genius level 2 travel rewards

The Booking Genius Program

• Post last modified: February 14, 2024

The Genius program by Booking.com gives you 10 to 20% extra discount on prices that other customers won’t get. If you reach Booking Genius Level 2, you will also qualify for complimentary breakfast and free room upgrades at selected locations. Read more and find out how the Genius reward system works below.

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About Booking.com

Booking has been around for a long time. It was established in 1996 and is today offering more than 28 million listings located all over the world.

The properties on offer range from small, family-run bed and breakfasts to grand luxury resorts. In other words, you have an extremely wide selection of options to choose from when using Booking.

The Booking Genius Levels

The Genius reward program is offered to the most frequent bookers, and the rewards are better the more frequent of a booker you are. It contains three different Booking Genius Levels.

Booking Genius Level 1 members receive 10% discount off the best available rates at hotels that take part in the program. This is the basic level that new members can unlock instantly.

If you reach Genius Level 2, you will receive 15% off, complimentary breakfast and free room upgrades at selected properties. To be upgraded to Genius Level 2, you need to complete 5 stays within two years.

If you accomplish Genius Level 3, you will receive 20% off, complimentary breakfast and free upgrades at participating properties as well as priority support. To reach Genius Level 3, you need to complete 15 stays within two years.

So you will have to use Booking for a certain amount of stays within a two year window to be upgraded from the basic Genius Level 1. Simply reach 5 stays to unlock Genius Level 2 and 15 stays to be upgraded to the highest level, Booking Genius Level 3.

The Booking.com Genius Levels aren’t more complicated than that.

But pay attention to that it’s stays and not nights that you need to collect to be upgraded. Also notice that any type of stay will count. So you don’t have to book your stays with a particular hotel category to be upgraded to the next Genius Level.

Is there a Booking Genius Level 4 or even Genius Level 5 or 6?

Genius Level 3 is currently the highest level. Maybe more levels will be added to the existing three in the future. But as of now, Booking Genius Level 3 is the highest level in the reward system.

The Booking Genius hotels

For a property to make offers within the Booking Genius program, it needs an average guest review score of at least 7.5 out of 10. That is to ensure your Genius stays get as comfortable as possible.

However, you maybe have noticed that some hotels are Genius hotels but have lower guest score than 7.5. That is because exceptions are made from this rule if the average review score in an area is lower than 7.5 on average but the hotel in question is above average.

In other words, all Genius hotels are options that perform well. Either they have 7.5 or higher in guest score, or they have a better score than the average hotel.

Best price guarantee on Booking

If you find your reservation on another website with a lower rate, then contact Booking right away and they will match the price as long as a few requirements are fulfilled.

You don’t need to be a part of the Genius program to get the price match. It’s available from the first time you use Booking.

Booking Genius Rewards review

So are the Genius rewards by Booking a great option for you or not?

Right from signing up the Genius program gives you 10% discounts. That’s a good start.

It takes five stays to unlock Genius Level 2. From that point, you will receive 15% extra discount on your bookings.

If you shoot for the stars, you can bump that up to 20% off instead as you reach Booking Level 3. That’s just really, really great.

And the free breakfast and free room upgrades at selected locations for Genius Level 2 and Genius Level 3 members make this reward system even better.

It’s also positive that the reward system is so easy to understand. The number of stays you collect get you upgraded. So you avoid the hassle of converting your stays to points, which many other loyalty systems require.

Overall the Genius program is a great reward system. Especially to get 20% off but also to get free breakfast and room upgrades at various locations really makes a big difference.

Signup instructions

• Go to Booking.com and make sure to sign up or log in if you already are a member.
• Choose your stay and make your reservation while being logged in to your account.
• Collect stays and get upgraded to the Booking Genius Levels.
• Enjoy 10%-20% off, complimentary breakfast, free room upgrades and priority support.

Booking Genius Program FAQ

So far there are three Genius Levels. These are Genius Level 1, Genius Level 2 and Genius Level 3. This means that the highest Genius Level is Genius Level 3. There’s no Booking Genius Level 4 or higher.

The discount you get is 10% in Genius Level 1, 15% in Genius Level 2 and finally 20% in Genius Level 3. On top of that, you from Booking Genius Level 2 can receive free breakfast and room upgrades.

Yes, if you reach Genius Level 2, you have access to free breakfast and free room upgrades at selected locations.

Within two years, you need to collect 5 stays for Genius Level 2 and 15 stays for Genius Level 3. Pay attention to that it’s the amount of stays and not nights that you need to collect to be upgraded.

Currently Booking Genius Level 3 is the highest level. If you have reached the third Genius Level, you’re in the top bracket. But stay posted as another Genius Level could very well be added by Booking.com in the future.

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Is the Booking Genius Discount Program Worth it?

So you want to save money on your travel bookings, but you don’t know if the Booking Genius Discount Loyalty Program is worth it. Maybe, you’re worried that you’ll end up spending more money than you save if you join the loyalty program.

I’ve put together this post so you see how you can earn discounts and rewards on every booking, no matter how small or large. And how the more you book the bigger the discounts!

So let’s see how you can get the most out of your holiday and save money…

What is the Genius Program

What does each level offer, booking genius discount faq, clever hacks to get the best deals, cashback websites:, wrapping up booking genius discount.

One of the top reasons people like me love Booking.com , is because of the unique range of accommodation options, unbeatable prices, and the generous Genius Program.

This rewards program is designed to reward frequent customers with a number of benefits and perks after you create a Booking.com account. There are 3 Levels of discounts and rewards offered by participating properties. You’ll achieve Level 1 with a 10% discount immediately.

Each level offers more discounts and rewards. As they say: “each stay counts towards your progress in the program”. So the more accommodation you book with Booking.com the more you’ll move up to the juicier rewards.

Genius Discounts and Rewards

• Immediate 10% discounts when you join and create your Booking.com account
• Complete 5 stays in 2 years to gain this level
• 10-15% discounts
• Free breakfasts on select stays
• Free room upgrades on select stays
• Complete 15 stays in 2 years to gain this level
• 10-20% discounts
• Priority support on all bookings – this is direct access to a live agent (whether it’s a Genius hotel or not)

Who offers Genius?

Only accommodation properties with good review ratings can offer genius discounts and travel rewards. Look for the Blue Genius Logo on the property to see if they offer Genius discounts and rewards.

What if I cancel my booking?

This then doesn’t count toward your Genius Levels.

How do I claim my discounts and rewards?

These are automatically applied to your booking when you book. Just make sure you see the blue Genius logo.

What if I only book budget accommodation?

The program counts your number of stays, not the amount you’ve paid.

How long does my Level last?

Once you achieve your Level on Booking.com you can keep it forever.

Search Booking.com and Join

The stays that are counted could be 1 night or 5 nights or 15 nights, etc. So to get to Level 3 why not go away for overnight trips! These one-night stays will count towards your Level 2 – 5 stays in 2 years; or Level 3 – 15 stays in 2 years much faster.

Get Cashback on your reservations – you can still book with Booking.com and earn your Genius Awards through cashback sites. So not only do you get discounts and rewards but you get cash-back bonuses as well. That might be 4-6%. We’ve even seen a 12% cash-back bonus! Usually, this is only available once a week for about 12 hours on Australian Cashrewards. Wooh that’s a Win Win Win!

Depending on the company you’ll receive your cashback in a bank account or Paypal, either once you’ve earned them or a certain number of times a year. You have to have a minimum $ amount for the payment to go ahead.

Here are my Refer-a-Friend links to Cashback sites. The referrer and friend both earn a commission, but only once the friend has made a purchase within a certain timeframe. Once you join you can refer your friends too!

Join Australian Cashrewards $10 bonus to start. If you install the Google Chrome Extension for Cashrewards then cashback offers will show up on websites you visit.

Join Rakuten US and World $10 bonus to start. Install the Rakuten web browser extension for Chrome or Safari to get the latest deals.

Wayaway Offer Cashback with Flights

When you pop in your dates and destination you’ll see what cashback is available for available flights.

Is the Booking.com Genius Program worth it? Yes!, it’s a great way to get discounts and rewards while travelling. It’s a simple process – the more you book with Booking.com, the more rewards you get!

Every booking you make earns you points, and as you level up, you’ll get access to more discounts and rewards and easy access to promotions.

Rebels Travel

Genius Rewards Program: Exclusive Benefits with Booking.com

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Embark on a Traveler’s Journey with Booking.com’s Genius Program

As a seasoned traveler navigating through a sea of options, one platform stands out—Booking.com! With an authentic voice, let me share my journey and discoveries with this tried, tested, and trusted booking aggregator.

The Genius Program: Elevating Your Booking.com Experience

Every adventure starts with a simple sign-up. Join Booking.com’s Genius Level 1, and instantly avail a 10% discount on stays and rental cars. The best part? It’s free!

Navigating the Levels

Progress through levels by indulging in what you love—travel! Just a total of five stays in two years unlocks Genius Level 2, bringing forth enhanced benefits like 10-15% discounts on stays, free breakfast, and room upgrades on select stays.

Moving up the ladder to Genius Level 3 requires 15 stays in two years. At this apex, relish up to 20% discounts, priority support, and free upgrades alongside other exclusive perks.

Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Booking.com Experience

The power of filters.

The side panel’s filter tabs are your secret weapon. Trim your search to minutes, not hours, by customizing your preferences—budget, amenities, guest count, and more.

Flexible Payment Options

Booking.com offers the flexibility to pay upfront, at the resort, or upon arrival, adding convenience and peace of mind to your travel plans.

Exclusive Offers and Tracking

Opt-in for email alerts to receive enticing offers, intensifying as you climb up the Genius levels. Keep track effortlessly with Booking.com’s accurate tracking system.

Diverse Accommodation Options with booking.com

Explore over 390,000 diverse properties worldwide, from homes, resorts, and villas to hostels and unique stays. Reviews for each option aid in informed decision-making.

Understanding booking.com Cancellation Policies

Pay attention to cancellation policies—Booking.com clearly outlines these, ensuring flexibility in case of unforeseen changes to your itinerary.

Beyond Accommodations

Discover Booking.com’s comprehensive offerings, including stays, flights, attractions, and airport taxis. Delve into their array of stay options, from holiday vacations to unique accommodations.

Maximize Savings, Maximize Adventures

With Booking.com’s streamlined platform and diverse offerings, your journey becomes not only seamless but also cost-effective. As part of Booking Holdings Inc., it forms a robust network catering to various travel-related needs.

Unlock the Door to Enhanced Travel

As you plan your next escapade, let Booking.com’s Genius program elevate your experience. With exclusive benefits, tailored results, and a vast array of accommodations, let your wanderlust thrive without breaking the bank.

Happy travels, and may your adventures be as limitless as your savings!

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4 simple tips to save more money on booking.com

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As many travelers can attest,  booking.com sets the standard for hotel booking websites. The interface is easy to use, the inventory is seemingly endless, the cancellation policies are generally liberal and the prices are consistently some of the best you’ll find on the internet. All of these awesome features make it our favorite place to book hotels.

You’ll find info below on sign up bonuses, booking.com Genius levels and behind the scenes tricks. Check out these simple booking.com tips to score killer deals every time.

Get cash back on every single reservation

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How does it work? First off, you’ll get a $30 bonus just for making your first purchase. Once you set up your account, just go to  Rakuten any time you want to book a hotel (or do almost any other online shopping) and click through. You’ll get a minimum of 2% back for  booking.com purchases, but there are often cash back bonuses that bring it up to 4% or even 6%.

Want to make sure you never miss a cash back opportunity? Install the Rakuten button for your web browser. It’ll notify you any time a site you’re on offers a rebate!

You can also earn bonuses by referring your friends to Rakuten (hi, friend!). Right now the bonus is $30, but sometimes it goes as high as $40 per friend who signs up.

Rakute n will send you a check or PayPal payment once per quarter as long as your balance is at least $5. That’s it!

>>> Sign up for Rakute n today to start saving.

(Rakuten may not be a household name just yet, but it used to be called ebates. I still call it that and I probably always will!)

Be a booking Genius

Updated January 2022 to reflect the new Booking Genius Level 3!

A few years ago,  booking.com revealed their Genius program and we love it . Unlike so many hotel loyalty programs that can get very complicated or require serious loyalty, the booking Genius program is simple: make two bookings in two years, and you’re in for life!

No tracking points or watching the average value of your previous bookings – the Genius program is the best way to save on hotels in our opinion. Even if your first few reservations are $12 hostel beds or family-friendly apartments, they still count toward achieving  booking.com Genius status.

Once you reach Genius status, every time you go to book you’ll see the little yellow Genius icon next to participating properties (and there are tons of them) and get an automatic 10-20% off those hotels! We rarely find a cheaper deal on hotels these days, and some Genius properties offer extra perks like early check-in, late check-out and even free drinks or breakfast.

How many Genius levels are on Booking today? There are currently three Booking Genius levels. The basic benefit of Booking Genius level 1 is 10% off at select hotels (they need to have a minimum user rating of 7.5 to participate, so you’re only getting the good stuff). Once you get to Booking Genius level 2 by completing five stays in two years, those hotels can offer you up to 15% off and sometimes free breakfast. Now in 2022 frequent guests like us who stay 15 times in two years are rewarded with Booking.com Genius level 3; it includes the potential for savings of up to 20%, free breakfast room upgrades and priority support.

As with the level 1 status, all of the Genius levels on Booking are for the life of your account. I’m hoping that eventually they’ll introduce Booking Genius level 4 for frequent travelers like us! What Booking.com Genius level 4 benefits would you hope to see? For me it could include bonuses like free parking or waived resort fees since these would be for only the most loyal customers.

We have saved so much money over the years with the Booking.com Genius program benefits and I know we’ll save even more in the future. Here’s a quick summary:

• Stay 2 times
• Get up to 10% off future stays
• Stay 5 times
• Get up to 15% off future stays
• Free breakfast at some hotels
• Free upgrades at some hotels
• Stay 15 times
• Get up to 20% off future stays
• Priority support line

Booking Genius vs Hotels.com Rewards

The Hotels.com Rewards program does things a little differently than the Booking Genius program. As soon as you join, you’re eligible for “Secret Prices” up to 15% off the regular rate. For every 10 nights you stay through Hotels.com, you’ll earn one free night up to the average value of those nights (also known as “Hotels.com Stamps”).

However, it’s important to know that your stamps will expire if it’s been a year singe your last earning or redemption through the program. By contrast, once you achieve a particular Booking.com Genius status you’ll retain it for life.

If you stay more than 10 nights in a single member, you’ll get upgraded to Hotels.com Rewards Silver (and eventually Hotels.com Rewards Gold at 30+ stamps).

How do Booking.com Genius prices compare with Hotels.com Secret Prices? As a representative, I looked up the wonderful hotel we stayed in for fall break in Louisville . When I compared Booking.com with Hotels.com for the same dates, room, number or travelers and cancellation policy I found that Booking was almost 10% less . Note that both of those were (surprisingly) substantially cheaper than the same booking on Hilton’s own website.

Which one works best for you depends in part on your travel patterns. If you really do stay in hotels for many nights per year, the slightly higher pricing on Hotels.com might be worth it for you to get the free night. But if you stay at hotels less frequently (or sometimes book directly with the hotel) it may take too long to rack up those 10 stamps and then redeem them for a free night on your next trip.

Check your dates and the number of nights

If you’re flexible in your travel plans, check prices for surrounding dates and even for a different number of nights for the best hotel deals. While we usually think of hotels as having a set rate per night (sometimes more on weekends), we’ve found through booking.com that sometimes the extra cost to add a night or two brings down the nightly rate.

As an example, we were looking at a one-night stay in Jerusalem that would have cost $100; when we priced out a two-night stay, it was just $50 more!

And it makes complete sense. While most hotels send in the cleaning crew to tidy up daily, a full cleaning between guests is much more involved. They have to change all the linens, restock the toiletries and minibar, look for straggler items and more. Hotels would much rather have their guests stay for a few nights at a time and they price their rooms accordingly.

Book early, check often

One of the best features of  booking.com is that most properties offer free cancellation as long as you do it a day or two before your intended arrival. What does that mean for you?

Go ahead and book the room even if you aren’t positive about your dates! If you’ll be traveling to a popular destination over a school holiday, make sure to lock in your hotel before everything is booked up. Sometimes those early booking get the best deals…

… but sometimes they don’t. We’ve found prices slashed up to 50% for bookings within a day or two of travel on occasion. Of course this high-level procrastination works best if you’re road-tripping or otherwise extremely flexible.

But you can always make a cancellable reservation several months in advance through  booking.com and then change it without penalty a day or two before if you find a better rate – especially if you’ve achieved Genius status in the interim!

Score a sign up bonu s

Unfortunately Booking is no longer offering sign up bonuses. Hopefully they’ll bring it back soon!

If you’re new to booking.com , welcome to the savings! You have the easiest form of savings right at your fingertips: click here to make an account and start with $25 off your first reservation. No strings attached! You can use it for an apartment, a hotel or any other kind of reservation available on the website.

>>> Join the savings at  booking.com today!

Booking.com 4-step saving plan overview

Too much to read? Follow this simple plan to save money on hotels at  booking.com :

That’s it! Get started at  booking.com and  Rakute n today. Not ready yet? Pin this article for later and share it with your friends.

Booking.com FAQs

At present, there are three levels in Booking.com’s Genius program.

Yes! Booking.com level 3 began in late 2021 and offers up to 20% discounts.

The biggest benefit is the booking.com Genius discount, which is up to 20% for participating properties. In addition, some locations offer free breakfast or room upgrades.

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5 thoughts on “4 simple tips to save more money on booking.com”.

I dont think I’ve ever used booking.com…. I like when you can reserve and change if prices drop. I wonder if ibotta has booking – I have been using that, although I hear good things about ebates of course!

How many minimum stays for apply to Genius level 3 and Genius level 4 ?

I think at the moment there are only two levels, but at the beginning there was just one. Hopefully they’ll slowly roll out more levels as the program picks up!

Or you can book direct with the hotel to get the best prices!!!! Usually works.

Thanks for stopping by! I always check both and book whichever one is the better deal (and has a flexible cancellation policy). Sometimes it’s the hotel’s website, but often I find phenomenal deals with booking thanks to my Genius discount. There are also plenty of smaller hotels and vacation rentals that don’t have their own websites so it’s always helpful to know how to get the best deals through an OTA.

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Booking.com adds a third-level of benefits to its loyalty program

Genius level 3 members can enjoy up to 20% off, get free room upgrade, priority customer support and more at participating properties.

Mumbai, Wednesday, May 11, 2022: Digital travel platform Booking.com is giving travellers from around the world, including India, the keys to unlock a new level of perks with the introduction of a third and higher tier to its Genius loyalty program, giving travellers even more value the more they use Booking.com.  

With recent research from Booking.com revealing price as one of the top priorities for 32% of Indian travellers* when planning a trip, the Level 3 expansion of Genius is the travel platform’s latest commitment to making it easier for everyone to experience the world. 

Designed to make every trip a better experience, Booking.com’s loyalty program is completely free, easily accessible and membership lasts a lifetime – travellers simply need to create an account to achieve Genius status for life. As Genius members unlock new levels, they get access to larger discounts and more travel rewards that never expire. 

Genius Level 3 members can enjoy up to 20% off.  Discounts are available to all Genius members at over 390,000 participating properties all around the world, whether it’s up to 15% available on Genius Level 2 or up to 10% on Genius Level 1, leaving travellers of all levels with sweet savings to put towards splurging on other parts of their travel experience.

And in addition to the free breakfasts and free room upgrades at participating properties for Genius Level 2 and Level 3 members, the newest tier promises members priority customer support with a live agent for those times when things don’t go to plan, answering the wishes of 68% of Indian travellers seeking real-time service support.

Genius tiers at a glance 

Genius members of all Levels can find their next deal by looking for the Genius label on participating properties. To find out more about Booking.com Genius, or receive a lifetime of travel perks, visit: https://www.booking.com/genius.html . 

Methodology

* Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total 24,055 respondents across 31 countries and territories were polled (including 501 from Argentina, 1003 from Australia, 500 from Belgium, 1001 from Brazil, 500 from Canada, 1000 from China, 1007 from Colombia, 1001 from Croatia, 508 from Denmark, 1002 from France, 1000 from Germany, 1005 from Hong Kong, 1000 from India, 502 from Israel, 1003 from Italy, 1002 from Japan, 500 from Mexico, 501 from The Netherlands, 501 from New Zealand, 500 from Peru, 1000 from Russia, 1005 from Singapore, 1002 from South Korea, 1002 from Spain, 501 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 500 from Thailand, 1000 from the UK, 1002 from the US and 501 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in August 2021.

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world whenever it’s safe to do so again. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com seamlessly connects millions of travellers with memorable experiences, a range of transportation options and incredible places to stay -from homes to hotels and much more. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for both established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes, Booking.com enables properties all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their businesses. Booking.com is available in 44 languages and offers more than 27 million total reported accommodation listings, including more than 6.3 million listings of homes, apartments and other unique places to stay. No matter where you want to go or what you want to do, Booking.com makes it easy and backs it all up with 24/7 customer support. 

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Booking.com Have Expanded Their Genius Loyalty Programme

As global industries scrabble to make changes that will better suit a post-pandemic world, Booking.com have recently updated their  loyalty programme, Genius , to include additional levels.

NB: This is an article from Net Affinity

At  annual partner summit, Click , the company discussed their vision for the future of Genius to ‘help its property partners gain even more visibility, increase bookings and grow their businesses in 2021 and beyond’.

The expansion of the Genius programme means more of an incentive for people to use Booking.com, and reap the additional benefits by doing so. Booking.com are positioning the expanded Genius programme as an optional choice partners can make based on their individual needs.

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As an independent hotelier, it’s important to be aware of Booking.com’s expanding loyalty programme. Why? Because it  may have a noticeable impact on your direct bookings .

What do I need to be aware of as an independent hotelier?

First of all, keep an eye on your  metasearch rate s. If you’re a Net Affinity client, and  you’re using metasearch  (eg Google Hotel Price Ads), chat to us if you have any concerns.

Secondly, make sure you are not signed up to any Genius programmes you’re unaware of! If you find that you are, and you wish not to be, you will be able to ‘opt out’ by sending Booking.com a message via your extranet inbox and  following these instructions.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using OTAs like Booking.com as part of your overall revenue strategy. They have their place within the mix. However, as an independent hotelier, direct bookings should be your number 1 goal. This loyalty programme builds loyalty to Booking.com – not to the hotels taking part. It increases dependency on Booking.com. Your weapon is  your rate  – always make sure you are reserving and using the best rate for your own channels.

Why is it so important I grow my direct booking channel?

• It gives you the ability to control your marketing message
• It gives you more control over the experience your guest has, and your ongoing relationship with them
• You will have lower cancellation rates overall
• It provides an opportunity to secure new loyal customers

What can you do to entice guests to book direct with you?

• Incentivise guests to book by offering a small discount or  unique enhancements
• Emphasise what you have to offer – your property, your area as a destination, your surrounding local attractions
• Create an engaging booking experience that ensures your guest sticks with it through until the end. Part of this is making sure you have an  intelligent booking engine  that is built for mobile, optimised for conversion and easy to integrate with other software that will collectively create a seamless user experience

Here’s a breakdown of what the Genius loyalty programme offers its users.

Genius Level 1

Complete any two stays within two years to unlock Genius Level 1 benefits on select options

Genius travel rewards

10% base-rate discount on the price of your stay before taxes and charges are applied

Genius Level 2

Complete any five stays within two years to unlock Genius Level 2 benefits on select options

10%–15% base-rate discounts on the price of your stay before taxes and charges are applied

Free breakfast with your Genius stay

Free room upgrade

Genius Level 3

Complete any fifteen stays within two years to unlock Genius Level 3 benefits on select options

20% base-rate discounts on the price of your stay before taxes and charges are applied

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Booking.com Rewards Program: Join Genius & Get Huge Discounts

By: Carolyn Fitchard

Ever dream of checking in for a 15-hour international flight and getting upgraded to first class for free? Well, that might be an unlikely scenario, but you can get a regular taste of the upgrade life by joining Genius—Booking.com's free loyalty program. Read on for Groupon Coupons ’ primer into Genius rewards, and be sure to browse our collection of Booking.com coupons for more ways to save. 

Savings Tip: Download the Booking.com app to unlock mobile-exclusive deals, including 10% off your base rate. The app is free to use for all bookings, and is available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. 

What is genius.

Genius is Booking.com’s travel rewards program . It’s free to sign up (you just need to log in with your Booking.com credentials), and the rewards you unlock are yours to keep for life. Members automatically start at Level 1 and graduate to Level 2 when they complete five stays in two years. Here’s what you can expect at each level:

Genius Level 1

At this level, you’ll get a 10% base-rate discount on the price of your stay (before taxes and charges) at over 390,000 participating properties. This discount never expires, so use it as often as you like.

Genius Level 2

After you complete five separate stays in two years, you’ll become a Level 2 Genius member for life. That means the following perks at participating properties:

• 10%–15% off base-rate discount
• Free breakfast at some Genius stays
• Free room upgrade on some stays

Genius Level 3

Complete 15 stays in two years, and you'll be bumped up to Level 3 Genius member, the absolute highest achievement and the perks to go along with it:

• 10%–20% off base-rate discount
• Priority support on all bookings

How Do You Find Genius Discounts?

Genius rewards are redeemable at over 390,000 properties on Booking.com. Be sure you’re signed in, then select Genius in the top tab to show all participating hotels in your search. Click on a hotel to see which Genius benefits are available to you. After you complete your stay, you’ll be one step closer to graduating to Genius Level 2 and 3. Cancelled bookings will not count toward your progress.

Looking for more ways to save? Check out our Booking.com Savings Guide to get ready for your next vacation.

See All The Booking.com Sales & Coupons

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Loyalty schemes: get hotel discounts and travel rewards via Booking.com, Expedia & more

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Holiday loyalty schemes are a great way to bag extra perks and discounts for your getaways. We run through the most popular schemes and explain how each works.

Why join a travel or hotel loyalty scheme, booking.com genius loyalty scheme, easyhotel clubbedzzz loyalty scheme, expedia rewards loyalty scheme, hotels.com rewards loyalty scheme.

If you regularly book holidays through the same site or frequently stay at a particular hotel chain, you could be missing out on a host of great freebies and discounts if you aren't signed up for a holiday loyalty scheme. 

From 20% off room rates to reward points towards your next flight, you can rack up loads of great perks.

We’ll now run through some of the most popular travel and hotel loyalty schemes available to you.

How to save money on holidays, including cheap flights, hotels and more

You can get discounted stays at over 390,000 properties worldwide via Booking.com’s loyalty scheme Genius .

It’s free to sign up for and includes three levels that offer different rewards.

When you sign up, you automatically reach Genius Level 1, which offers a 10% discount at participating properties around the world.

If you complete five stays in two years, you’ll reach Genius Level 2 where you’ll enjoy discounts of between 10% and 15% and free breakfast and room upgrades on select stays.

You can reach the final level (Genius Level 3) by completing 15 stays in two years. You get the same benefits as the previous level but the discount on stays is up to 20% and you get priority support on all bookings.

Once you’ve met the requirements for any level, the benefits are unlocked for life, but discounts are applied to the price of your stay before any taxes and charges.

It’s worth stressing that discounts and rewards are not available on every booking as they are only available via those who participate in the scheme (as shown by the blue Genius logo).

Booking.com says that only well-reviewed properties can join the Genius programme.

With the free ClubBedzzz loyalty scheme , you can get a special discount of at least 10% off all your bookings.

You’ll also get exclusive access to sales, free Wi-Fi and free late check-out on Sundays (up until 1pm).

Sadly, you don’t receive additional rewards for repeat bookings with easyHotel.

Find the latest travel deals at lastminute.com

Expedia’s Rewards loyalty scheme allows you to save an extra 10% or more on select hotels, as well as earn points on eligible bookings when you first sign up.

Similar to Booking.com, Expedia offers different levels that you can unlock to get more benefits.

The above benefits are available under the ‘Blue’ tier, where you can earn one point for every £1 spent on eligible stays, hire cars, activities and packages. Points can help you save money on your next eligible trip.

To reach, the ‘Silver’ tier, you need to collect 10 Trip Elements each year.

You can earn one Trip Element when you book and complete an eligible flight, car reservation or activity, as well as for hotel and accommodation rental stays (per room/per night), as well as on packages.

You can earn two points for every £1 you spend on eligible bookings and will receive perks like free breakfast or spa credits at participating VIP Access properties (marked with a VIP logo).

The ‘Gold’ tier is only available to those who collect 25 Trip Elements in a year and allows you to earn three points for every £1 spent on eligible bookings.

You’ll also get a guaranteed two-hour late check-out and free room upgrades where available at VIP Access Properties.

You can earn double points when you book via the app and one point for every £5 spent on eligible flights that aren’t booked directly through the airline.

It’s worth warning that you’ll be ineligible for points for booked flights even if your original flight search was conducted on Expedia.co.uk.

If you book a VIP Access property, you’ll earn triple points, plus you may be able to earn credit card and airline rewards points as well, regardless of what tier you’re on.

The best credit cards for spending abroad

When you sign up for the free Hotels.com Rewards loyalty scheme , you automatically get discounts via ‘Secret Prices’ that are available on eligible properties.

You can also collect one stamp for every night you stay at a hotel – when you get to 10, you get a free night’s stay at a property of your choice.

The free night’s stay is worth the average value of the 10 stamps you have collected.

So, for example, if you spent £85 per night on average for 10 nights (this can be all at once or booked at different times), your free night reward would be worth around £85.

It’s worth stressing that you’ll have to pay taxes and fees on your reward night and if you choose a hotel that costs more, you’ll have to pay the difference.

When you reach 10 stamps, you’ll be bumped up to Rewards Silver and get benefits such as free breakfast, Wi-Fi or even spa vouchers at participating VIP Access properties and Price Guarantee Plus.

With Price Guarantee Plus, if you find the same stay at a better price, Hotels.com will match this and refund the difference – up until you check in. You’ll also get priority customer service.

If you manage to get 30 stamps, you’ll join the Rewards Gold tier, which offers complimentary room upgrades and early check-in, as well as guaranteed late check-out at select VIP Access properties.

You’ll also be able to get a free upgrade to Avis Preferred Plus membership.

*This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently.

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As my list of “places to visit once lockdown is over” extends, so does my curiosity about how to get there, where to stay, and what to do – and how to save or earn with loyalty and reward programs of course. Read my Club Jetstar article to find how to get there. This article focuses on where to stay, and more specifically where to book accommodation.

The Dutch Online Travel Agency (OTA), Booking.com , is a major player in the online travel bookings space. Although Booking.com holds a large share of many markets around the world, there is some tough competition in the industry from the likes of Expedia, Airbnb and Webjet.

In a move to increase their member base, Booking.com updated their Genius loyalty program to provide member benefits right from the get-go.

A few clicks to sign-up

Sign-up for a Booking.com account using Facebook, Google, an email address, or an Apple ID.

Then, a prompt to enter a name and mobile number appear, but this can be skipped.

Ta da! Account created and immediate benefits are ready for members who make a booking.

Lifetime benefits

The Genius program has two levels. Once reached, each level is maintained for life.

• To access Genius level 1 – Sign up.
• To access Genius level 2 – Complete 5 stays in 2 years.

Genius Level 1

• 10% discount: on the price of a stay before taxes and charges.

Genius Level 2

• 10%–15% discounts: on the price of a stay before taxes and charges.
• Free breakfast
• Free room upgrade

Not all accommodation is created equal

Previously, to reach Genius Level 1, a member was required to complete two stays within 2 years. This was considered a low entry level into the program. Now, it’s even easier! A member can sign-up in a few minutes and receive the same 10% discount on future bookings – for life. Great value for members.

Not all accommodation providers participate in the genius program. To be eligible, a provider must have a rating of 7.5 or above. In any case, providers are not obliged to participate.

When browsing, there is a ‘Genius’ label to indicate an accommodation providers program participation.

It’s also important to note that not all Genius Level 2 benefits apply to each stay. For example, a hotel could choose to offer a 10% discount for a Genius member and a free room upgrade but is not obliged to offer a free breakfast.

Einstein level loyalty design?

Some may throw around the word ‘genius’ to describe Booking.com’s program. The program generates a loyal member base, and the accommodation providers foot the bill. Why? In the hopes of better visibility on Booking.com, of course. As Genius’ popularity rises, providers will have to join the program and take on the discount to at least maintain their current visibility.

For Booking.com, Genius enables growth and protects share of wallet in a highly competitive market, it helps build a database on who is travelling, when and where, and drives advocacy for the brand – given members are happy with the savings and the experience (considering members will stay at highly rated accommodation by design).

Genius sits in a sweet spot for less frequent travellers. A program tailored to those who may not travel enough to earn rewards from the big hotel programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors , but are willing to make infrequent bookings from the same OTA over time (if it means they are rewarded). It also caters for those who want to stay at different types of accommodation across different brands.

Enticing members to use the product once, and then five times in two years, may induce behavioural commitment. The question is can Booking.com can turn this into attitudinal commitment? If they can, that would mean that members don’t opt for a competitor when a better deal comes along.

All in all, Genius is a win for travellers and the OTA. Unfortunately, it is the lowly rated accommodation providers and the margins of accommodation providers in general, that will take a hit.

Hunter Murray

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Mit Genius ist Booking.com noch besser

Erhalten sie prämien für ihre reisen.

Entdecken Sie neue Level der Reiseprämien

Häufig gestellte fragen zum genius-programm, was ist mein genius-level und warum bin ich auf diesem level, warum ist mein genius-level niedriger als zuvor, ich habe mehr als 5 buchungen abgeschlossen, warum bin ich nicht auf das nächste level aufgestiegen, warum bin ich auf meinem computer auf einem anderen genius-level als auf meinem mobilgerät, wie kann ich das nächste genius-level freischalten, welche buchungen tragen zu meinem fortschritt bei genius bei, wie werden meine buchungen gezählt, wo kann ich meinen genius-rabatt nutzen, wie werden genius-rabatte und -prämien angewendet, welche prämien erhalte ich auf meinem level, wie funktioniert das genius-treueprogramm, gibt es arten von buchungen, die nicht auf meinen fortschritt angerechnet werden, finden sie ihre nächste unterkunft, bleiben sie auf dem laufenden.

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Wir geben Ihnen persönliche Empfehlungen auf der Grundlage Ihrer Aktivitäten auf unserer Plattform. Wenn Sie möchten, können Sie diese Option ausschalten. Bitte beachten Sie, dass das Ausschalten nur für Ihr aktuelles Gerät gilt. Sie müssen diese Einstellung daher auf jedem Gerät nach Bedarf anpassen, damit Ihre Präferenz berücksichtigt wird.

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Booking.com ist Teil von Booking Holdings Inc., dem weltweiten Marktführer für Online-Reisen und ähnliche Dienstleistungen.

Echte Bewertungen von echten Gästen.

Wir haben über 70 Millionen Unterkunftsbewertungen – allesamt von echten Gästen, die nachweislich dort übernachtet haben .

Wie funktioniert es?

Es beginnt mit einer buchung.

Eine Bewertung kann erst nach einer Buchung geschrieben werden. So können wir sicherstellen, dass unsere Bewertungen von echten Gästen kommen, die in der Unterkunft übernachtet haben.

Dann kommt die Reise

Wenn Gäste in einer Unterkunft übernachten, wissen sie, wie ruhig die Zimmer und wie freundlich die Mitarbeiter sind, usw.

Und danach die Bewertung

Nach ihrer Reise berichten uns unsere Gäste von ihrem Aufenthalt. Jede Bewertung wird auf Schimpfwörter und ihre Echtheit geprüft, bevor wir sie der Booking.com-Seite hinzufügen.

Wenn Sie über uns gebucht haben und eine Gästebewertung hinterlegen möchten, melden Sie sich bitte in Ihrem Konto an.

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Chase Boosts Welcome Bonus On Two Sapphire Cards To 75,000 Points

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Updated: May 2, 2024, 8:19pm

Table of Contents

Is the elevated chase sapphire welcome bonus a good offer, how much are chase ultimate rewards worth, bottom line.

If a Sapphire card has been on your radar, now may be the time to apply. For a limited time, Chase is elevating the welcome bonus on both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® to 75,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months after approval.

This 75,000-point offer is an increase of 15,000 points above the recent standard offer of 60,000 points.

Featured Partner Offers

While we’ve seen offers of 80,000 to 100,000 points on these cards in the past, there is no guarantee that Chase will bring these back. Even at 60,000 points, both cards could add enough value to earn a spot in your wallet.

The annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is reasonable at $95, and it earns 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. The card also comes with $50 in statement credit each account anniversary for hotels booked through Chase Travel℠.

Sapphire Preferred cardholders booking through Chase Travel get 25% more value from their points, meaning the 75,000-point welcome bonus is worth over $900.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® carries a higher annual fee of $550 but adds enough benefits and credits to cover that fee for those who can utilize them.

The Sapphire Reserve earns 5 points per dollar on flights and 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals when purchasing travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. It includes a $300 annual travel credit and a credit to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or Nexus .

As a top travel card, the Sapphire Reserve includes complimentary airport lounge access with a Priority Pass Select membership after a one-time enrollment. It also gives cardholders access to the expanding and luxurious Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations.

The Sapphire Reserve also includes best-in-class travel protections , such as primary auto rental collision damage waiver coverage, trip cancellation and interruption insurance and lost luggage reimbursement.

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, cardholders get 50% more from their points when booking through Chase Travel. With that 50% bonus, the 75,000-point welcome bonus is worth $1,125 in travel booked with Ultimate Rewards through the Chase Travel portal.

While Ultimate Rewards points can be worth 25% to 50% more when booking through Chase Travel, the value can increase even more with Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partners . The Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card all give cardholders access to over a dozen transfer partners, including British Airways , Southwest Airlines and World of Hyatt . All points transfers are 1:1.

If you’ve seen people brag about amazing redemptions with points, it’s likely because they transferred points to an airline or hotel partner. One way to make your points go further is to transfer to British Airways and book flights on partner airlines.

British Airways and American Airlines are both part of the Oneworld airline alliance , so AA flights can be found on BA’s website if they’re in the right fare class. Here’s an example of a one-way flight operated by AA from Philadelphia to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, a popular beach destination.

American Airlines cash booking

British Airways Avios booking of the same flight

Notice the flight number is the same for the cash booking with AA and the points booking with BA: flight AA2641. If booked directly with AA, the cash price would be $347. That same flight booked with British Airways would be 14,500 Avios plus $49.65 in taxes and fees.

Even when considering the out-of-pocket cost for taxes and fees with the Avios booking, the value of your points is more than double. That even beats the 25% to 50% bonus booking through Chase Travel.

If you haven’t received a welcome bonus for a Sapphire card in the last 48 months, you could qualify for one of these offers. These two travel credit cards are among the best on the market, and the elevated welcome offer just made them even more appealing. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a Sapphire card, this limited-time offer is an excellent opportunity to get a bonus that’s higher than the standard offer.

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Find the best travel credit card for your travel needs.

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Jerod Morales is a deputy editor at Forbes Advisor and a travel rewards expert. He took a deep dive into points and miles in 2016, searching for a way to make travel both possible and affordable for his growing family. Now, as a dad to four sons, he and his wife enjoy introducing their kids to cultures and cities across the globe as often as they can.

Who are the Chase transfer partners? Everything to know

Ultimate Rewards points are the currency of most Chase-branded credit cards. You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points for everyday spending and then redeem them for a wide range of rewards.

Despite increasing competition from American Express Membership Rewards points , Citi ThankYou Rewards points and Capital One miles , Chase Ultimate Rewards points have maintained their place as one of the most valuable and useful points currencies — especially with valuable products like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card .

Transferring Ultimate Rewards to travel partners is often the most valuable way to redeem your hard-earned points. With 14 different transfer partners, you have plenty of options, since you can keep your Chase points in your Ultimate Rewards account until you can transfer them.

Related: The best Chase credit cards

Here is everything to know about Chase Ultimate Rewards' transfer partners.

What are the Chase transfer partners?

You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to 11 airline programs:

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• British Airways Executive Club
• Emirates Skywards
• Iberia Plus
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
• United Airlines MileagePlus
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Chase also partners with three hotel programs:

• IHG One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• World of Hyatt

All transfer ratios are 1:1 (though there are occasional transfer bonuses ), and you must transfer points in 1,000-point increments.

How long do Ultimate Rewards transfers take?

Most transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to its partner programs are instantaneous , with two exceptions. In our testing, transfers to both Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Marriott Bonvoy can take up to two business days.

We've heard anecdotal stories of delays with other programs, but as long as the name on your Ultimate Rewards account matches that on your loyalty program account, these should process immediately.

Note that transfer bonuses can also be inconsistent. For example, when TPG's Nick Ewen recently transferred points to Aeroplan to take advantage of a 20% bonus, the base points arrived immediately, but it took three days for the bonus points to post.

How do I transfer Chase points to partners?

You can easily transfer Chase points online. First, log in to your Chase account and navigate to the Ultimate Rewards portal. Under the Travel drop-down, select "Transfer to Travel Partners" to access the main transfer page.

You will then see the list of transfer partners. Any current transfer bonuses will also be shown (note that the screen shot below may show outdated offers). Select your desired transfer partner, link your external account if you have not already done so, select the number of Ultimate Rewards points you wish to transfer and then submit the transfer.

Remember, Ultimate Rewards transfers cannot be reversed, so it's best to wait until you have a specific use before transferring them.

What are the best Chase transfer partners?

Given the low award chart rates of the World of Hyatt program, many TPG staffers believe Hyatt is the best hotel transfer option for Ultimate Rewards points.

If you would prefer to transfer to one of the 11 different airline program partners, the best option may depend on which airlines fly to and from the destinations you wish to travel, who the program partners with and which airlines you like to travel with.

There are sweet spots to be found in most airline transfer options, especially those programs that have retained award charts .

Here are some of our favorite Ultimate Rewards sweet spots .

Top-tier Hyatt hotels

The World of Hyatt award chart has two appealing factors. First, its mere existence is notable, given most other hotel programs (including IHG One Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, the other Chase hotel partners) have shifted to dynamic pricing .

Beyond that, Hyatt award rates can be incredibly low compared to some competitors. You can book some of the fanciest Park Hyatt properties in the entire portfolio, including the Park Hyatt New York and Park Hyatt Sydney , for just 35,000 points per night during off-peak dates. TPG values Hyatt points at 1.7 cents each, so 35,000 points are worth $595.

That's a great deal for hotels that sell for close to $1,000 per night, even when demand is low.

There's also great value at the lower end of the Hyatt award chart. Category 1 hotels range from 3,500 to 6,500 points per night, depending on whether you travel on peak, standard or off-peak dates.

Iberia flights to Madrid

Round-trip, off-peak flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Spain's capital will only set you back 34,000 Avios in economy, 51,000 in premium economy or 68,000 in business when you transfer your Chase points to Iberia Plus. Considering that most airlines charge at least 60,000 miles for a one-way business-class award to Europe, you're essentially getting a 50% discount.

Related: 7 of the best airline award chart sweet spots

Flights to Hawaii with Alaska and American

By transferring your Ultimate Rewards to British Airways, you can book awards with Oneworld partners American Airlines and Alaska Airlines . As long as your nonstop flight distance is under 3,000 miles each way (and saver-level award space is available), you can leverage British Airways' distance-based award chart to fly from any West Coast gateway to Hawaii for only 32,000 Avios round-trip — after a December 2023 devaluation that saw prices increase by up to 32%.

ANA flights booked through Virgin Atlantic

For just 145,000 miles, you can fly round-trip in All Nippon Airways first class between the West Coast and Tokyo. Flights from other U.S. gateways only cost an extra 25,000 miles (170,000 miles round-trip). Business-class redemptions are an even better deal, costing just 90,000-95,000 miles round-trip, depending on your U.S. departure airport. If possible, you'll want to route through New York-JFK and fly ANA's new industry-leading "The Room" business class , which is only available on select routes.

However, availability can be difficult to come by.

Short-haul flights to Canada

Aeroplan stuck to an award chart for partner redemptions but added dynamic pricing for Air Canada flights. As a result, you can often find super-cheap short-haul tickets from the U.S. to Canada. For example, New York to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) can be booked for under 6,000 miles one-way on many dates.

However, you can also find very reasonable award rates on Star Alliance partners through Aeroplan — including Lufthansa, Swiss and EVA Airways.

Related: Your complete guide to Star Alliance benefits

What are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth?

TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents apiece in our monthly valuations, and we believe you will receive the best value by transferring the points to partners.

However, you'll get varying values for Chase points if you pursue other redemption opportunities. For example, Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.5 cents apiece through the Chase travel portal for Sapphire Reserve cardholders or 1.25 cents for those with the Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred . You'll also have access to Chase Pay Yourself Back as a cardholder of any of the above cards, and there are occasionally offers to use Chase points for Apple products or gift cards at an enhanced value.

Finally, Chase points are worth 1 cent apiece if used for simple cash back.

How do I earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

There are many ways to earn Chase points at 1-10 points per dollar spent, depending on the specific Chase credit card you carry.

The first three cards below earn fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points by themselves, while the remaining four are technically billed as cash-back credit cards .

However, if you have an Ultimate Rewards-earning card, you can effectively convert your cash-back rewards into Ultimate Rewards points. For this reason, having more than one Chase card can make sense to maximize your earning and redeeming potential.

Here are the cards that allow you to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Welcome bonus: 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: This is a fantastic all-around travel credit card . It earns points at the following rates:

• 5 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 5 points per dollar on all travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
• 3 points per dollar on select streaming services
• 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
• 2 points per dollar on all other travel
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

The Sapphire Preferred has no foreign transaction fees and has many travel perks , including delayed baggage insurance, trip interruption/cancellation insurance and primary car rental insurance .

Annual fee: $95

Application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome bonus: 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: The Sapphire Reserve offers earning power paired with travel perks that can easily cover the annual fee. It earns points at the following rates:

• 10 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining booked through Ultimate Rewards
• 10 points per dollar on hotel and car rental purchases through the Chase Travel
• 5 points per dollar on airline travel booked through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar on travel not booked through Chase
• 3 points per dollar on other dining purchases
• 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Other perks include an easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit , a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100 once every four years) and Priority Pass Select lounge access as well as the growing list of new Sapphire lounges . This is one of the few cards that allow you to use your Priority Pass membership for discounted meals in airport restaurants . Cardholders also get primary car rental coverage , trip interruption/cancellation insurance and other protections .

Annual fee: $550

Application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Welcome bonus: 100,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Why you want it: This is one of the best credit cards for small-business owners , earning 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, advertising made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. You earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, and points don't expire as long as your account is open.

Application link: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Cash-back Chase credit cards

Four Chase credit cards are technically billed as cash-back products. However, suppose you have one of the three cards noted above. In that case, you can combine your points in a single account, converting these cash-back rewards into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.

Even better? None of these cards charge an annual fee.

Here are the four cards that offer this functionality:

• Chase Freedom Flex : Earn $200 after you spend $500 in the first three months of account opening. Earn 5% back on select bonus categories, which rotate every quarter and apply on up to $1,500 in combined spending (activation required). Plus, earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel , 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and 3% on drugstore purchases.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited : Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year), worth up to $300 cash back. Plus, earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel , 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and 3% on drugstore purchases. Earn 1.5% on all other purchases.
• Ink Business Cash Credit Card : Earn up to $750: $350 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year (then 1%). Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year (then 1%).
• Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card : Earn $750 cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash-back rewards on every purchase.

Note that Chase also issues the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card . However, the earnings on this card can't be combined with others in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.

Read more: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards

Bottom line

If you value the flexibility of choosing from 11 airline partners and three hotel partners, Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of our favorite credit card programs at TPG.

In the age of no-notice devaluations by some loyalty programs, it is smart to earn Ultimate Rewards via the range of credit card welcome bonuses, category bonuses and everyday spending, and then keep your Ultimate Rewards points until you are ready to transfer and book with an airline or hotel partner.