Chase Ultimate Rewards Just Got Classier: Emirates Joins as Transfer Partner

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most popular rewards programs for travelers, and it just got even better. Nearly a year to the day after bringing on JetBlue as an Ultimate Rewards partner, another airline has been added to the growing list of Chase transfer partners — Emirates Skywards.

As of Aug. 25, 2019, Emirates Skywards, the loyalty program for airlines Emirates and flydubai, has officially joined as an Ultimate Rewards airline partner. That means cardholders with eligible Chase credit cards now have the option of transferring their Chase Ultimate Rewards points into Emirates Skywards Miles.

Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards to Emirates Skymiles

Chase Ultimate Rewards is the name of the rewards program for Chase cardmembers, offering a variety of redemption options, including travel, gift cards, cash back, and experiences. The Ultimate Rewards program is highly regarded among travelers, as points can be earned from any of Chase’s rewards credit cards and redemption options are some of the best.

Emirates Skywards is the newest to join the list of travel partners that allow those with eligible Chase cards to transfer points at a 1:1 ratio. The following are the current Ultimate Rewards transfer partners:

• Aer Lingus
• Air Canada
• British Airways
• Emirates Skywards
• Flying Blue (Air France/KLM)
• Hyatt
• Iberia
• IHG
• JetBlue
• Marriott
• Singapore Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic

Now, Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card, and Chase Sapphire Reserve^® cardmembers can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to their Emirates Skywards account. Transfers can occur in increments of 1,000, and your points won’t lose any value in the process as they’re transferred at a full 1:1 value. Skywards Miles can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including booking flights and hotels, as well as excursions, events, and exclusive shopping opportunities.

What else should you know about this new partnership?

Emirates is the only airline that offers direct flights from the U.S. to Dubai, according to the travel search site Skyscanner. This is great news for anyone interested in such an itinerary, but also anyone looking to travel on to one of the 139 Emirates destinations.

And for anyone with Chase Ultimate Rewards points hoping to experience the airline’s famous first-class cabins, your day just arrived. Flying first class is always a treat, but Emirates first-class cabins are luxurious, to say the least. Named World’s Best First Class of 2019 by Trip Advisor, these cabins feature private rooms, fine dining, an onboard shower, a lounge bar, and more.

Now, with enough points, you can snag one of these first-class cabins for yourself. A round-trip first-class flex fare from Boston to Dubai costs 217,500 Skywards Miles as of Aug. 25, 2019. Pay in cash, however, and you’re looking at anywhere between $13,687-$28,903 depending on your travel dates!

Even if you fly with Emirates using miles, you’ll still have to pay taxes and fees, including the airline’s hefty carrier-imposed surcharges. These can add up quickly. On that same flight from above, the taxes and fees come out to well over a thousand dollars. Before booking an award trip with Emirates, make sure to account for these expenses.

Get there sooner with these credit cards

If you want to take advantage of this new partnership but lack the necessary Ultimate Rewards points, applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve can be worthwhile — especially right now.

One of the best travel credit cards from Chase for both beginners and advanced travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is currently offering a welcome offer allowing you to earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. For a premium travel experience, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is among the best, and new cardmembers can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Great for Flexible Travel Rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

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Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

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Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Generous welcome offer valued at $750 when redeemed via Chase Travel
• High rewards on dining and bookings via Chase Travel
• 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
• Up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel
• Receive valuable travel protections like trip delay reimbursement and primary rental car insurance

Drawbacks

• Has a $95 annual fee
• Doesn’t offer airport lounge access or premium travel perks like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Doesn't offer bonus points on gas or in-person groceries purchases

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 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.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC