Chase Terminates Collaboration with Emirates Airline in Rewards Program

DUBAI- Chase Ultimate Rewards is set to discontinue Emirates (EK) Skywards as a transfer partner on October 15, 2025. This leaves members with a limited timeframe to utilize their points for transfers to Emirates before this partnership ends.

Even though Emirates flights operate out of Dubai International Airport (DXB), Chase customers can still enjoy access to other airline and hotel partners, with the advantageous 1:1 transfer rate remaining unchanged. In contrast to Citi and Amex, which have lowered their transfer rates, Chase ensures consistency across its programs.

Chase Discontinues Emirates Skywards Transfers

This decision by Chase highlights the limited advantages that Emirates Skywards offers for most users. While miles with Emirates are beneficial for high-value upgrades, such options often come with significant surcharges, complex restrictions, and inflated award pricing.

According to reports, other loyalty programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer often yield better redemption rates for the same Emirates routes.

For regular travelers, there’s little appeal in Emirates’ loyalty program beyond its marketing allure for premium travelers. In contrast, Chase’s other airline partnerships provide more varied and cost-effective redemption options.

Current Chase Partners

Chase Ultimate Rewards continues to provide a robust lineup of partners across major airline alliances:

• Star Alliance: United MileagePlus, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Air Canada Aeroplan
• oneworld: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus
• SkyTeam: Air France KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• Non-alliance: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, Aer Lingus AerClub
• Hotels: World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards

Hyatt stands out among partners, as no other credit card program offers this benefit. Additionally, Aeroplan and Flying Blue provide excellent coverage for Star Alliance and SkyTeam, making them appealing alternatives for booking premium cabins.

Possible Future Transfer Partners

Chase might enhance its offerings by incorporating new partners, such as:

• Finnair Plus and Qantas Frequent Flyer for oneworld representation
• Etihad Guest, despite its comparatively lower program value
• Hotel and lifestyle programs like Accor Live Limitless or GHA Discovery
• Regional carriers like JSX, which already has connections to Chase via partnerships with United

Adding such partners would diversify the program, increasing flexibility for cardholders seeking unique redemption options.

Access to Premium Cabin Redemptions

A key concern is the potential loss of access to premium cabin redemptions through Emirates (EK).

Previously, PointsBoost allowed Chase members to achieve up to 2 cents per point value for first and business class bookings with Emirates. Once Skywards is no longer an option, this lucrative pathway may vanish entirely.