#14 In this episode, I’m kicking off a 3-part mini-series all about how I use Chase Ultimate Rewards® to turn everyday spending into trips to Japan and beyond. I walk through why Chase is the bank I’ve relied on for most of my hotel stays, how I think about flexible points vs. co-branded cards, and why Hyatt is the star of the show for my style of travel.

You’ll hear how Chase fits into my real life, to using Southwest for positioning flights out of Orlando and how I’m adjusting my strategy with a baby on the way. I also share what’s changed recently with Chase’s rules (including the Sapphire “once per lifetime” bonus and 5/24), plus some of the tools and habits I use to stay organized without getting overwhelmed.

In this episode, we cover:

• What Chase Ultimate Rewards are and why flexible points matter
• Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partners, and why I’m so loyal to Hyatt
• The 5/24 rule, what counts, what doesn’t, and how I track it with the Travel Freely app
• The “Chase Trifecta”: Freedom Flex℠, Freedom Unlimited®, and Sapphire Preferred® / Sapphire Reserve®
• How I’ve used Chase points for high-value hotel stays in Hawaii, Japan, South Korea, and around the U.S.
• Chase Ink business cards, why they’re so powerful, and why you don’t need a huge business to get started
• Using referrals and a “Player 2” strategy to earn even more points together
• Co-branded options with United, Southwest, World of Hyatt, and more  and how they fit into my bigger plan
• When I downgrade cards instead of canceling, and how that can actually help your credit profile
• A quick preview of Part 2 (where to stay in Tokyo) and Part 3 (Hyatt hotels in Tokyo & around Japan you can book with Chase points)

Links mentioned in this episode

• How to complete a Chase business credit card application (The Points Guy):
   https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/how-to-complete-chase-business-credit-card-application/
  
  
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Chase Freedom Flex℠ credit card – I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card. Learn more:
   https://www.referyourchasecard.com/18s/9CW2RA0SQW
  
  
• Sapphire Reserve® or Sapphire Preferred® – I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for either card:
   https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19u/HI7L7GXYA2
  
  
• Sapphire Reserve for Business®, Ink Business Unlimited®, or Ink Business Cash® – I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card:
   https://www.referyourchasecard.com/21a/TTH7YQHJJE
  
  
• Any Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Credit Card – I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card:
   https://www.referyourchasecard.com/226c/E7NIVDKYLM
  
  
• YouTube: “Chase 48 Month Rule Gone?” by Ben Hedges
   https://youtu.be/9sBPZUS_ZxU?si=JvsEV_4_8IejjBwo
  
  

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