and awards aren’t available, Point Boost can be a reasonable alternative since it allows splitting payment between cash and points. That said, be sure to check award availability to explore all potential options.
Is Point Boost Worth It?
As a cardholder of the Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Reserve for Business, you can expect to get up to 2 cents per point with hotel bookings and premium cabin airfare. I think redeeming Point Boost is valuable for premium flights if there are no award seats and for editing bookings. Otherwise, it isn’t the best use of points.
Unfortunately, point boosts aren’t as strong as what is typical for Sapphire or Ink Business cardholders. While hotels can net you up to 1.5 cents per point, which is a modest improvement over the former 25% bonus on Chase Travel purchases, airfare options feel hit-or-miss. Not every airline qualifies which detracts from the previous versatility that cardholders enjoyed.
Living in anticipation of optimal value from point boosts doesn’t necessarily empower consumers. You’re really relying on Chase’s decisions regarding which hotels, airlines, flights, and classes offer the most value. And booking directly often has advantages compared to using online travel agencies.
Also, remember, making a booking through Chase Travel can sometimes come out pricier than booking directly with an airline or hotel. So, it’s wise to do some research and crunch the numbers to see if the potential high prices on Chase Travel still offer value under Point Boost.
Conclusion
Chase has made a considerable shift in how Ultimate Reward Points can be redeemed by removing the 25% to 50% bonus for new cardholders at Chase Travel. On a brighter note, existing cardholders (those who applied by June 23) will gradually maintain greater redemption options until October 26, 2027, for points earned before October 26, 2025.
It’s encouraging to see the rollout of Point Boost while previous perks are still in play, as they provide options for cardholders of the Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, and Ink Business to redeem points. However, starting October 26, 2027, fixed redemption rates will completely disappear, leaving cardholders to evaluate the remaining value of boost options. In the meantime, existing cardholders should weigh their best choices, while new cardholders may need to strategize on how to maximize their points effectively.
