Travel rewards enthusiasts have just been informed of another hotel transfer option in the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. Although the new redemption opportunities usually sound attractive, not all additions can give the same value. Knowing the specifics of this new transfer option, as well as whether it is a good choice or not, can make you smarter with your travel points.

This guide will discuss the new transfer option, the way it is compared with other hotel loyalty programs, and when it may be actually worth using it.

The Chase Points Transfers Workflow

Chase Ultimate Rewards has been noted to have some of the best redemption choices. The cardholders are free to redeem their points in various ways such as traveling via the Chase portal or transferring the points to the loyalty programs of airlines and hotels. Flexibility is one of the key benefits of transferable points. You are not tied to one program and thus can transfer points to partners where there is a good deal.

Chase has another hotel transfer program in Wyndham Rewards, which is available in addition to the previous transfer program. The transfer of points is 1:1, i.e. 1000 Chase points can turn into 1000 Wyndham points and 10,000 Chase points can turn into 10,000 Wyndham points. This rate of transfer is in line with majority of the Chase hotel and airline partners.

The scheme is added to other transferable currencies that already are affiliates of Wyndham, such as Capital One and Citi ThankYou Rewards, which also permit transfers at a 1:1 exchange rate.

Knowing about Wyndham Rewards

It is essential to realize the essence of the Wyndham Rewards system before moving on to a different hotel chain in terms of points transfer.

The hotel chain of Wyndham accommodates thousands of hotels around the globe, most of which are concentrated on low-end and middle-tier lodging. This renders the program affordable particularly to people who travel in search of cheap accommodation as opposed to luxurious tourism.

In contrast to the dynamic pricing of other hotel loyalty programs, Wyndham Rewards tends to charge free-night stays in three fixed categories: 7,500 points, 15,000 points or 30,000 points per night.

The straightforward design is what makes it easy to estimate the number of points that you will require to use to stay. Nevertheless, simple is not necessarily a good value.

Value Comparison between Hotel Programs

In a case with a transfer partner, the value per point is the most significant consideration.

It is frequently projected by the travel experts that Wyndham points do not receive comparatively high value when compared to the other hotel loyalty currencies. Although the value differs based on the property and time of the year, the Wyndham points are usually less rewarding in comparison with some of the rival programs.

As an example, hotel partners such as the World of Hyatt usually provide greater redemption value. The traits of reward pricing and high-quality hotels enable Hyatt guests to redeem more points with the same amount of Chase rewards.

Due to the fact that both Wyndham and Hyatt have 1:1 transfer ratio with Chase, the disparity in value can be very high. A better program may also help you extend your rewards and even pay more of your travel costs.

This is the reason why there is a host of rewards strategists who have recommended that redemption value should be considered before transferring points.

1. Lower Point Value

The value of the redemption of the Wyndham points is relatively small as compared to the redemption of other hotels. This difference is important in case you are aiming at maximizing 

travel rewards.

The transfer that offers a low payback is an effective way of lowering the purchasing power of your points.

2. Opportunity Cost

Whenever you redeem Chase points, you forgo the option to redeem them to spend in other 

places.

That would mean that switching to Wyndham would make you can never redeem points on:

• Premium hotel stays
• Long-haul flights
• High-value travel deals

The opportunity cost is an important concept in rewards programs. One alternative of redemption requires sacrificing other alternatives that could provide better value.

3. Limited Premium Options

Wyndham is widely spread over the whole planet, but its collection includes more convenient housing than luxury hotels.

The available options might not include many attractive accommodations that are upscale hotels or high-end experiences like other programs. This does not portray Wyndham as a bad program as a whole, just that it is serving an entirely different kind of traveler.

Cases in Which Transfers are possible to be reasonable.

Although Wyndham transfers are not very ideal, there are situations when they might come in handy.

Filling a Small Points Gap

And in cases when you are about to claim a free night in Wyndham, a small set of Chase points can be transferred to make the reservation.

This method does not incur actual cash to be paid on a stay and also does not harm the overall reward value.

Budget-Friendly Trips

Wyndham properties could be a good fit among travelers who emphasize on cost-effective hotels. Convenience can prevail in such situations and tend to override point value maximization.

Last-Minute Bookings

Hotel price occasionally goes soaring. Transferring points may still prove a good idea even when the cash rates are abnormally high yet award pricing has not been significantly affected.

This is a rare, but a possibility situation.

Focus on High-Value Uses

Normally, the highest value is generated by:

• Premium flights
• Luxury hotels
• Special promotions

These redemptions usually give better returns than the regular hotel accommodation.

Final Thoughts

The fact that Chase Ultimate Rewards is being transferred to Wyndham Rewards multiplies the flexibility of the latter, which is never unwelcome among frequent travelers.

But being flexible does not necessarily mean being good. To the majority of the travelers, redeeming Chase points into Wyndham will not be the most efficient way to redeem them. With that said, the alternative does not lose its spot. Customers who are generally willing to accept simple redemption options or low-cost hotels can enjoy the new option.

It is however, in most instances, worth considering other transfer partners before making a decision on how to redeem your points. When you carefully plan, your travel rewards are bound to pay off in the most potential way.