Top 10 Chase Ultimate Reward Questions

UPATE: This post includes offers that are no longer available.

This is post #11 of a series regarding the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

Related Posts:

• Introduction to Chase Ultimate Rewards Program
• Maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards with Chase Freedom
• Maximizing your Chase Freedom, Chase Sapphire, Chase Ink Classic, and Chase Ink Cash Points
• Downgrading your Chase Ultimate Rewards Card to Avoid the Annual Fee
• Best Redemption for Chase Ultimate Reward Points – Hotel Stays
• Best Redemption for Chase Ultimate Reward Points – Air Travel
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire
• Chase Ultimate Rewards: Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Bold
• Comparison of Four Chase Ink Ultimate Rewards Credit Cards
• Difference Between the Chase Ink Bold and Chase Ink Plus
• Top 10 Chase Ultimate Reward Questions

Over the past month or so, I’ve gone through an entire series on the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. This program has received much publicity over the past year and it is definitely a top program for flexible travel. So with these posts, I’ve received MANY comments and questions that I think would be great to broadcast for all my readers. Here you go!

Question 1: I recently got approved for a Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Plus card. So I am hoping to get the full Ultimate Reward points after I fulfill spending requirements in given time. Since 50,000 UR points can be used for booking air-ticket worth $625, can I use 100,000 points to book an air ticket worth $1250??

Answer 1: Yes, you are absolutely able to combine your points into one account and then redeem the entire your combined points. While all the points do not get clumped into the same bucket, you are able to easily transfer points from one account to another – for free.

Question 2: Any tips for getting BOTH the Chase Ink Plus and Chase Sapphire Preferred at the same time? Is there a two browser trick?

Answer 2: There really is no two browser trick, however, you can absolutely apply for both card. Just be prepared to initially get declined for the 2nd one you apply for. Chase has gotten strict recently about the amount of Chase applications in a short time period. However, a quick call to the reconciliation department and having them transfer some lines of credit around will probably work and get you approved for the 2nd applied card. Of course there is no guarantee.

Question 3: If you book a hotel with UR Points, do you get your hotel program points for the cost of the stay? What about credit toward status?

Answer 3: Absolutely! When using your Ultimate Rewards points it is as if you paid with cash. Thus, you get your points, credit towards status, and any perks you get if you have status with the airline/hotel.

Question 4: Are transferred UR points to Southwest Rapid Rewards good toward the companion pass?

Answer 4: Unfortunately Southwest points transferred over do not count towards companion pass status.

Question 5: Is it possible to transfer points from my wife’s Ultimate Rewards account to my Ultimate Rewards account? She doesn’t have the Sapphire Preferred card yet and wants me to manage all points for us both.

Answer 5: Yes, Chase allows you to transfer points from a spouses account. This means if you have the Chase Freedom card and you spouse has the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, for example, you can transfer the points from a non-Premier account to a Premier account and then transfer points to a partner program.

Question 6: Do points transferred from my Freedom account to my Sapphire Preferred account get the 7% bonus?

Answer 6: Technically no, but awhile ago many reported being able to get the 7% bonus on those transferred points. However, I have not heard of this in awhile, so this is most likely no longer a nice glitch in the system.

Question 7: If you combine your Freedom points with the Sapphire Preferred points do you need to use them prior to canceling the Sapphire Preferred card when the annual fees comes due? Or can you transfer any remaining points back to the Freedom account? Can they go back and forth?

Answer 7: Since all points earned remain in their own individual account, if you cancel a card you must use the points or transfer the points to a cards account that is not being cancelled. So in this example, you must transfer your Chase Sapphire Preferred account to your Chase Freedom account. All your points will then be linked to your Chase Freedom card and you will not be able to transfer those points to partner loyalty program.

Question 8: When I signed up for the Freedom card 2-3 years ago, I did not receive any sign up points. Do you think if I call them they will give me points or is that a waste of time?

Answer 8: While there is no definite answer to this, it is absolutely worth calling and finding out. Typically Chase will match a new offer bonus within 90 days of applying for your card. What you will probably have to do is re-apply for the card to receive the bonus points since you never received any the first time.

Question 9: Is there anyway to apply for the Chase Ink Bold card?

Answer 9: Unfortunately, Chase got rid of this card late in 2014 and while there were still some links available, those have been taken away.  So the short answer is No, there is currently no way to apply for the Chase Ink Bold credit card. If you already have the card though, you can still use it as you normally would.

Question 10: Does it make more sense to transfer points to an airline program for redemption or book travel through ultimate rewards?

Answer 10: It really depends on your travel desires, however, typically the best redemption value will come from transferring your points to Hyatt, United, or British Airways. You can learn more about my take on the redemption values for airlines here and hotels here.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links where I get paid commission if you apply and get approved for a credit card. I will only list the best credit card offers as my goal is for you to travel for free! As always, your support is much appreciated!