Program Comparison
Chase Ultimate Rewards vs Amex Membership Rewards
A detailed, opinionated comparison to help you decide which program deserves your loyalty in 2026.
Last updated March 2026
TL;DR
Choosing between Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards? Both are major credit-card programs, but they optimize for different travelers. Chase Ultimate Rewards averages 1.8¢ per point and is best for flexible travelers who want to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners. Amex Membership Rewards averages 1.8¢ per point and is best for travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners.
Key Takeaways
- Both programs are in the None alliance, so partner airline options overlap significantly.
- Both share 8 transfer partners — you can earn flexibly and transfer to whichever program offers better value for a given trip.
- Choose Chase Ultimate Rewards if you flexible travelers who want to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners. Choose Amex Membership Rewards if you travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase
Amex Membership Rewards
American Express
Elite Qualification Comparison
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase Ultimate Rewards doesn't have elite tiers — it's a credit card points program. The 'qualification' is having the right card combination.
The minimum for transfer access is the Sapphire Preferred ($95/year). The Sapphire Reserve ($550/year) adds 1.5x travel portal multiplier, Priority Pass lounge access, and $300 travel credit.
Amex Membership Rewards
Like Chase, Amex MR doesn't have elite tiers — the 'qualification' is having the right card combination for earning and transfer access.
Any MR-earning card gives transfer access: Platinum, Gold, Green, or Business editions. Unlike Chase, there's no minimum card tier required.
Best Redemption Sweet Spots
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Transfer to Hyatt
Any · 1:1 transfer
Hyatt points are worth 1.5-2.0 cpp on average — the best per-point value of any hotel program. A 25,000-point Hyatt stay costs 25,000 UR points and can cover a $500+ night.
Transfer to United
Star Alliance business · 1:1 transfer
Access all Star Alliance partners (ANA, Lufthansa, Singapore, EVA Air, Turkish) through United's award booking engine.
Transfer to British Airways
Short-haul flights · 1:1 transfer to Avios
Avios are distance-based — short flights under 650 miles cost just 7,500 Avios one-way. Use for American Airlines domestic flights booked through BA.
Amex Membership Rewards
Transfer to ANA
ANA First Class (The Suite) · 110,000-165,000 miles round trip
ANA's award chart for flights originating in Japan offers incredible value. Transfer MR to ANA and book round-trip US-Japan First Class for 165K miles — a product worth $20,000+.
Transfer to Virgin Atlantic
ANA/Delta Business/First · Varies by route
Virgin Atlantic partners with ANA and Delta. Transfer MR to Virgin for access to both carrier's premium cabins, sometimes at lower rates than booking directly.
Transfer to Delta
Delta Flash Sales · Varies
Watch for Delta SkyMiles flash sales and transfer MR to Delta to book. Delta One to Europe has been spotted at 39,000 miles one-way during sales.
Credit Card Strategy
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Sapphire Reserve ($550/year) is the centerpiece: 3x travel + dining, 1.5x portal multiplier, Priority Pass, $300 travel credit, transfer access. Net cost ~$250 after credit.
Freedom Unlimited ($0/year) for base earning: 1.5x on everything. This is your default spending card for non-bonus categories.
Amex Membership Rewards
Amex Gold ($325/year) is the everyday workhorse: 4x dining + US supermarkets, $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash. Net cost ~$85 after credits.
Amex Platinum ($695/year) for premium travel: Centurion Lounges, $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, Marriott/Hilton Gold, $155 Walmart+ credit. Net cost varies by how many credits you use.
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.
Skip if: travelers who fly delta primarily — chase doesn't transfer to delta (use amex membership rewards instead)
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.
Skip if: travelers who fly united primarily — amex doesn't transfer to united (use chase instead)
MileIntelHave balances in both Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards? Let MileIntel tell you which to use.
The right program depends on your specific trips, balances, and upgrade instruments. MileIntel tracks both programs side by side and recommends the optimal move for each flight — whether that's using points, points, or paying cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better in 2026, Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards?
It depends on your travel patterns and home airport. 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. The right program is the one that matches your most-flown routes and travel style.
Do Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards points 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 between the two ecosystems.
Which program has better elite status benefits?
Amex Membership Rewards has traditional elite tiers, while Chase Ultimate Rewards operates differently.
Should I use MileIntel to compare Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards?
Yes — if you have balances in both programs, MileIntel can track them side by side and recommend which program's miles to use for each specific trip. The right program can change based on your route, cabin, and what upgrade instruments you have available.
MileIntel is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any airline or loyalty program mentioned on this page. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.