The New Year is kicking off with a bang, and Chase Ultimate Rewards is here to help you maximize your travel plans for 2025. With three limited-time transfer bonuses to popular travel partners—Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Air Canada Aeroplan, and IHG One Rewards—there’s never been a better time to stretch the value of your Chase points. These promotions, valid until January 15, 2025, can help you unlock incredible flights, luxurious hotel stays, or bucket-list experiences.
In this guide, we’ll break down each bonus, assign MileageMaverick Grades, and explain the value (or lack thereof) in transferring your points. Plus, we’ll show you how MileageMaverick’s "Trip Plan with a Travel Hacker" service can help you maximize every point.
Why We Love Transfer Bonuses
Transfer bonuses are the cornerstone of any smart travel hacking strategy. By transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to loyalty partners during these promotions, you can significantly increase their value. While the Chase Travel Portal has its perks, transferring points to airline and hotel programs often provides better redemption options, especially during bonuses.
Whether you’re aiming for a dream vacation or a practical family trip, these bonuses can turn good travel plans into great ones.
Understanding Amex Point Transfer Bonuses
Chase periodically offers transfer bonuses to encourage point transfers to specific travel partners. These bonuses give you a percentage boost when transferring points. For example, a 30% bonus means transferring 10,000 Chase points yields 13,000 miles or points with the partner.
When scaled up for premium redemptions, the savings can be significant. Booking a business class flight or a luxury hotel stay during a transfer bonus could save you 20,000–50,000 points or more compared to standard rates.
These bonuses shine when paired with high-value redemptions like business-class flights or luxury hotel stays. However, timing is everything. Once you transfer points, you can’t return them to Chase Ultimate Rewards, so make sure you have a clear plan before committing.
Chase Point Transfer Bonuses at a Glance
Partner | Bonus | Best Uses | Our Grade |
Air France/KLM Flying Blue | 25% | Europe flights, monthly Promo Rewards, Delta flights in the U.S. | B (Good Deal) |
Air Canada Aeroplan | 20% | Star Alliance flights, business class redemptions, Aeroplan stopovers. | B (Good Deal) |
IHG One Rewards | 70% | Stays at luxury IHG properties like InterContinental, budget-friendly hotels. | C (Fair Deal) |
1. Air France/KLM Flying Blue – 20% Transfer Bonus
MileageMaverick Grade: B (Good Deal)
Why? We’re big fans of Flying Blue for its flexibility, transparency, and ease of use. Whether you’re redeeming for a transatlantic flight or snagging a Promo Reward deal, this program is one of the easiest to work with. However, the 20% bonus is the lowest we’ve seen recently—last year’s transfer bonus was 25%.
While 5% may not seem significant, every extra point matters when booking premium flights. For example, a 100,000-point transfer for Japan Airlines First Class could mean a difference of 5,000 points saved. If you’re looking for flexibility and reliability, Flying Blue is still a great option.
Best Uses:
Use Promo Rewards for discounted flights to Europe in both economy and business class.
Redeem Flying Blue points for Delta flights at lower rates than Delta’s own SkyMiles program often charges.
Example: A Promo Reward business class flight from New York to Paris costs 53,000 Flying Blue miles. With the 20% bonus, you only need 44,200 Chase points.
Helpful Links:
2. Air Canada Aeroplan – 20% Transfer Bonus
MileageMaverick Grade: B (Good Deal)
Why? Aeroplan consistently ranks as one of the best airline loyalty programs, and this 20% bonus is the highest we’ve ever seen since we started tracking in 2019. For Air Canada enthusiasts, this is an “A”-grade deal, especially if you love Aeroplan’s unique features like stopovers for just 5,000 points.
That said, Aeroplan redemptions can sometimes feel unpredictable, especially with changing mileage requirements for partner flights. While not as jaw-dropping as bonuses for programs like British Airways, this deal still offers excellent value when booking with Star Alliance partners.
Best Uses:
Book Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa or ANA for premium cabin travel.
Add a stopover on your route for just 5,000 Aeroplan points.
Example: A business class flight from Chicago to Zurich on Swiss Airlines costs 70,000 Aeroplan points. With the 20% bonus, you only need to transfer 58,400 Chase points.
Helpful Links:
Aeroplan Award Chart
3. IHG One Rewards – 70% Transfer Bonus
MileageMaverick Grade: C (Fair Deal)
Why? Hotel transfer bonuses don’t excite us much, and this 70% bonus is no exception. While it may seem impressive on the surface, IHG points generally offer less value than airline miles. If you’re focused on luxury air travel, we recommend using your Chase points elsewhere.
That said, if you’ve had your heart set on an InterContinental property like the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, or you’re looking to stretch points for mid-tier hotels, this bonus could make sense. Just remember: for most travelers, the value here is limited.
Best Uses:
Book high-end properties like the InterContinental Bora Bora or Regent Hong Kong.
Stretch points for road trip stays at budget-friendly IHG hotels.
Example: A night at the InterContinental Times Square in New York costs 70,000 IHG points. With the 70% bonus, you need only 41,200 Chase points.
Helpful Links:
How to Maximize These Bonuses
Plan Ahead: Before transferring points, confirm award availability on the partner’s website. Tools like AwardWallet or ExpertFlyer can help.
Diversify Your Options: Consider splitting your points across multiple partners to create more travel opportunities.
Act Quickly: These bonuses expire on January 15, 2025, so don’t wait too long to decide.
Introducing MileageMaverick’s "Trip Plan with a Travel Hacker" Service
Transfer bonuses are powerful, but crafting the perfect itinerary can be overwhelming. That’s where MileageMaverick’s "Trip Planning with a Hacker" service comes in. For $139, we’ll work with you to design a personalized travel plan that saves money and maximizes your points.
What You’ll Get
Tailored Itineraries: Plans that match your preferences, interests, and budget.
Money-Saving Strategies: Expert advice on flights, hotels, and transportation.
Maximized Points: Get the most value from your Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Insider Tips: Learn travel hacking techniques for future trips.
Ready to Plan?
Visit our Trip Planning with a Hacker page to learn more and book your session today.
FAQs
Can I split my transfers across multiple partners?
Yes! You can transfer points to multiple programs during the bonus period, as long as your accounts are linked.
Are these transfer bonuses guaranteed to return in the future?
Are transfer bonuses applied automatically?
What happens if I transfer points but don’t use them immediately?
Wrapping Up
The Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer bonuses to KLM/Air France Flying Blue, Air Canada Aeroplan, and IHG One Rewards offer a mix of solid and good value. Flying Blue provides flexibility and reliability, while Aeroplan excels for premium Star Alliance travel. The IHG bonus, while flashy, is best suited for those focused on hotel stays.
Use these bonuses wisely and pair them with MileageMaverick’s "Trip Planning with a Hacker" service to unlock unforgettable travel experiences. Remember, these offers expire on January 15, 2025—so start planning your next adventure now!
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