Chase Drops Emirates from Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners
Chase has decided to drop Emirates from its Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, a significant shift in the travel rewards landscape. This decision, effective October 16 2025, removes the ability to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Emirates Skywards at the familiar 1 to 1 ratio.
Why is this move happening? What does it mean for travelers, and where can points go now?
What Is Happening with Emirates and Chase?
Chase has confirmed that starting at 12 AM ET on October 16 2025, transfers to Emirates Skywards will no longer be available. Previously, Emirates was one of the 14 airline and hotel transfer partners in the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. This announcement gives Chase cardholders just a two-month window to transfer points before the partnership ends.
What’s Driving This Decision?
Why did Chase choose to end the Emirates transfer relationship?
Other major card issuers, like American Express and Citi, have already devalued their transfer ratios to Emirates from a 1 to 1, down to roughly 5 to 4 (or 1 to 0.8). It seems Emirates is demanding higher reimbursement from partners, making the cost of maintaining 1 to 1 transfers less viable. Instead of adopting a less favorable ratio, Chase has chosen to preserve its consistent 1 to 1 model across all partners, but at the cost of severing ties with Emirates.
Moreover, Emirates Skywards has restricted first-class awards to elite members, raised surcharges on U.S.-origin awards, and increased award pricing, reducing the overall value of miles for average travelers. Essentially, Emirates appears to treat its loyalty program as a revenue mechanism rather than a value driver, unlike many U S carriers.
How Travelers Are Reacting
On Reddit’s r/ChaseSapphire, users expressed both disappointment and relief. One user lamented:
“Was hoping Chase would be the last 1 to 1 holdout, sad to see they’ve picked the nuclear option”
Another replied:
“Emirates was never a good value, and they were playing hardball with all transfer partners.”
These comments underscore that while some valued having even a devalued transfer option, others recognized that Emirates seldom offered strong redemption value.
What’s Next for Chase Cardholders?
Chase users should act quickly if they plan to transfer points to Emirates before the October 16 2025 cutoff. But it is important to remember the high surcharges and restrictions when booking awards via Emirates Skywards.
Fortunately, Chase still supports many strong 1 to 1 airline partners, including:
- Star Alliance: United MileagePlus, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Air Canada Aeroplan
- oneworld: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus
- SkyTeam: Air France KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Non-alliance: Southwest Rapid Rewards, Aer Lingus AerClub
- Hotels: World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards
These options are generally more flexible and may offer better value than the now-limited Emirates partner.
What This Means for the Travel Rewards Landscape
What broader trends does this reflect about credit card travel programs and airline loyalty?
This change represents a broader shift in the loyalty economy. Airlines like Emirates are prioritizing revenue through restricted access, higher surcharges, and demanding increased fees from transfer partners. Credit card issuers are now forced to choose between preserving predictable 1 to 1 transfers or bearing higher costs.
High-net-worth travelers dependent on premium cabin redemptions may now pivot to alternatives like Bilt Rewards or Capital One, which still offer 1 to 1 transfers to Emirates, though those, to,o could change soon.
For investors and travel enthusiasts, this underscores the growing fragmentation in loyalty programs and the need for issuers to innovate beyond point transfers (for instance, through concierge services or experiential perks) to retain elite customers.
Final Thoughts
Chase’s decision to remove Emirates as a transfer partner, while disappointing, preserves its principle of consistent 1 to 1 redemption value. Travelers who value flexibility and broader choices are not losing access to strong alternatives, but those who planned to use Emirates Skywards should act quickly before October 16, 2025.
FAQ’S
No, you cannot transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Emirates after October 16 2025, as the partnership has ended.
Yes, transferring Chase points to airline partners often gives higher value than using them for cash back or gift cards.
Yes, Chase still offers transfers to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners at a 1 to 1 ratio.
You can book American Airlines flights by transferring Chase points to British Airways or Iberia, then redeeming for AA flights.
Yes, but not directly, you can book Emirates through other partners or pay with points via the Chase travel portal.
Only in limited cases, since Amex has devalued transfers to Emirates and surcharges on award tickets are very high.
They are worth around $1,250 through the Chase travel portal, or more when transferred to high-value airline partners.
Yes, transfers to airlines usually maximize redemption value, especially for premium cabin flights.
No, the Chase Sapphire Preferred does not offer airport lounge access, only the Sapphire Reserve includes that perk.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always conduct your research.