Updated
Fact Checked
Eric McWhinnie
With all its destinations, United Airlines can be a valuable travel partner for your Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You can transfer Chase points to United and book a trip to Hawaii, Europe, Asia, or almost anywhere within the continental United States, to name just a few options. Chase offers a 1:1 transfer ratio, so each Chase Ultimate Rewards point is worth one United MileagePlus mile.
It's quick and easy to transfer Chase points to United, but if you haven't done it before, this guide will explain the process. We'll also go over how to maximize the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you send them to United to book award airfare.
What you need to transfer Chase points to United
The main requirement to transfer Chase points to United is one of the card issuer's travel rewards credit cards in the Ultimate Rewards program.
To transfer Chase points to United, you must hold one of the following credit cards:
As of Apr. 16, 2024
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| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
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Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
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Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
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Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. 60,000 bonus points |
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. 60,000 bonus points |
Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Earn 100,000 bonus points |
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Rewards Program: Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases |
Rewards Program: Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel℠. |
Rewards Program: Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn. Earn 3 points per $1 in select business categories |
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Intro APR: N/A Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
Intro APR: Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
Intro APR: N/A Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
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Regular APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable |
Regular APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable |
Regular APR: 21.24%-26.24% Variable |
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Annual Fee: N/A $95 |
Annual Fee: N/A $550 |
Annual Fee: N/A $95 |
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Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
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In addition, you're going to need at least 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points and a United MileagePlus account for the transfer. You can register for an account on the airline's website.
How to transfer Chase points to United
Here are the steps to transfer Chase points to United:
1. Go to the Chase Ultimate Rewards site and log in
This is the fastest option, although you can also reach the Ultimate Rewards site from your Chase credit card account.
Note that if you have multiple Chase credit cards, you must choose the Chase card with the points you want to transfer right after you log in.Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access
Image source: Brooklyn Sprunger
2. Select "Transfer to Travel Partners"
This redemption method is listed in the dropdown menu under the "Travel" heading.
Image source: Brooklyn Sprunger
3. Go to the United listing and select "Transfer Points"
You'll find it in the Airlines section listed as United MileagePlus.
Image source: Brooklyn Sprunger
4. Pick a transfer recipient
You can select your recipient from a dropdown menu, and then punch in their MileagePlus account number. The recipient must be either yourself or an authorized user on your account who is also a member of your household.
5. Decide how many points to transfer
The minimum is 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points, which will get you 1,000 MileagePlus miles. Transfers must be made in 1,000-point increments.
6. Submit the transfer
You'll see all the transfer details on this final review screen. When you're ready, you can click "Submit" to transfer Chase points to United.
Transfers are typically instantaneous. Chase sets a timeframe of by the next business day for most transfers, while saying that they can take up to seven business days, but reports indicate that they normally process immediately.
Keep in mind that there's no way to undo a transfer later, so once you transfer Chase points to United, you can't cancel or send the miles back to your Chase account. To avoid a transfer you regret, it's best to find a United award ticket first, and then transfer Chase points to United so you can book it.
How to book an award ticket with United miles
To book travel on United using miles, go to the airline's website. Before you search for flights, simply check the "Book with miles" box on the booking form. You can then search for airfare to book with miles instead of cash.
If you haven't logged in to your MileagePlus account already, United will prompt you to do so before showing you flight results. You can close the login box to see results without logging in, although you would then need to log in after selecting flights.
Each award ticket will include the price in miles plus any extra cash fees. To book a ticket, click "Select." You'll then choose a flight for each leg of your trip.
When you're done selecting flights, you'll go through the checkout process and confirm your trip.
Maximizing value when you transfer Chase points to United
The value you get from United miles depends heavily on the airfare you book. Some award tickets will get you over $0.03 per mile, whereas others could net you under $0.01 per mile. Here's how to get the best value from United miles:
- Use the 30-day calendar if you have flexible travel dates. You can use the calendar to quickly find the dates with the cheapest award airfare.
- Redeem your miles for premium cabin award tickets when possible. Business class and first class tend to offer much better values than economy tickets.
- Start shopping for flights as early as possible. Award availability often decreases as it gets closer to your travel dates.
There's also a great benefit United offers if you're flying to a different region of the world. It's called the Excursionist Perk, and it allows you to add a free one-way award flight within that region to your trip. To take advantage of this perk, use United's multi-city flight search option and book using miles.
Let's say you're traveling from the continental United States to Europe. You could book a free one-way award flight within Europe on your itinerary using the Excursionist Perk, saving you miles.
Booking with United hubs
Finally, it helps to keep United's hubs in mind. These hub airports have the most United flights, which gives you the best chance at a high-value redemption. United has hubs in the following cities:
- Chicago, IL: O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Denver, CO: Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Guam: Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM)
- Houston, TX: Houston/George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Los Angeles, CA: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- New York, NY/Newark, NJ: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- San Francisco, CA: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Washington, D.C.: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Should you transfer Chase points to United or redeem through Chase's portal?
Thanks to Chase's Ultimate Rewards program, you don't need to transfer points to book a flight with United; you can also redeem points toward cash travel purchases through the Chase Travel portal.
You get $0.0125 per point this way if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the rate is higher at $0.015 per point. Since you're essentially paying in cash from United's perspective, you earn miles on the purchase, which you don't earn on award tickets.
The best way to decide between the two options is to compare their respective prices. If an award ticket costs fewer points, then you should transfer Chase points to United and book that way. If you could spend fewer Chase points with the Chase Travel portal, then that's the way to go.
Chase's United credit cards
United has a few credit cards of its own with Chase. The United airline credit cards earn miles on purchases. They also offer extra perks with the airline. Depending on which United card you choose, you could get:
- A free checked bag on every flight
- Airport lounge access to United Clubs
- Discounts on inflight purchases
Benefits like those can make a United credit card worthwhile for the airline's frequent flyers. If you travel with United often, then you may want to consider one of these cards:
As of Apr. 16, 2024
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United℠ Explorer Card |
United Club℠ Infinite Card |
United Gateway℠ Card |
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Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
|
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
|
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Earn 60,000 bonus miles |
Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Earn 80,000 bonus miles |
Welcome Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Earn 30,000 bonus miles |
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Rewards Program: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases N/A |
Rewards Program: Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. N/A |
Rewards Program: 21.74% - 28.74% Variable |
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Intro APR: N/A Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
Intro APR: Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
Intro APR: Purchases: 0%, 12 months Balance Transfers: N/A |
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Regular APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable |
Regular APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable |
Regular APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable |
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Annual Fee: $0,First Year $95 |
Annual Fee: $525 |
Annual Fee: $0 |
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The information related to United℠ Explorer Card has been collected by The Ascent and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer. The information related to United Club℠ Infinite Card has been collected by The Ascent and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
However, if you want more flexible travel points, you're better off with a Chase Ultimate Rewards card. You can transfer Chase points to United and several other travel partners, plus you can redeem them for all kinds of travel purchases in the Chase Travel portal. You can only redeem United miles through the airline.
Traveling with United using Chase points
There's no shortage of redemption opportunities when you transfer Chase points to United. With all United's destinations and its many partner airlines, you can go just about anywhere. Plus, its Excursionist Perk is perfect for seeing more of the world without paying extra. If you'd like to take a big trip this year, look into flights with United to see where you could go with your Chase points.
RELATED: The Ascent's Travel Credit Cards Hub
Still have questions?
Here are some other questions we've answered:
- How to Redeem Points on a Chase Credit Card
- How to Use the Chase Travel Portal
- How Do Credit Card Points Work?
Our favorite travel cards
If you don't want a new credit card, just keep scrolling. If you're not head-over-heels in love with your current card, though, we might be able to help. We've come up with a few lists of our favorite cards for frequent travelers. Check them out below:
FAQs
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Yes, you can transfer Chase points to United Airlines through the Ultimate Rewards program. Transfers can be made online or over the phone.
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When you transfer Chase points to United, they become United miles, which are generally worth about $0.01 to $0.015 per mile. If you have 10,000 United miles, you can expect to redeem them for $100 to $150 in airfare. However, the exact value depends on how you use them, as it's possible to get less or much more. Some travelers have gotten $0.03 per mile or more.
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Here's how to transfer your Chase points to United miles:
- Log into your Chase Ultimate Rewards account.
- Select "Transfer to Travel Partners."
- Select United Airlines.
- Provide the recipient's frequent flyer number with United. The recipient must be either yourself or an authorized user on your Chase account who's also a member of your household.
- Enter the number of Chase points you wish to send to United and submit the transfer.
Our Credit Cards Experts
Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. He writes for The Ascent and The Motley Fool, and his work has appeared in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.
Fact Checked
Eric McWhinnie
Eric McWhinnie has been writing and editing digital content since 2010. He specializes in personal finance and investing. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
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