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Program Comparison

Chase Ultimate Rewards vs Amex Membership Rewards

A detailed comparison of Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards to help you decide which loyalty program is the best fit for your travel needs.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase

Amex Membership Rewards

American Express

None
Alliance
None
points
Currency
points
1-5x points per $1 depending on card and category. Requires Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred for transfer access
Earn Rate
1-5x points per $1 depending on card and category. Earned through Platinum, Gold, and Green cards
1.8¢ per point
Avg Value
1.8¢ per point
None
Elite Tiers
None
Points do not expire while at least one UR-earning card is open. 30 days to use or transfer points after closing your last UR card
Expiration
Points do not expire while at least one MR-earning card is open
United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, British Airways Avios, Air France FlyingBlue, Singapore KrisFlyer, Aer Lingus AerClub, Air Canada Aeroplan, Iberia Plus, JetBlue TrueBlue, Virgin Atlantic, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards
Transfer Partners
Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, British Airways Avios, Air France FlyingBlue, Singapore KrisFlyer, Cathay Asia Miles, Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Avianca LifeMiles, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia Plus, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, Choice Privileges
Flexible travelers who want to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners
Best For
Travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners

Choose Chase Ultimate Rewards if you...

Flexible travelers who want to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners. Chase's transferable points currency with 13 transfer partners (10 airlines, 3 hotels) at 1:1 ratios, earned through Sapphire, Ink, and Freedom cards.

Choose Amex Membership Rewards if you...

Travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners. American Express's transferable points currency with 21 transfer partners (18 airlines, 3 hotels), the widest selection of any credit card program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards?

It depends on your travel patterns. Chase Ultimate Rewards is best for flexible travelers who want to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners. Amex Membership Rewards is best for travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners. Consider your home airport, preferred destinations, and how often you travel when choosing.

Do Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards miles expire?

Chase Ultimate Rewards: Points do not expire while at least one UR-earning card is open. 30 days to use or transfer points after closing your last UR card. Amex Membership Rewards: Points do not expire while at least one MR-earning card is open.

Can I transfer points between Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards?

While you can't transfer directly between Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards, they share transfer partners through credit card programs, which can serve as a bridge.

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