Transfer partners — where each program is stronger
Chase transfers 1:1 to United, Hyatt, British Airways Avios, Air France–KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and about a dozen others. Hyatt is the standout — the only major US transferable currency with a direct Hyatt partnership, where points often beat cash by wide margins.
Chase transfers 1:1 to United, Hyatt, British Airways Avios, Air France–KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and about a dozen others. Hyatt is the standout — the only major US transferable currency with a direct Hyatt partnership, where points often beat cash by wide margins.
Amex transfers to 20+ partners including ANA, Singapore KrisFlyer, Delta (via Flying Blue or Aer Lingus in some cases), Hilton, and Marriott. ANA round-trip business class to Japan remains one of the best MR redemptions. Amex also offers occasional transfer bonuses of 20–30% to select partners.
Earning rates on everyday spend
Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3x dining, 2x travel, and 5x on Chase Travel portal bookings. Sapphire Reserve bumps travel and dining to 3x with a higher fee. Ink business cards add 5x on office supply and telecom categories for small business owners.
Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3x dining, 2x travel, and 5x on Chase Travel portal bookings. Sapphire Reserve bumps travel and dining to 3x with a higher fee. Ink business cards add 5x on office supply and telecom categories for small business owners.
Amex Gold earns 4x restaurants and 4x US supermarkets (capped), while Platinum earns 5x on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel but only 1x elsewhere. Most points optimizers use Gold or Platinum for bonuses and a Chase card for general spend — not one card alone.
Portal redemptions vs transfers
Both programs let you redeem through their travel portals at roughly 1–1.5 cents per point depending on card tier. Portal redemptions are simple but usually cap value below premium cabin transfer sweet spots.
Both programs let you redeem through their travel portals at roughly 1–1.5 cents per point depending on card tier. Portal redemptions are simple but usually cap value below premium cabin transfer sweet spots.
Transfer to partners when you have a specific award in mind and availability confirmed. Never transfer speculatively — points move instantly and cannot be reversed. Book the award first on the partner site, then transfer the exact amount needed.
Why holding both currencies makes sense
Chase and Amex complement rather than duplicate. A Hyatt night, United saver award, or Southwest flight needs UR. ANA first class, Air France business to Europe, or a Hilton premium resort may need MR. Splitting spend across issuers also avoids over-concentrating in one program vulnerable to devaluation.
Chase and Amex complement rather than duplicate. A Hyatt night, United saver award, or Southwest flight needs UR. ANA first class, Air France business to Europe, or a Hilton premium resort may need MR. Splitting spend across issuers also avoids over-concentrating in one program vulnerable to devaluation.
Manage the Chase 5/24 rule when planning applications — often get Chase cards first, then Amex, since Amex is more lenient on recent inquiries for existing members. See /guides/best-travel-credit-cards-us for a full card stack recommendation.