Chase Travel: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book
Traveling has never been more exciting—or more confusing. With dozens of booking sites, apps, and rewards programs available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But if you’re a Chase credit card holder, there’s a powerful travel booking option you may not be fully using yet: Chase Travel.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Chase Travel, how it works, and why it might be your best tool for planning your next trip. We’ll also cover how to make the most of Chase Ultimate Rewards®, and compare Chase Travel with other popular booking platforms.
What is Chase Travel?
Chase Travel is an online booking platform offered to Chase credit card customers. It allows users to book flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages directly using either money or Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Whether you’re using cash or points, you’ll often find competitive pricing and added perks. The service is powered by cxLoyalty, a third-party travel booking engine that partners with Chase.
Who Can Use Chase Travel?
Chase Travel is available to cardholders with eligible Chase credit cards. These include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Chase Freedom Flex®
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
While anyone with an eligible card can use Chase Travel, the value of your points and available perks may differ depending on your specific card.
Booking Options on Chase Travel
Chase Travel gives you access to a full range of travel services, including:
✈️ Flights
You can book domestic and international flights through all major airlines. No blackout dates or seat restrictions. Prices are competitive, and you can pay with points, cash, or a combination.
🏨 Hotels
Thousands of hotels and resorts are listed—from budget stays to luxury properties. Some cards unlock access to Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection properties with added benefits like free breakfast, room upgrades, or late checkout.
🚗 Rental Cars
Chase Travel lets you book vehicles from leading rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise. Some Chase cards include rental car insurance coverage when you pay with your card.
🛳️ Cruises
Chase Travel includes cruise options across popular lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian. Booking through Chase may offer bonus points or extra perks.
🌴 Vacation Packages
Want to book flights and hotels together? You can bundle them into a vacation package—often saving money and earning more points in the process.
Using Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
One of the biggest advantages of booking with Chase Travel is the ability to redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.
But how much are your points worth?
💸 Point Value by Card:
| Chase Card | Point Value in Chase Travel |
|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | 1.25¢ per point |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 1.5¢ per point |
| Chase Freedom & Ink Cards | 1.0¢ per point |
So, if you have 10,000 points:
- Sapphire Preferred = $125 in travel
- Sapphire Reserve = $150 in travel
- Freedom Unlimited = $100 in travel
To get better value from Freedom cards, you can transfer points to a Sapphire card for increased redemption value.
Key Benefits of Chase Travel
Here’s what makes Chase Travel worth considering:
✅ Better Point Redemption Value
With premium cards like Sapphire Preferred or Reserve, you get up to 50% more value per point when you book through Chase Travel.
✅ One-Stop Booking Platform
You can book everything—from a flight to a full vacation package—without switching between apps or websites.
✅ No Blackout Dates
Unlike airline loyalty programs, you can use your points for any available flight seat, regardless of the airline’s loyalty restrictions.
✅ Travel Protection Perks
Cards like the Sapphire Reserve include trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay coverage, and primary rental car insurance.
✅ Luxury Hotel Benefits
Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection offers extra amenities at top-tier properties for Reserve cardholders.
Drawbacks to Consider
While Chase Travel is convenient, it’s not perfect. Here are a few things to watch out for:
⚠️ Fewer Choices Than Direct Booking
Sometimes, hotel or airline websites may show more room or seat options than Chase Travel.
⚠️ No Elite Status Recognition
If you book a hotel through Chase Travel, you may not earn points or elite benefits (like free breakfast or upgrades) from the hotel’s own loyalty program.
⚠️ No Price Matching
Chase Travel does not offer price matching. If the same flight or hotel becomes cheaper elsewhere, you’ll need to cancel and rebook—if allowed.
⚠️ Customer Service is Outsourced
Chase Travel is run by cxLoyalty, not Chase itself. Some users have reported mixed experiences with customer service.
Chase Travel vs Other Booking Platforms
How does Chase Travel compare to services like Expedia, Booking.com, or Amex Travel?
| Feature | Chase Travel | Expedia | Booking.com | Amex Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pay with Points | Yes (Chase Points) | No | No | Yes (Amex Points) |
| Price Competitiveness | High | High | High | Medium |
| Loyalty Perks Recognition | No | Yes (some) | Yes | No (for 3rd-party) |
| Customer Service | Mixed | Good | Good | Premium (for Platinum/Gold) |
| Elite Hotel Access | Yes (Sapphire Reserve only) | No | No | Yes (Fine Hotels & Resorts) |
Pro Tips for Maximizing Chase Travel
If you’re serious about using Chase Travel effectively, keep these tips in mind:
💡 Transfer Points for More Value
If you hold a Sapphire card, you can transfer points from Freedom or Ink cards to boost value up to 1.5x in Chase Travel.
💡 Use “Pay with Points” Strategically
For low-cost bookings, paying with points can stretch your rewards further—especially if you get 1.5¢ value.
💡 Compare Before Booking
Always double-check prices with direct providers and competitors to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
💡 Book Through Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
If you have the Sapphire Reserve card, you can unlock perks like late checkout, room upgrades, and daily breakfast at premium hotels.
Is Chase Travel Worth It?
Yes—if you’re already a Chase cardholder.
The platform offers a seamless way to redeem points, often at a higher value than gift cards or cash back. Booking is easy, and the flexibility of using points, cash, or both is ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
However, it’s not always the best choice for elite travelers who care about hotel loyalty status or advanced flight options. In those cases, booking directly may offer better value or flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Chase Travel is an underrated gem in the world of online booking. It offers powerful value for Chase cardholders, especially those using the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve cards. From easy point redemption to bundled travel packages and luxury hotel perks, it’s a smart option for planning your next getaway.
Still, like any tool, it’s not perfect. Savvy travelers will always compare, plan ahead, and read the fine print. But with the right strategy, Chase Travel can help you stretch your rewards and simplify your travel experience.
FAQs About Chase Travel
Q: Do I need a Chase card to use Chase Travel?
Yes. You must have an eligible Chase credit card to access Chase Travel.
Q: Can I cancel or change a trip booked through Chase Travel?
Yes, but cancellation policies depend on the airline, hotel, or service provider. Read the terms carefully before booking.
Q: Can I earn hotel or airline loyalty points when booking through Chase Travel?
Usually no. Most hotel and airline loyalty programs don’t recognize bookings made through third-party sites.
Q: Can I combine points and cash to pay?
Yes! Chase Travel allows you to use a mix of points and money when booking.