Planning your dream vacation can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling flights, hotels, and rewards points. But what if there was one platform that simplified the process and stretched the value of your hard-earned points?
Enter the Chase Travel Portal—a one-stop destination for booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and more by leveraging your Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Designed with convenience and versatility in mind, the portal allows Chase cardholders to find the best travel cards, deals and maximize the value of their rewards.
This blog will cover everything you need to know about the Chase Travel Portal, including its standout features, how to use it for bookings, the best strategies for maximizing your points, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
What is the Chase Travel Portal?
The Chase Travel Portal is an online booking system that allows Chase credit cardholders to use their Ultimate Rewards points to book travel. Operated by Expedia, the portal offers flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and even tours or experiences.
The main appeal? Flexibility. Unlike loyalty programs that restrict you to a specific airline or hotel chain, the Chase Travel Portal lets you book across a wide variety of brands.
Which Chase Cards Give You Access?
Not all Chase cards qualify for Ultimate Rewards redemption through the travel portal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the eligible cards and their point value boosts in the portal:
| Chase Card | Boost in Travel Portal |
|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 1 point = 1.5 cents |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 1 point = 1.25 cents |
| Chase Freedom Cards (Flex, Unlimited) | 1 point = 1 cent |
For example, if you have 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points, they’ll be worth $750 in travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, compared to $500 with Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Key Offerings of the Chase Travel Portal
Here’s what you can book using the Chase Travel Portal and why it’s a great option for frequent travelers like you:
- Flights: Book flights with various major airlines, including budget carriers, without blackout dates.
- Hotels: Access thousands of properties ranging from budget accommodations to luxury suites.
- Car Rentals: Get rental cars through well-known providers like Hertz and Avis.
- Activities and Experiences: From scuba-diving trips to city walking tours, the portal helps you plan a full itinerary.
- Cruises: Explore a wide range of cruise options, often with additional perks like onboard credits.
How to Use the Chase Travel Portal
Booking your next adventure using the Chase Travel Portal couldn’t be easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
Step 1: Log in to Your Chase Ultimate Rewards Account
Visit the Chase website or your card’s dedicated mobile app. Use your Chase credentials to log in and select “Redeem Rewards” to access the travel portal.
Step 2: Search for Your Travel Needs
Once in the portal, you’ll be greeted by a search box where you can look for flights, hotels, rental cars, or activities. Enter your travel destination, dates, and preferences, then hit “Search.”
Step 3: Explore the Results
The portal will display all available options, sorted by price or relevance. You can refine your search using various filters, such as airline, flight times, property type, or car size.
Step 4: Redeem Points or Pay With Cash
Choose whether you want to pay entirely with points, a mix of points and cash, or fully in cash. The value of your points will depend on the card you’re using.
Pro Tip: Always calculate the “point value per cent” to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Step 5: Confirm and Receive Itinerary
After selecting your choices, review your booking and confirm your travel details. You’ll immediately receive your itinerary via email.
Why Use the Chase Travel Portal?
Many travel enthusiasts wonder why they should use the portal instead of booking directly. Here are some compelling reasons:
- Boosted Point Value
If you use premium Chase cards, such as the Sapphire Reserve or Preferred, your points are worth up to 1.5x their normal value.
- Convenience
The Chase Travel Portal consolidates all your travel bookings in one place, making it easier to manage your reservations and expense tracking.
- No Blackout Dates or Restrictions
Unlike frequent flyer programs, the Chase Travel Portal has no blackout dates. Fly anytime—whether it’s peak season or a last-minute trip.
- Flexibility to Combine Points & Cash
Even if you’re short on points, the portal allows you to combine them with cash, ensuring your travel plans aren’t stalled.
- Earn Extra Rewards
You can still earn miles from airlines and points from hotels when booking through the portal.
Tips to Maximize Value From the Chase Travel Portal
Here are some expert strategies to maximize the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards while using the portal:
- Save Points for High-Cost Travel
Use points when airfare or hotel rates are particularly high. The value of your points increases significantly during peak travel periods.
- Plan Flexibly for Cheaper Rates
Prices in the travel portal are dynamic. If possible, check several travel dates for the best deals.
- Monitor Special Deals
Occasionally, the Chase Travel Portal offers promotional discounts for certain destinations or hotel chains. Check often to catch these deals.
- Pair with Transfer Partners
If you have one of the premium Chase cards, compare portal rates with point transfers to airline and hotel loyalty programs to find the best redemption option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I cancel or modify a booking in the Chase Travel Portal?
Yes, but cancellation and modification policies depend on the airline, hotel, or supplier, so always check the terms before booking.
2. Can I still earn airline miles when booking flights through Chase?
Yes, most airlines allow you to earn frequent flyer miles when booking flights through the Chase Travel Portal.
3. Can I combine Ultimate Rewards points from multiple cards?
Absolutely! You can pool points from your Chase cards into one account to maximize your rewards.
4. What happens if I don’t have enough points for a booking?
You can pay the difference using cash. This flexibility ensures you don’t miss out on a great deal.
5. Is the portal available for international travel?
Yes, the Chase Travel Portal supports both domestic and international travel bookings.
Travel Smarter With the Chase Travel Portal
The Chase Travel Portal is more than just a rewards redemption tool—it’s your gateway to maximizing points while enjoying a seamless travel booking experience. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a dream vacation, the portal makes luxury far more accessible.
Take your travel planning to the next level by utilizing this powerful tool. Not a Chase customer yet? Explore Chase’s premium card offerings and start earning travel-worthy rewards.
