The Points Mom

Chase Ultimate Rewards Adds JetBlue TrueBlue As A Transfer Partner

If you have a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, one way in which you can use the points is by transferring them to participating frequent travel programsQ213_points-hero1

Some of the Chase frequent traveler programs include United’s MileagePlus program, British Air Executive Club, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Aer Lingus AerClub, Iberial Plus, Air France Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, World Of Hyatt, Marriott/SPG Rewards, IHG Rewards, and Ritz Carlton Rewards.  One point equals one partner’s mile or point and transfers can be made with no transfer fee.

And now JetBlue TrueBlue!

Chase has finally joined Amex and Citibank and has added the JetBlue TrueBlue program as a Ultimate Rewards transferee and at the best exchange rate of 1:1.

Compared with Amex-Normally you can transfer your American Express Membership Rewards to your TrueBlue account at the rate of 2.5:2 (250 American Express Membership Rewards points equals 200 TrueBlue points). Note, when there is no bonus offered, the Amex rate is less than 1:1.

Compared with CitiCiti ThankYou Rewards can be transferred to JetBlue TrueBlue as well.  If you have a Citi ThankYou Premier or Citi ThankYou Prestige you can make transfers to TrueBlue at the rate of 1,000 Points = 800 TrueBlue points.  For Citi ThankYou Preferred cardmembers, you can make transfers to TrueBlue at a rate of 1,000 Points = 500 TrueBlue points. Note, the rate is less than 1:1.

Caveat-While it certainly is good news that Chase has added JetBlue as a travel partner, remember, you may not always want to use the method of transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points.  For example, if you can get the same JetBlue flights through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel website for less points, you would want to take that route. You need to figure out which method (transferring points or redeeming points through Chase) would require you to use less points for your flights.  With having the ability to redeem your points at 1.5 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and 1.25 cent per point with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, many times booking through Chase can come in more favorable.  The take away-you should ALWAYS DO A COMPARISON before you book.

Keep in mind,  when booking the travel through the travel site, your travel counts as a paid fare.  You’ll earn JetBlue TrueBlue miles on your paid fare.  This may be another (smaller) factor to consider when deciding how to use your Ultimate Rewards points.