The Complete Points & Miles Breakdown of our Japan Trip 2024

How to book a 2024 Japan trip using Points & Miles.

Scott Kobayashi • June 5, 2024

Our originally projected expense for our Japan journey totaled $16,357.34. However, we managed to cover the entire cost using points and miles, with just a $408 expenditure on taxes. Intrigued? Allow me to unravel the process in three phases:

1. Flight from Honolulu (HNL) to Tokyo Narita (NRT)

2. Accommodation at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo

3. Return flight from Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Honolulu (HNL)

I'll dive into both our point redemption strategy and the methods we employed to accumulate these points at an accelerated pace."

1. Flying Business Class on Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu, Hawaii to Narita, Japan - 65,000 Hawaiian Miles + 52,500 American Airlines Miles

Hawaiian Airlines Business class product to Japan

On our first flight, we booked two business class tickets on Hawaiian Airlines (H821) from Honolulu to Narita, Japan. This flight was on Hawaiian’s A330 aircraft and left Honolulu at 12:40pm on May 20 and arrived in Narita at 4:00pm on May 21st.

I booked my ticket using 52,500 American Airlines miles to book a Hawaiian Airlines award flight through my American American account. You can use America Airlines miles to book Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines flights when available. Those flight awards are hard to come by these days, but I was able to find one on the dates I was looking at.

The only way to earn these miles from credit cards is by applying for Citi American Airlines branded credit cards that earn American Airlines Miles.

Hawaiian Airlines Business class flight for 52,500 AA Miles.

For my wife, I transferred 65,000 BILT Rewards points to her Hawaiian airlines account to book her business class ticket for 65,000 Hawaiian miles which are 50% the regular price of 130,000 Hawaiian miles.

At the time of booking, a one-way business class ticket on Hawaiian Airlines costed $2439.15. Discovering dates with a 50% discount for business class flights on Hawaiian Airlines equates to a redemption value of 2.8 cents per Hawaiian mile, which is exceptionally favorable! I regularly share these 50% off deals on my Instagram page @thecredithacker.

2. A 4 Night Stay at the The Prince Park Tower Tokyo - 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points

ザ・プリンス パークタワー東京 4 Chome-8-1 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-8563, Japan

Our view from our room on floor 31

Our stay at this luxurious 5-star hotel marked the most significant expense of our entire trip. I had meticulously researched this property months in advance, and it was a must-stay for me. Without a doubt, it ranks as my favorite hotel experience to date. Room prices are decent, but I paid for a special room with a tower view and Premium club floor access.

Japanese Style breakfast at SHIBAZAKURA

Some extra perks that came with our stay were:

• Access to the Premium Club, floor 32 which had appetizers, snacks and drinks all throughout the day

• Daily Breakfast credit ($38 USD each)

• Access to private driver for one drive a day up to 10km from the hotel (only if you stay at least 3 nights)

• Free Access to the Hotel Onsen, Spa, & Gym

• 24/7 Concierge service for floors 29-31 (premium club floors)

I paid a total of 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points through Chase’s Travel portal. I currently hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve card so I get a 50% bonus value on my points when I redeem through the portal. The costs of our hotel stay would have been $2,203.04.

3. Flying Business Class on All Nippon Airways (ANA) from Haneda, Japan to Honolulu, Hawaii - 70,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

As of 23rd May 2024, VIRGIN has raised prices to 75,000 miles round trip, it previously was 70,000 miles.

I was eagerly anticipating this flight, primarily because we secured business class seats for just 35,000 points each, but also because we could finally enjoy some much-needed rest on lie-flat seats as we headed back home to Honolulu.

Securing these seats wasn't simple, as most award seats had already been claimed. However, ANA releases four seats daily, ten days prior to departure. Admittedly, it's a risky endeavor, but the payoff is substantial considering the retail cost of each seat exceeded $4,000! Utilizing Seats.aero, I managed to locate two business class seats for May 25th. Having already transferred my Chase points to Virgin Airlines miles, I promptly used them to book the ANA seats. For a step-by-step guide on using Chase points to book ANA flights through Virgin Atlantic, check out "HOW TO FLY TO JAPAN."

After confirming the availability of award seats, I immediately contacted Virgin Atlantic to secure our booking on May 16th, just nine days prior to departure. Throughout the year, I've closely monitored this flight on Seats.aero and observed that ANA typically releases 4 Business class seats every nine out of ten days leading up to departure. Hence, I estimate there's about a 90% chance of securing a seat. If you're apprehensive about the risk involved, I recommend:

1. Booking a refundable flight using cash. If award flights become available, simply cancel your cash booking and switch to the rewards flight.

2. Maintaining flexibility and ensuring you have a two-day window prior to departure to increase your chances of finding business class availability.

3. Leveraging Chase points to book a last-minute economy flight through the portal if business class seats don't open up on your preferred date.

High risk, High Reward! Retail value of each seat was $4,638.00 x 2 = $9,276.00, bring our cost per point to an astonishing 13.2 cents!

Final Costs Breakdown

1. Hawaiian Airlines Business class from HNL -> NRT

   • Dollar Cost Total: $4,878.30

   • What we paid in Points: 52,500 AA Miles + 65,000 HA Miles = 117,500 miles

2. Hotel stay at the The Prince Park Tower Tokyo

   • Dollar Cost Total: $2,203.04.

   • What we paid in Points: 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points

3. All Nippon Airways Business class from HND -> HNL

   • Dollar Cost Total:$9,276.00

   • What we paid in Points: 70,000 Chase Ultimate Reward Points + $408 tax

   Total cost of the trip = $16,357.34

   We paid = 334,369 Points + Miles + $408 in taxes

   Points Breakdown: 52,500 AA Miles + 65,000 HA miles + 216,869 Chase Points

*Want to earn 415,000 chase points in a year?

We have a 5-card strategy that we will walk you through to earn those points for a combined credit card annual fee of $190.

If you are interested, click here to learn more!

---

Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve: Limited-Time Bonus of 75,000 Points.

Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve: Limited-Time Bonus of 75,000 Points.

Starting May 2, 2024, both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® cards will provide a whopping 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening an account. This increase from the previous 60,000 bonus points offer significantly sweetens the deal for prospective cardholders.

Travel rewards aficionados have long favored the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® cards for their comprehensive rewards programs and extensive travel benefits. Now, Chase has upped the ante with an irresistible limited-time welcome bonus, making these cards even more enticing options for savvy travelers.

Are these cards worth it beyond the sign-up bonus?

Chase Sapphire Preferred

For those wary of hefty annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, with its $95 annual fee, offers substantial rewards at an attractive rate. Cardholders will

• Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases eligible for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit)

• Earn 5x points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025,

• Earn 2x points on travel purchases

• Earn 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs).

• Gain a generous $50 hotel statement credit for Chase-booked stays, a 10% account anniversary points bonus, and valuable travel protections like primary auto rental coverage, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and travel and baggage delay coverage.

• One standout feature is the ability to redeem points for travel through Chase at a 25% bonus, maximizing their value. This means the 75,000 point welcome bonus could be worth up to $937.50 in travel rewards, adding significant value for cardholders.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

For those seeking a top-tier rewards card packed with exclusive features, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, with its $550 annual fee, presents an enticing option. Here's what the card offers in terms of rewards:

• Earn 10x points on hotel and car rental purchases made through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel annually.

• Enjoy 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel annually.

• Receive 3x points on other travel and dining expenditures (including eligible food delivery services) not booked through Chase after the initial $300 is spent on travel annually.

• Earn 1x point on all other purchases.

• Gain 10 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides through March 2025.

In addition to its robust rewards program, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a plethora of premium perks, including access to exclusive airport lounges via a Priority Pass Select membership, an annual $300 travel credit, reimbursement for Trusted Traveler application fees, and VIP car rental benefits.

One notable feature of the Sapphire Reserve card is that points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase. This means that the 75,000 bonus points could potentially be valued at up to $1,125 when used for travel bookings through Chase, making it an incredibly valuable option for frequent travelers looking to maximize their rewards.

And here's a pro tip: if you applied for either of these cards over 48 months ago, you may be eligible to receive another sign-up bonus, further enhancing the rewards potential.

Final Thoughts

With their limited time welcome bonuses and impressive rewards structures, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® cards are poised to become even more indispensable tools for travelers seeking to maximize their rewards and enjoy unparalleled travel benefits. We think Chase cards are foundational to any credit hacker’s credit card portfolio.

Read: "Unlocking Value: 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners for Maximum Benefits"

This article has affiliate links that provide commission to The Credit Hacker.

"Unlocking Value: The Top 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners for Maximum Benefits"

"Unlocking Value: 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners for Maximum Benefits"

One of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Reward points for travel is by transferring them to one of Chase's 14 Transfer Partners. If you're unsure how to transfer Chase points, check our how to guide here. Remember, you'll need a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred card to transfer points. Some transfer partners are better than others, so let's explore five of my favorites.

1. Hyatt: Optimal Hotel Redemption

When it comes to hotel redemptions, Hyatt is the shining star among Chase's transfer partners. With a 1:1 transfer ratio, your Chase points go a long way with Hyatt. What sets Hyatt apart is its fixed award chart, providing predictability and transparency in redemption rates. Whether it's an off-peak getaway or a peak season retreat, you'll always know how many points you need for your stay, ensuring excellent value for your Chase points.

12,000 Hyatt points per night at Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay

15,000 points for Hyatt House at Anaheim for hotels near Disneyland.

2. Iberia: Affordable Business Class Flights

Iberia offers some of the most affordable rates for international business class flights, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking luxury without breaking the bank. With just 34,000 points one way from the East Coast and Midwest to Madrid during off-peak periods, Iberia provides a full business class experience at an economy price. Add in frequent transfer bonuses, and you've got yourself a winning strategy for maximizing your Chase points.

17,000 Avios for Economy & 34,000 Avios for Business Class

3. British Airways: Access to OneWorld Alliance

While you can't transfer Chase points directly to American Airlines, you can transfer them to British Airways, a member of the OneWorld Alliance. This opens up opportunities to book flights with American Airlines and other OneWorld partners using British Airways Avios. With competitive redemption rates and access to a vast network of airlines, including Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines, British Airways offers flexibility and value for your Chase points.

Economy flights on Japan Airlines starting at 25,750 miles + fees from HNL to Nagoya, Japan.

4. Flying Blue: Flexible Redemption Options

Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France and KLM, offers flexibility and value for Chase Ultimate Reward Points. With competitive redemption rates for both economy and business class flights, Flying Blue is a versatile option for travelers. Take advantage of monthly promo rewards and occasional transfer bonuses to score excellent deals on award flights to Europe and beyond. With diligent search efforts, you can unlock hidden gems and maximize your travel experience.

Direct Business class seats from JFK - AMS (Amsterdam)

5. Aeroplan: Comprehensive Star Alliance Access

Aeroplan, the loyalty program for Air Canada, provides comprehensive access to the Star Alliance network, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking diverse redemption options. With a wide range of partner airlines, including United, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa, Aeroplan offers flexibility and convenience in booking award flights. Compare redemption rates and availability across different programs to make the most out of your Chase Ultimate Reward Points.

Direct United flights from HNL to SFO for 12,500 Aeroplan Points

Conclusion

Your Chase Ultimate Reward Points offer endless possibilities for unforgettable travel experiences. By leveraging transfer partners like Hyatt, Iberia, Flying Blue, British Airways, and Aeroplan, you can maximize the value of your points and unlock premium rewards. Whether you're dreaming of luxury hotel stays or business class flights, these strategies provide achievable and rewarding options for travelers of all kinds.

Unlocking Value: Amex Offers 30% Bonus on Transfers to Virgin Atlantic until May 31, 2024.

Unlocking Value: Amex Offers 30% Bonus on Transfers to Virgin Atlantic

American Express Membership Rewards has launched an enticing promotion, offering a 30% bonus on transfers to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. This offer is available starting on April 21 and extends through May 31, 2024.

Here are the key details:

• Eligibility: To take advantage of this offer, you must be an eligible Membership Rewards® Card Member enrolled in Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

• Minimum Transfer: The minimum transfer requirement is 1,000 Membership Rewards points.

• Redemption Period: The exclusive offer is redeemable from 12:00 a.m. MT on April 21, 2024, to 11:59 p.m. MT on May 31, 2024.

• Bonus Points: Enjoy an additional 30% Virgin Points added to your transfer at the time of completion.

• Transfer Time: While transfers are generally immediate, please allow up to 72 hours for the points to reflect in your Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account.

Our Take:

Todd (@Hawaiiaward travel) redeeming his Virgin Atlantic Miles for ANA First Class “The Suite” from HNL to Narita.

This promotion presents a valuable opportunity for travelers who can find suitable award availability with Virgin Atlantic or its partner airlines. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club boasts several attractive redemption options, including the renowned Delta One to Europe for just 50,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points and ANA first class to Japan for just a little more, a considerable saving compared to Delta's SkyMiles pricing.

While Virgin Atlantic flights often entail high surcharges, particularly on their own flights, this offer can still make sense for individuals who would otherwise pay for a Virgin Atlantic flight. It's worth noting that surcharges tend to be more affordable when departing from certain foreign destinations.

In summary, with its 30% bonus offer, Amex provides a compelling incentive for card members to explore the possibilities within Virgin Atlantic Flying Club's redemption options.

Our Favortie American Express Cards:

1. The American Express Gold Card

   • The American Express® Gold Card is a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys dining out and shopping for groceries. With 4 points per dollar on both dining purchases and U.S. supermarket spending, you'll quickly rack up rewards on everyday purchases.

     Plus, new cardholders can take advantage of a generous welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months.

     While the card does have an annual fee of $250, the benefits more than make up for it. Monthly dining credits and Uber Cash help offset the cost, making this card a great value for those who love to indulge in good food and earn rewards while doing so.

2. The American Express Platinum Card

   • The Platinum Card® is a top-tier luxury card with a $695 annual fee. But for that price, you get some incredible benefits. You'll earn 5 points per dollar when booking flights with airlines or through AmEx Travel (up to $500,000 annually) and on prepaid hotel reservations through AmEx Travel.

     Plus, there's a hefty welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months. You'll also enjoy fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $500 in annual Uber credits, $200 in airline fee credits, $200 in credits for Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, $300 for Equinox, $240 for entertainment purchases, and $100 at Saks Fifth Avenue. You even get automatic Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott. Terms apply for enrollment and benefits.

3. The American Express Business Gold Card

   • The American Express® Business Gold Card is designed to match your spending patterns, making it a valuable option for many businesses. You'll earn 4x Membership Rewards points on two categories where you spend the most each month, with options like advertising, gas stations, and restaurants.

     Plus, you'll get 3x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmEx Travel. Another standout feature is the 25% rebate on airline redemptions when using Pay With Points, potentially giving you a higher value per point compared to other cards. With a welcome offer worth up to $930 in value, this card is definitely worth considering for businesses looking to maximize their rewards. Terms apply.

5 Reasons to Cancel your Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card.

5 Reasons to Cancel your Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card.

If you’re a frequent traveler or a loyal customer of Hawaiian Airlines, you might have opted for their co-branded credit card at some point. Their marketing is prevalent everywhere across Hawaii from magazines, commercials, social media and the enticing extra bonus when you sign mid-flight

While these cards often come with enticing benefits and rewards, there are times when it might make sense to reassess your credit card lineup. Here are five compelling reasons why you might consider canceling your Hawaiian Airlines credit card.

1. It doesn’t earn a lot of miles through spending

   While Hawaiian Airlines credit cards offer generous rewards for purchases made with the airline, they often lack versatility when it comes to earning rewards on other spending categories. If you find yourself spending more on other airlines, hotels, or everyday purchases, you might benefit more from a general travel rewards card that offers flexible redemption options.

2. You can only redeem your miles with Hawaiian Airlines.

   Your travel needs and preferences may evolve over time. If you find yourself flying with Hawaiian Airlines less frequently or if your travel patterns shift to destinations not serviced by the airline, the benefits of holding a Hawaiian Airlines credit card may diminish. In such cases, you might find greater value in a credit card with more flexible redemption options or broader airline partnerships.

3. Not worth the annual fee.

   Many airline credit cards, including those offered by Hawaiian Airlines, come with annual fees. If you’re not fully utilizing the card’s benefits to offset the annual fee, it might not be worth keeping. Assess whether the value you receive from the card's perks, such as free checked bags or companion fares, outweighs the cost of the annual fee.

4. Lack of Additional Benefits.

   While Hawaiian Airlines credit cards offer perks such as priority boarding, discounted in-flight purchases, and anniversary bonuses, these benefits may not be compelling enough for some cardholders. If you find that you’re not taking advantage of these additional benefits or if you can access similar perks through other credit cards or loyalty programs, it might be time to reconsider holding onto your Hawaiian Airlines credit card.

5. Eligibility for Better Offers.

   Credit card issuers frequently update their card offerings and launch new products with enhanced benefits and sign-up bonuses. By canceling your Hawaiian Airlines credit card, you free up space to apply for new credit cards that better align with your current spending habits and travel goals. Keep an eye out for promotions and offers from other issuers that might provide greater value and rewards.

Here are 3 Better Credit Card Programs that can Book Hawaiian Airlines Flights.

1. American Express Cards

2. The BILT Card

3. Chase Cards (If you transfer to partners with Hawaiian Airlines like )

FINAL THOUGHTS:

While Hawaiian Airlines credit cards can be valuable for loyal customers and frequent travelers to Hawaii, there are instances where canceling the card might be a prudent financial decision. By evaluating your spending habits, travel patterns, and the overall value you receive from the card, you can make an informed choice about whether to keep or cancel your Hawaiian Airlines credit card.

The Hawaiian Airlines Miles & Rewards economy isn’t highly valued, and Hawaiian Miles are the easiest miles to earn. If you want to learn more about how we are able to earn points & miles faster, check out our accelerated credit card strategy here.

The Guide to Chase Ink Business Cash & Unlimited Cards

The Guide to Chase Ink Business Cash & Unlimited Cards

Updated as of March 21, 2024! The Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card stand out as premier business cards for earning points. With no annual fee, these cards offer the flexibility to convert rewards into Chase Ultimate Rewards®, my preferred rewards currency. Converting a $750 bonus yields 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points, transferable to 11 airline partners and 3 hotel partners, including Hyatt, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Explore my top 9 ways to utilize Ultimate Rewards and find my complete guide here.

While these cards share many similarities, there are notable differences. Notably, as of March 21, 2024, the Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card unveils a new welcome offer!

Welcome Bonuses:

Both the Ink Cash and Ink Unlimited cards offer a cash back welcome bonus, typically $750.

Although similar, the welcome offers have differences. With the Ink Cash, you get six months to spend and earn the full $750 cash back. This is split into two tiers: $350 after spending $3,000 in the first three months, and an additional $400 after spending $6,000 in the first six months.

A new Ink Cash offer includes a 10% Business Relationship Bonus. If you have a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary, you'll earn a one-time 10% bonus on all eligible cash back earned in your first year, excluding the welcome offer. Note: this offer is available for Ink Business Cash cards opened between March 17 and November 17, 2024.

The Ink Unlimited offers a $750 welcome bonus after spending $6,000 in the first three months.

Remember to pair your card(s) with a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, or Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card to transfer your points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners. Your $750 cash back converts to 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, transferable at a 1:1 ratio to airlines and hotels.

Earning Categories:

One key difference between these cards lies in their earning categories. Typically, during your initial spending period, you'll earn more with the Ink Unlimited card—unless you spend heavily in bonus categories for the Ink Cash card.

If you open a Business Checking account with Chase and continue spending on an Ink Cash card throughout the year, you'll earn more through the Ink Cash Relationship Bonus. However, you'll receive these bonus points only on your first account anniversary.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Earning:

• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent on combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year.

• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent on combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.

• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases, with no limit on how much you can earn.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card Earning:

• Earn unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase.

Earning Multiple Bonuses on Ink Cards: Firstly, you can open at least one of each Ink card to maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards® earnings.

Moreover, if you have multiple businesses, you can open each card with both your EIN and your SSN. This allows you to separate business expenses efficiently, a practice Chase recognizes and accommodates.

$0 Annual Fees:

The best part about these 2 cards is that there is NO ANNUAL FEE.

---

CHASE INK BUSINESS CASH

LEARN MORE

WELCOME OFFER: UP TO $750

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend a total of $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening. This can be worth a total of 75,000 points.

ANNUAL FEE:

$0

• Highlights

  If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you have the option to transfer the Ink points to the Sapphire card, unlocking all the benefits associated with airline and hotel transfers!

  Receive 5% cash back on the initial $25,000 spent on combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year.

• Our Take

  When we have big expenses, we prefer using Chase Ink cards to meet spending targets. Though the bonus is labeled as cash back, if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can combine these points with your Sapphire card. However, this isn't an option if you have a Chase Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card.

• Bonus History

  In the past, this card used to give a $500 bonus when you spent $3000 in 3 months. During the pandemic, it changed to $750 after spending $7500 in 3 months. Then, in fall 2022, it increased to $900 after spending $6,000 in 3 months, ending in March 2023. From September 2023 to January 2024, the $900 offer returned. The new tiered offer, giving you 6 months to spend $6000 and earn $750, started in March 2024.

---

CHASE INK BUSINESS UNLIMITED

LEARN MORE

WELCOME OFFER: UP TO $750

Earn $750 (can be worth 75,000 points) after you spend $6,000 in 3 months

ANNUAL FEE:

$0

• Highlights

  If you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can transfer the Ink points to the Sapphire card to get all the airline and hotel transfer benefits!

  Earn unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase

• Our take

  We prefer using Chase Ink cards for covering big expenses and meeting higher minimum spend requirements. The bonus for these cards comes in cash back. But if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can merge the cash back points with your Sapphire card. Note: This isn't possible with a Chase Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card.

  You can apply for a Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. If you have multiple businesses, you can get multiple cards. Remember to refer your spouse to maximize benefits.

• Bonus History

  In the past, this card used to give a $500 bonus when you spent $3000 in 3 months. During the pandemic, it changed to $750 after spending $7500 in 3 months. Then, in fall 2022, it increased to $900 after spending $6,000 in 3 months, ending in March 2023. From September 2023 to January 2024, the $900 offer returned. The new tiered offer, giving you 6 months to spend $6000 and earn $750, started in March 2024.

---

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do these cards earn cash back or points?

These cards offer bonuses listed in cash back, which technically equate to a version of Chase Ultimate Rewards® redeemable exclusively as cash back. However, there's an exception: when you pair your Ink card(s) with a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, or Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you can transfer your points to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners for greater value.

Which card should I open?

If you frequent office supply stores like Staples or Office Max/Office Depot, the Ink Cash card is ideal, offering 5x rewards at these stores. It's also suitable if you prefer spreading your spending requirement over six months. If office supply stores aren't your go-to, the Ink Unlimited is a solid choice, earning a flat 1.5 cents per point on most purchases.

What if I don’t have a Sapphire card yet?

You can open one of the Chase Ink cards now and then apply for a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, or Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card later. Having a Sapphire card first isn't necessary. Alternatively, if your spouse has a Sapphire card and you don’t, you can call Chase to transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards® from your Ink card(s) to your spouse’s account to maximize their value. Points can be combined across your household.

I’m not sure I can hit the $6k spend requirement?

If meeting a $6,000 spending requirement seems daunting, explore our tips for reaching high minimum spends. Alternatively, consider the Ink Cash card, which offers the option to spend $6,000 over a total of six months.

Can I put personal expenses on a business card?

Yes, it's common to use a business card for personal expenses. Credit card issuers don't report your spending to the IRS or anyone else, so there are no tax implications. However, if you have genuine business expenses, it's important to track them separately for tax purposes.

What benefits do these cards include?

Aside from a generous welcome bonus and no annual fee, the Chase Business Ink Cash® Credit Card and Chase Business Ink Unlimited® Credit Cards offer additional perks such as

1. purchase protection

2. extended warranty protection

3. travel and emergency assistance

4. and roadside dispatch.

What can I do with Chase Ultimate Rewards®?

Discover the possibilities with your Chase Ultimate Rewards® by exploring our top 9 uses for Ultimate Rewards and our comprehensive Ultimate Rewards guide. These points can be redeemed for various travel experiences, including trips to Europe, resort stays in Hawaii, all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean, family road trips, and much more!

Chase announces 2020 Q3 bonuses for the Sapphire Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Update:

Starting July 1 and running through Sept. 30, both chase sapphire cards will earn between 3 and 10 bonus points for every dollar spent on purchases at gas stations, on select streaming services and on Instacart grocery delivery and pickup orders.

Gas stations:
3x on the CSP
5x on the CSR

Streaming Services:
5x on the CSP
10x on the CSR

Sapphire Cardholders will also get up to $50 in statement credits toward an Instacart Express membership, which offers unlimited $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on all orders over $35. There is No activation required for Sapphire cardholders to access these limited-time benefits.

These credits are enough to cover either three months of a monthly membership or up to half off an annual membership.

Today is also the last day to earn bonus points on grocery purchases with Chase Sapphire credit cards. CSP holders can earn 3x and CSR holders can earn 5x, so don’t forget to load up on gift cards today ;-).

*Thoughts: I’m happy to see chase rolling out useful spending bonuses during this covid-19 pandemic, although I will really miss the 5x on groceries!

Get $20 off at Amazon after you make a single purchase of $50 or more using your AMEX card.

There is a new AMEX offer available for cardholders when you spend at Amazon! Use an American Express card to make a single purchase of $50 or more on Amazon and get $20 off a future purchase. This offer is available from Amazon using their link, rather than an Amex offer activated on their site. The $50 spend required under this limited-time Amex offer can be on anything shipped and sold by Amazon except Amazon gift cards. Below are the steps you earn and use your credit.

Here are the Steps 

1. Purchase $50 or more using your American Express Card on Amazon.

2. Receive a confirmation email with the reward link once your order has shipped.

3. Follow instructions on the redemption link to purchase from the Moments store.

What does the FINE PRINT SAY?

• The offer can only be redeemed once per customer/account and expires on July 22nd. 

• You will have until August 22nd to make use of the $20 credit. 

• If you return any of the items involved in the promotion, Amazon reserves the right to remove the promotional credit.

• The $20 off will only work on purchases made on the Amazon Moments store.

What is the AMAZON MOMENTS STORE?

The Amazon Moments store is a curated list of items with 4 stars or above”. The list includes over 60,000 items so you’ll have a nice variety to choose from. 

BOTTOM LINE:

Take a browse through the Amazon Moments store before taking up this offer. If you see any items that interest you, then this deal would be worth it.

These 4 credit cards can help you pay off your debt on time!

Do you have existing credit card debt or have accumulated credit card debt due to COVID-19?

STRATEGY: Pay off credit card debt by opening a credit card with an introductory period of 0% APR

One way to alleviate the stress of accumulated credit card debt is to transfer an existing credit card balance to a credit card that offers the benefit of no transfer fees and 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases for a period of time.  An added bonus is that all of the credit cards listed below currently do not have an annual fee! As this article was being published, the Chase Slate card was removed from the Chase website, probably as a result of COVID-19 changes by chase. We added an extra BONUS card that can help you transfer your debt.

1. Amex EveryDay® Credit Card

BENEFITS:

• No balance transfer fee for transfers within 60 days of account opening

• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers from account opening

• Earn 10,000 membership rewards points after you use your new card to make $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.  If you’re saving money to pay off your credit card debt, but want to take advantage of this introductory offer (which you should), contact The Credit Hacker for creative ways on achieving the minimum spend requirement

• Approx minimum credit score 660-700

2. Chase Slate

* Currently removed from the Chase Website as of 4/16/2020

BENEFITS:

• No balance transfer fee for transfers within 60 days of account opening

• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers from account opening

• Approx minimum credit score 690

CON:

• No rewards

3. Citi Simplicity Card

BENEFITS:

• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each credit card balance transfer, whichever is greater

• Get 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and for 12 months on purchases.  Balance transfers must be completed within the first 4 months 

• Approx minimum credit score 670

CON:

• No rewards

4. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card

BENEFITS:

• Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.

• Get 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 20 billing cycles.  Balance transfers must be within 60 days from account opening

CON:

• Approx minimum credit score 750

• No rewards

Transferring debt between cards with the same issuer is typically not allowed. 

Please note that introductory rates on credit cards increase SUBSTANTIALLY after the introductory period.  Please check the terms of your credit card agreement.  Minimum credit score thresholds may vary and are at the discretion of the credit card company you’re applying to.  The information provided above is current as of the date of the blog post.

We at The Credit Hacker want to emphasize that we encourage EVERYONE out there to eliminate credit card debt and develop healthy spending habits by utilizing a budget.  The credit cards listed above are a tool to get you out of debt, but the reality is that spending habits may need to be adjusted in order to alleviate the debt that was accrued.

Annual Fee increase for the Chase Sapphire Reserve from $450 to $550

Photo by CNBC

It’s confirmed! Chase has raised the annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve from $450 to $550. Although this seems like bad news, Chase has added additional benefits to Sapphire card holders. Lets take a look to see if it’s worth it.

Increased Annual Fee increase starts on January 12

Rumors of the increase were confirmed by The Points Guy, which learned that the increase will start on January 12. If you already have the card and are due to renew before April 1, 2020, you’ll be able to renew at the $450 rate; after April 1, everyone will pay the $550 annual fee.

Apply before January 12 to pay the $450 annual fee for the first year. This is an incredible opportunity, since you’ll not only recieve the lower annual fee for the first year, but you’ll get both the old and new perks.

Added Benefits to Chase Sapphire Reserve Users.

With the increased annual fee come a few extra perks for users to take advantage.

DoorDash DASHPASS Membership

• Free DashPass for up to 2 years, immediately upon activation. Normally $9.99/month.

  • Save an average of $4 - $5 per order

  • Enjoy zero delivery fees and reduced service fees on orders over $12.

• Up to $120 in statement credits, $60 through 12/31/20 and $60 through 12/31/2021, on DoorDash purchases. No activation required.

Lyft Pink

• Free Year of Lyft pink membership (actual cost $19.99 per month)

  • 15% off unlimited car ridesSave on every car ride you take — any time, anywhere. 

  • Priority airport pickups Get picked up faster at the airport when it’s busy.

  • Relaxed cancellations We’ll cover three cancel fees per month if you rebook within 15 minutes.

  • Surprise offersGet seasonal discounts and exclusive savings.

  • Waived lost and found feesWe’ll take care of the return fee every time. 

  • Bikes and scootersEnjoy 3 free 30-min. bike or scooter rides per month (in select markets).

So is it Worth it?

Bottom line, this isn’t good news for Chase Sapphire Card holders. The perks seem to be very identical to American Express Platinum Uber credit and the American Express Gold Door Dash credit, but does it justify the $100 annual fee increase? No, unless you already use Lyft & DoorDash on a regular basis.

Even though the annual fee will increase, we still find incredible value through the Chase Sapphire Reserve earning potential and redemptions for the UR portal and transfer partners.

Are there other options?

Yes! If you feel like the annual fee increase doesn’t justify your expenses and you’re getting a negative ROI, here are some options for you.

1. Downgrade to the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

   • The Annual fee is still $95 and you have 25% increase value in the UR portal and the same transfer partners as the Reserve.

2. Move to American Express.

   • American Express has a great network of cards that can yield just as much or more than the Chase card system. You also pay a bit more for better travel partners and travel perks.

3. Move to Citi Bank

   • Why?? because the CITI trifecta is an amazing point yielding system that has been under the radar the last few years. The newly changed benefits to the Citi Thank you card to 2x back, the ability to combine CITI ThankYou points, and CITI’s transfer partners makes the ROI for first class flights even better than the Chase Trifecta! (We go over this in the Credit Hacker Mentorship)