Credit cards points-transfer or use directly?

[nycdisneygal]

Thought someone would know if there is a real difference.. I have chase reward points---i can book the Hyatt I want directly (unclear how many points--it is given me an option of 13,994 for what seems to be the right type of room but does not give specifics or there is 15,990 for another room). If I transfer to Hyatt it will be 15,000 points- I can trasnfer the points one to one. Other than possible difference of 100 points, can someone tell me if there is an advantage to one way or the other? What am I missing here?????????

 

[Marionnette]

Thought someone would know if there is a real difference.. I have chase reward points---i can book the Hyatt I want directly (unclear how many points--it is given me an option of 13,994 for what seems to be the right type of room but does not give specifics or there is 15,990 for another room). If I transfer to Hyatt it will be 15,000 points- I can trasnfer the points one to one. Other than possible difference of 100 points, can someone tell me if there is an advantage to one way or the other? What am I missing here?????????

Generally speaking, you lose value when you transfer points from one rewards program into another. It can make sense to do it if you only need a few points to " top off" the Hyatt account but may not be worth it to transfer the entire amount needed for the stay.

Sit down and do the math. How much would it cost you to book the room and pay out of pocket? If you have a "pay yourself back" option, it might cost you fewer points to book your hotel yourself, pay with your Chase card and then use your points to pay for the hotel stay. Sometimes, there are no "awards travel" available at a hotel but they have plenty of empty rooms available for cash bookings.

ETA: I'm not sure which Chase rewards points program you have but I have the Ultimate Rewards thru my Sapphire Visa. 15,000 points is worth $150 when you redeem for cash or "pay yourself back". If the room you want can be booked for less than that, consider doing the "pay yourself back", if it costs more than $150, then use the points.

 

[nycdisneygal]

Thanks so much!!! You know, I have chase sapphire with ultimate rewards but have not used the pay me back option ever. Will definitely keep it in mind!! Thanks!

Turns out, I had 5,000 hyatt points so transferred 10,000 in and I am all set!!!