Before redeeming points, check to see which redemption method carries the most value. For example, if you can get more value by transferring your points to a partner rather than booking your trip through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, that may be the best choice. Go with the method that will cost you fewer points.

Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to travel partners is generally the best way to get the maximum value for your points, but only if you have a specific high-value redemption in mind. When you transfer to partners like World of Hyatt, United, or Virgin Atlantic, you can often achieve a value of 2.0 cents per point or higher, especially for luxury hotel stays or international business class flights. In contrast, booking through the Chase Travel portal usually provides a fixed value of 1.25 cents (Sapphire Preferred) or 1.5 cents (Sapphire Reserve). However, the portal is "better" if you are booking a cheap domestic flight where award availability is limited, or if you want to earn miles on the flight (which you don't on award tickets). Before transferring, always check the award availability on the partner's site, as transfers are one-way and irreversible. If you are looking for simple, flexible bookings without hunting for "award seats," the portal is easier; if you want a $10,000 flight for 80,000 points, transferring is the only way.