--- title: "Amex Membership Rewards vs Chase Ultimate… | FlightLogic" description: "Chase Ultimate Rewards excels for Hyatt hotel transfers, United and Southwest redemptions, and a simpler earning structure via Sapphire cards. Amex Membership…" url: https://flightlogic.co.uk/guides/amex-membership-rewards-vs-chase-ultimate-rewards/ lastModified: 2026-07-01 source: FlightLogic (flightlogic.co.uk) licence: "Content © Elite Digital AI Solutions Ltd. Cite the URL above and the page author." --- # Amex Membership Rewards vs Chase Ultimate Rewards: Which Points Program Wins in 2026? Chase Ultimate Rewards excels for Hyatt hotel transfers, United and Southwest redemptions, and a simpler earning structure via Sapphire cards. Amex Membership Rewards wins on ANA, Delta (via partners), and premium cabin space through Air France–KLM and Virgin Atlantic, plus a broader merchant acceptance issue on Amex cards in the US. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 ## 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. ## Before you pack — pre-trip essentials Flight and hotel links convert late. Finance, FX, insurance, and gear decisions happen weeks earlier — when professionals budget for long-haul stays. These picks fund FlightLogic without touching editorial scores. ### Budget the trip before you book flights Educational UK travel credit card comparisons — Avios, Virgin Points, lounge access, and Section 75 protection. FlightLogic does not earn commission on credit cards. ### Cover before you pack What UK travel insurance must cover for a flight booking, GHIC vs insurance, pre-existing condition screening, and FCA-authorised providers to get quotes from. ### Avios & companion vouchers Week-by-week educational roadmap for UK households — companion-voucher break-even maths, UK261 documentation, and how Avios cards fit a stack before your first long-haul. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Are Amex or Chase points more valuable? Neither is universally more valuable — it depends on redemption. Chase wins for Hyatt and United; Amex wins for ANA, Singapore, and some Air France–KLM premium awards. Flexible travellers benefit from holding both. ### Can I transfer Amex points to United? No — United is a Chase exclusive among major US bank transfer partners. You can reach United via other routes (e.g., Aeroplan or LifeMiles in some cases) but not a direct Amex-to-United transfer. ### Which is better for Hyatt hotels — Chase or Amex? Chase is the only option — transfer Ultimate Rewards directly to World of Hyatt at 1:1. Amex has no Hyatt partnership. ### Do Amex or Chase points expire? Points do not expire as long as your earning card account remains open and in good standing. Closing the last card that holds your points balance can forfeit them — transfer or redeem before closing accounts. ### Should I get Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve? Platinum for Centurion Lounges and MR partners; Reserve for Priority Pass, Chase lounges, and UR partners including Hyatt. Many frequent travellers hold both for complementary benefits. Written by [Alex Turner](https://flightlogic.co.uk/authors/alex-turner/) Editor, Credit Cards & Points Strategy Alex leads FlightLogic's credit card coverage, testing welcome offers and running real-world break-even math on annual fees. He models every card he reviews against his own spending, not theoretical scenarios.