How much are Chase points worth?

Credit card points are worth an average of 1 cent apiece, though credit card point values usually range from 0.5 cents to 1.5 cents per point, depending on the card and the redemption method. For example, you might spend 2,500 points on a $25 gift card, but the same number of points might only get you $15 when redeemed for merchandise.… read full answer

More credit cards reward users with points than you might think, too. For instance, some so-called “cash back” cards actually give points, which cardholders can redeem at a rate of 1 cent per 1 point.

Average Credit Card Point Values by Issuer:

High Credit Card Point Values:

• U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold: 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for plane tickets, hotels, and rental cars.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 1 cent per point for other redemption methods.
• J.P. Morgan Reserve: 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 1 cent per point for other redemption methods.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: 1.25 cents per point when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 1 cent per point for other redemption methods.
• Citi Premier: 1.25 cents per point when redeemed for travel through Citi ThankYou; 1 cent per point for gift card redemptions; 0.5 cent per point for cash back redemptions.

It’s important to note that credit card points can get devalued at any time by the card issuer. That means the point values listed above can change. Usually, card issuers will reserve the right to change rewards programs - including point values - in the card’s terms and conditions.

For example, a card issuer can decide that a $300 plane ticket should cost 1,000 more points than it does currently, which in turn lowers the redemption value of the reward point. That’s why cash back is usually a better value than points - $1 in cash back will always be worth $1.

The easiest way to redeem Chase rewards is online, but you can also do that over the phone at (800) 432-3117. You can redeem Chase rewards for gift cards, travel and cash back. Chase points are generally worth 1 cent each regardless of what they’re redeemed for. If you’re redeeming for cash, you can also go to a Chase branch. You’ll get your money as a statement credit or as an electronic deposit to the bank account of your choice.… read full answer

Here’s how to redeem Chase rewards:

• Online: For online redemption, log in to your Chase account and go to the Chase rewards portal. From there, you’ll be able to book trips, buy gift cards, request statement credits, etc.
• By phone: To redeem by phone, call Chase customer service at (800) 432-3117. Enter your account number to connect to a customer service representative. State that you want to redeem rewards.
• At a Chase branch: You can request a statement credit or bank account deposit in exchange for your Chase rewards at any Chase branch. You just need your account number and a picture ID. But you won’t actually get cold hard cash on the spot.

Different Chase cards have different rewards programs. One card might give you the most rewards for travel, another for everyday purchases. So, you’ll want to pick a card with a reward structure that matches your lifestyle.

For all Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards program, except Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you can also transfer Chase points to 13 airline and hotel loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio. Whether or not that’s a good deal depends on the value of the loyalty program’s miles. Chase travel partners include United, British Airways, Southwest, IHG, Marriott and others.

No, Chase Sapphire reward points do not expire. But you will lose whatever points you haven’t redeemed when you close your Chase Sapphire® Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, or Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card account. The same is true if Chase decides to close the account for you. That generally happens when you don’t pay the bill, but there are other situations, too. So, I’ll give you the full list.… read full answer

Here’s how you could lose unredeemed Chase Sapphire reward points:

• Fail to pay the minimum required amount for a few months.
• File for bankruptcy.
• Misuse the rewards program. This includes farming points by buying gift cards, selling them for cash and using the cash to pay your credit card bill, for example.
• Defrauding Chase by, for example, intentionally providing false personal information.
• Close your account.

So, careful planning and prompt payments will save your Sapphire reward points from expiration. But the fact that your points won’t vanish as long as your account remains open and in good standing doesn’t mean they’ll always be worth as much as they are now. There’s always the chance that Chase will devalue them by increasing the number needed for redemption.

Frequent redemption minimizes the risk. And there’s no reason to wait, considering that you can pay for part of a travel expense with points and put the rest on your card like a normal charge. So, it’s best to use any points you’ve accumulated each time you travel.

But if you feel too limited by having to book travel through Chase, you can always go for a top rewards card that allows you to make your arrangements anywhere. You can check out our editors' latest picks for the best travel credit cards in the market.