Earning Redeemable Points When Booking Travel with Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards Points: Guidelines and Insights

Introduction

When it comes to earning points, travelers often wonder if they can accumulate additional redeemable points beyond their initial rewards when booking travel using their points. This article delves into the specifics of Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards programs, providing a comprehensive guide to help you understand how point redemption works.

Amex Membership Rewards: Points for Travel vs. Paying with Points

For Amex Membership Rewards, the process of using points for travel and paying with points involves distinct rules and outcomes:

Using Points for Travel: If you redeem Amex Membership Rewards points for travel like flights or hotel stays through the Amex travel portal, you typically do not earn additional Membership Rewards points on that booking. This means the transactions are not eligible for further point accrual. Paying with Points: If you use your Membership Rewards points to pay for travel expenses, those transactions usually do not earn points. You are essentially using your points to offset the cost of the travel, and no additional points are generated.

Chase Ultimate Rewards: Similarities and Differences

Chase Ultimate Rewards shares some similarities with Amex Membership Rewards in terms of point redemption for travel. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Using Points for Travel: When you book travel using your Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase travel portal, you also do not earn additional points on those bookings. Similar to Amex, the points are being used to cover the cost of the travel, without additional accrual. Pay Yourself Back: Chase offers a unique feature called 'Pay Yourself Back,' which allows you to use points to pay for various expenses like travel, but again, these transactions do not generate additional points.

Summary and Key Takeaways

In summary, when you redeem points for travel, whether through Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards, those transactions do not usually result in earning additional redeemable points. However, if you book travel using your card and pay with cash instead of points, you would earn points on that purchase according to your card's earning rate.

Another important consideration is the impact of transferring points to other programs. If you transfer your points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to another program like United, you might not earn additional points for the redemption of those transferred points.

Additional Insights

For those looking to maximize their points and rewards, here are a few additional insights:

Card Usage Before Transfers: Pay attention to your card usage before transferring points. Some cards have limits on point accrual after point transfers. Alternative Ways to Earn Points: Consider alternative methods to earn points, such as card usage for everyday expenses, cashback, and marketing promotions. Reading Terms and Conditions: Always read and understand the terms and conditions of your card program to avoid unexpected consequences.

By understanding these guidelines and tips, you can make the most of your points and rewards, optimizing your travel and earning experiences.