It looks like it is going to get harder to keep earning Chase Ultimate Rewards in 2026, especially if you have relied on them to keep your points life simple. Chase has started limiting referrals and adding vague language to their card applications, making approval rules much less clear than the old timelines we used to count on. But don't panic—these changes just mean it is time to pivot. In this episode, I’m walking through exactly what is changing with Sapphire and Ink cards and offering specific strategies to adapt so you can still get great value and vacations out of your points.

We will cover how to stretch your current Ultimate Rewards and how to maximize earnings on the cards you already hold. I’m also sharing five possible "pivots" for your 2026 strategy. I have been using points for over 15 years and have had to pivot many times; this is just another bump in the road, and I’m here to help you navigate it.

ACTION STEPS:

• Sign up for Bilt and Rakuten: If you love Hyatt points, set up these accounts soon to take advantage of the 1:1 transfer ratio available through May 15th. Here is my Rakuten affiliate link: https://www.rakuten.com/r/KMGALL29?eeid=44749 
• Link your accounts: Connect Rakuten to Bilt so your cashback earns Bilt points (which transfer to Hyatt).
• Install the browser extension: Add the Rakuten extension to your computer and iPhone browsers to automate your earning.
• Set a spending reminder: Set a notification to spend $50 through Rakuten within 90 days to trigger the welcome bonus.
• Don't stress: Take a deep breath; changes are normal in the points world, and there are still plenty of ways to afford vacations.

RESOURCES: 

• Bilt Guide (including Rakuten) Step-by-Step: https://katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-rewards-explained-earn-points-even-without-the-credit-card/ 
• Preferred Hotels with Choice: https://katiestraveltricks.com/preferred-hotels-with-choice-points-map/ 
• Timeshare Presentations: https://katiestraveltricks.com/timeshare-deal/ 
• Amex Points Explained: https://yout

New Here?

Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.

Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

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Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...