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.