Chase has entered the world of transfer bonuses with a generous transfer bonus to British Airways.
Through June 16, 2019 (11:59 PM ET), you can receive a 30% bonus when you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to British Airways Executive Club.
Note that unlike American Express or Citi, you won’t actually see the bonus displayed before you transfer. Instead, if you transfer 10,000 miles you’ll find 13,000 posted to your account (usually instantly).
This creates several excellent opportunities. Nonstop flights 1,150 miles or under run 7,500 miles each in the United States and Canada. With the transfer bonus, that’s 5,775 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Considering last-minute flights on Alaska or American Airlines can often run several hundred dollars, this represents an excellent deal.
Within Europe and Asia, flights under 650 miles are as cheap as 4,000 Avios. With the transfer bonus, that’s just 3,100 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Again, an excellent opportunity.
Longer flights do no represent as good a value, but even a nonstop between the East Coast and London in business class may run as little as 46,200 Chase Ultimate Rewards points (60,000 Executive Club points) each. That’s worth considering even with a fuel surcharge.
Will There Be More Chase Transfer Bonuses?
I am so excited to see Chase enter the world of transfer bonuses. As United devalues its MileagePlus program, transfer bonuses from Chase may be a way to offset higher prices. Transfer bonuses to Singapore or Virgin Atlantic would also greatly add to the value of our Chase points. And while I tend to rest on the pessimistic side when it comes to the world of miles and points, my prediction is that this will be the first of many transfer bonuses from Chase.
CONCLUSION
I took full of advantage of the last British Airways Executive Club transfer bonus from American Express Membership Rewards, so I am okay for now. Still, if I did not have a decent supply I’d certainly consider moving over points from Chase just in case a last-minute travel need arises.
Will you take advantage of Chase’s first Ultimate Rewards transfer bonus?
Matt, do you know any changes in the BA program this year?
There are rumors of a devaluation, but we know no details.