If you’re traveling with a large group or need a roomy kitchen for family meals, choosing a vacation rental can be a great option over a standard hotel. This week, Chase cardholders have a new incentive: they can now earn or redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for bookings through the Vacation Homes program available via Chase Travel℠.
Initially, only Freedom and Ink Business cardholders have access to this program, with plans to expand to Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders starting in July.
Here’s what you should know about this exciting travel program.
Related: Here’s how I maximize my reward travel without major hotel chains
Details of the Chase Vacation Homes Program
For those eligible for the Vacation Homes option, Chase Travel now features thousands of rentals, including cottages, villas, cabins, beach homes, condos, and apartments worldwide. When you log in to Chase Travel with an eligible card, you can select to search for either “Hotels” or “Vacation Homes.”
In a recent test search for vacation rentals in Boston for early August, we found multiple images for each property listing, showcasing the rental type (like apartments), guest capacity, nightly cash price, and total cost in both cash and Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
The search results also include a map view to help narrow down options to specific neighborhoods and allow you to filter results based on amenities such as internet access, fitness facilities, and on-site parking.
Eligibility for Booking Chase Vacation Homes
Currently, only select cardholders will see the Vacation Homes option in Chase Travel. This includes holders of:
With a broader rollout coming in July, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (launching June 23) cardholders will also gain access to this feature.
The information for the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business has not been reviewed by the card issuer.
Related: Current offers for Chase Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex
If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, be aware that the redemption value for bookings through Chase Travel will soon change, along with refreshed perks and an increased annual fee.
Earning Potential
Freedom and Ink cardholders earn Ultimate Rewards points at the same rate for Vacation Home bookings as they do for flights or hotels. Freedom cardholders can earn 5% cash back on travel purchases made through Chase Travel. Those with Chase Ink Business cards will see varying earning rates based on their specific card.
Once Chase Sapphire Reserve personal and business cards join the program in July, they’ll earn 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel purchases. Although this represents a drop of 2 points per dollar from earlier rates, Chase hopes the new perks will attract your interest.
Conclusion
With Chase entering the vacation rental market, travelers can now book a wide range of accommodations—including apartments and beach houses—through the Chase Travel portal while earning points along the way.
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