Can You Use Chase Points for Airbnb? Your Ultimate Guide
Yes, you can use Chase points for Airbnb, but it’s not always the most lucrative option. The value you’ll receive per point will depend on how you choose to redeem them. This guide breaks down all the methods and helps you decide if using your Chase Ultimate Rewards points for Airbnb makes financial sense. Let’s dive in and explore your options!
Understanding Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Before we delve into the specifics of using your points for Airbnb, let’s quickly recap what Chase Ultimate Rewards are. They’re the flexible points you earn with various Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Chase Freedom Unlimited. Their value lies in their versatility, allowing you to redeem them for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more. However, the redemption value varies considerably.
How to Use Chase Points for Airbnb
Here’s a detailed look at the different ways you can use your Chase points to pay for your Airbnb stay:
1. Redeeming Through the Chase Travel Portal
This is the most straightforward method. Chase has its own travel portal, much like Expedia or Priceline. You can access it through your Chase account.
How it Works: Log in to your Chase account, navigate to “Ultimate Rewards,” and click “Travel.” You can then search for Airbnb properties as if you were on the Airbnb website.
Point Value: The value of your points when redeemed through the Chase Travel Portal depends on the Chase card you hold.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Points are worth 1.5 cents each. This means 10,000 points will get you $150 worth of travel.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Points are worth 1.25 cents each. So, 10,000 points are worth $125.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited/Freedom Flex/Chase Ink Preferred: Points are worth 1 cent each, the same as cash back.
Pros: Simple, easy to use, and offers a decent value (especially with the Sapphire Reserve).
Cons: You are limited to the inventory listed on the Chase Travel Portal which might not include every Airbnb listing. Also, sometimes you might find better deals booking directly with Airbnb.
2. Transferring Points to Airline or Hotel Partners
This is often the most valuable but requires more research and flexibility. Chase partners with numerous airlines and hotels, allowing you to transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to their loyalty programs. While you can’t directly transfer to Airbnb, you can leverage these partners to offset your travel costs.
- How it Works: Identify an airline or hotel partner that suits your travel plans. Transfer your Chase points to that partner’s loyalty program (typically at a 1:1 ratio). Use the transferred points to book flights or hotel stays, freeing up cash that you can then use for your Airbnb.
- Point Value: This is where the real potential lies. The value varies wildly depending on the airline, the hotel, and how you redeem the points. You could potentially get 2 cents per point or even more by maximizing the value of your airline or hotel redemptions.
- Pros: High potential for maximizing point value.
- Cons: Requires more planning and flexibility. Award availability can be limited.
3. Redeeming for Cash Back and Using the Cash for Airbnb
While not directly using points for Airbnb, you can redeem your points for cash back (usually at a value of 1 cent per point) and then use that cash to pay for your Airbnb.
- How it Works: Simply redeem your points for cash back through your Chase account.
- Point Value: Usually 1 cent per point.
- Pros: Simple and straightforward.
- Cons: Generally the least valuable way to redeem your points. You are better off using the travel portal option.
Deciding if it’s Worth It
Before redeeming your points for Airbnb, compare the redemption value across all the methods discussed. Also, compare the cost of your Airbnb stay with the equivalent hotel stay or flight that you could book using your points through the Chase Travel Portal or through transfer partners.
Example:
Let’s say you want to book an Airbnb for $500.
- Through the Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Portal: You’d need approximately 33,333 points (500 / 0.015).
- Cash Back Redemption: You’d need 50,000 points (500 / 0.01).
Now, consider if you could get more value by transferring those 33,333 points to a Hyatt hotel partner and booking several nights at a hotel that would normally cost you $100-$200 per night. If so, transferring to a hotel partner is the better option because the cash you save on the hotel can be put towards paying for your Airbnb.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a combination of Chase points and cash for Airbnb?
Yes, when booking through the Chase Travel Portal, you can typically use a combination of points and cash. You can select how many points you want to use and pay the remaining balance with your Chase credit card or other payment method.
2. Do I earn points on Airbnb bookings made through the Chase Travel Portal?
Yes, you’ll typically earn points based on your Chase credit card’s earning structure when paying the remaining balance with your card after using points.
3. Are there any fees when using Chase points for Airbnb?
There shouldn’t be any extra fees when using Chase points through the Chase Travel Portal or transferring to partners. However, always double-check the terms and conditions to be sure.
4. Can I use Chase points for Airbnb gift cards?
No, Chase doesn’t directly offer Airbnb gift cards as a redemption option for Ultimate Rewards points.
5. Is it better to book directly with Airbnb or through the Chase Travel Portal?
This depends. Compare prices and availability. Sometimes, booking directly offers better deals or access to a wider range of properties. However, using the Chase Travel Portal with a Sapphire Reserve card gives you a 1.5 cent per point value, which can be very competitive.
6. What happens if I need to cancel an Airbnb booking made with Chase points?
Cancellation policies vary depending on the property and the platform you booked through (Chase Travel Portal or directly with Airbnb). Review the cancellation policy before booking. If you booked through the Chase Travel Portal, contact Chase customer service for assistance with cancellations and point refunds.
7. Can I transfer Chase points to someone else to use for their Airbnb stay?
No, you cannot directly transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to another person’s Airbnb account. However, you could book an Airbnb through the Chase Travel Portal in someone else’s name.
8. How long does it take for Chase points to transfer to airline or hotel partners?
Transfer times vary. Some transfers are instantaneous, while others can take 1-2 business days. Always initiate the transfer well in advance of when you need to use the points.
9. Can I use Chase points to pay for Airbnb Experiences?
While not a direct option, you could redeem points for cash back and use that to pay for Airbnb Experiences. You can also book a hotel or flight using points and leverage the travel savings to offset the expense of the Airbnb Experience.
10. Are Chase points a good option for budget travelers using Airbnb?
Potentially, yes. If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the 1.5 cent per point value can stretch your budget, especially for longer stays. Carefully compare it to other redemption options, like hotels or flights.
11. Does the Chase Travel Portal offer the same protections as booking directly with Airbnb?
The Chase Travel Portal generally provides similar protections as other online travel agencies. However, review the terms and conditions to understand the extent of coverage in case of cancellations, changes, or other unforeseen issues. Also, consider purchasing travel insurance for additional protection.
12. What happens to my Chase points if I close my Chase credit card account?
You generally lose your Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you close your credit card account unless you have another Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points and you transfer the points to that account before closing the original card. Always transfer your points before closing a card to avoid losing them.
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