When it comes to how you can use your Ultimate Reward points, there certainly is no shortage of redemption options. So what redemption offers are available to you and which methods are best?
Cash-Back
Since the Freedom card is a cash-back card, the main redemption is obviously in the form of cash-back.
You can receive your cash-back via a statement credit to offset purchases you’ve made, or get a deposit straight into the bank account you have linked with your account.
Either way, you will receive a value of 1 cent per point, making 15,000 points worth $150.
Redeeming for Gift Cards
Another option is to redeem your points for gift cards from over 150 different merchants. Chase will give you 1 cent toward the card of your choice for each point you have — so generally, a $25 gift card to Amazon would cost 2,500 points.
If this is a method you would consider, you should really just opt for cash-back instead.
Often times you can receive cash-back at an equal or better rate than a gift card and you won’t be tied to using it at a specific merchant.
Shop With Points on Apple and Amazon
If your card is linked to your Apple and/or Amazon account, Chase will give you the option to use your points toward purchases you make with either retailer. Again, your points are worth a fixed 1 cent per point with this method.
Chase Experience Portal
Chase cardholders can even use their points to book one-of-a-kind experiences through the Chase Experiences Portal, like VIP access to sporting events or a night of fine dining.
While these experiences are only available to Chase cardholders, it is generally better just book them with cash, since using your points will only earn you 1 cent per point in value.
Redeeming Points Through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal
If you head to the Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal, you’ll find that you can also use your points to offset travel purchases like airfare or hotel stays.
Your points will be valued at 1 cent per point toward such purchases, and you can enjoy perks like no blackout dates.
Pair With Other Ultimate Rewards Cards to Transfer to Airline and Hotel Partners
If you hold an Ultimate Rewards-earning card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you can transfer the points earned from your Chase Freedom card to unlock huge value.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are incredibly valuable because of their ability to be transferred to select airline and hotel partners. This opens up a wealth of different options for your points in terms of the experiences that can be booked with them.
If you’re strategic about how you use your Ultimate Reward points, you can book first/business class flights, or 5-star hotel stays for just pennies on the dollar.
New to the world of points and miles, or find it difficult to navigate the different transfer partners and award charts? We are here to help! Start with our Beginner’s Guide.
BOTTOM LINE: Opt for transfer partners when redeeming your hard-earned earned points for your best value. Stay away from using them for gift cards, Amazon purchases, or any other method that earns you 1 cent per point or less in value.
Using your reward points as cash-back in the Chase rewards portal offers the same or lesser value, and can be used for a variety of merchandise.
However, the most valuable way to redeem these points would be to get a Chase travel rewards card, and then either use the points in the travel portal with a 25%-50% bonus or transfer to a travel partner at a 1:1 ratio.
Many options exist for redeeming your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, so using this last strategy will give you lots of ways to earn greater value for your points!
If you only have the Freedom card, you won’t have access to Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partners.
However, if you also have a Chase Ultimate Rewards credit card that carries an annual fee (for example, the Ink Business Preferred card or Chase Sapphire Preferred card) you will have access to their travel partners. This is achieved by transferring your points earned by the Freedom card to your premium Chase card award balance.