Chase Ultimate Rewards is among the most popular points programs in the rewards space. Maximizing earnings is commonplace for many Chase users seeking to derive value from their cards. Shopping online is an overlooked way to earn more points through Chase. Shop Through Chase is an online shopping portal that allows users to earn up to 15X points per dollar spent. Purchases through the portal are stackable too, meaning they’re in addition to your card’s normal rewards. Such earnings can be valuable for people who redeem points for travel. Unfortunately, not all Chase cards can use the portal. This guide explains how to shop through Chase to earn more points, which cards are eligible, what you can earn, and strategies to maximize points.
What is Shop Through Chase?
Shop Through Chase is a portal for eligible Chase cardholders to earn Ultimate Rewards points. The shopping portal currently works with nearly 500 retailers. When you access the portal, you will see participating retailers you can shop with to earn rewards.
For example, I can currently earn 2X points on Gap purchases in Shop Through Chase. In some cases, the retailer may give a flat amount of points rather than a multiplier. Regardless, points earned via Shop Through Chase are in addition to points you’re already earning. Restrictions may apply, as some retailers may exclude certain categories or gift card purchases, and bonus rates can vary.
Is Shop Through Chase the same as The Shops at Chase?
Shop Through Chase is different from The Shops at Chase. The Shops at Chase is a curated marketplace where you can redeem points directly. Shop Through Chase is a click-through shopping portal that lets users earn bonus points on purchases.
The Shops at Chase focuses on luxury retailers, allowing you to use points for purchases. Don’t expect a vast selection, either, as The Shops at Chase houses only a few dozen retailers. Users typically don’t earn points through The Shops at Chase.
How does Shop Through Chase work?
It is easy to shop through the Chase portal, but you must follow specific steps to earn points. Here’s how to use Shop Through Chase:
- Log in to Chase Ultimate Rewards via desktop or the mobile app
- Select which of your eligible cards you want to use
- Navigate to “Shopping & Experiences” and choose “Shop & earn bonus points”
- Select a retailer, review the terms, and click “Shop Now”
- Complete the purchase normally on the merchant site within the same session
- Bonus points usually post after your statement closes, depending on the reporting merchant
Completing the purchase during the same web session is necessary to earn points. Furthermore, Chase needs to see that the sale originated from their link, as the retailer typically pays Chase a referral fee for the purchase.
Using ad blockers, moving between devices, or attempting to stack unapproved coupon codes can interfere with the process. You can verify points earned in the confirmation email from the merchant or in the Ultimate Rewards activity once the points apply to your account.
How much can you earn?
One fantastic benefit of using Shop Through Chase is that points are typically uncapped. While a retailer may impose a cap, Chase doesn’t limit how many Ultimate Rewards points you can earn through the portal.
Retailers are fluid in the portal, and rates can vary. Earnings rates range from 1X to 15X the purchase amount. However, most everyday merchants tend to range between 1X and 4X the amount of the purchase. Remember, this is in addition to the points you would normally receive for a purchase.
Bonus Rate
Card Base Rate
Total Earnings
Retail Promo
2X
1.5X
3.5X
High Bonus Event
8X
1X
9X
Premium Stacking
5X
3X
8X
Retailers can also set different rates for different purchase categories. For instance, Best Buy is offering 1X points on appliances and 3X points on Roku TVs, at the time of writing.
It is possible to earn similar rebates through other shopping portals, but Ultimate Rewards are traditionally more valuable than cash rebates.
Shop Through Chase rewards example
Visually seeing how much you can earn using Shop Through Chase is helpful, especially when considering the power of stacking points. You earn whatever points you’re entitled to by the terms of your rewards credit card, and you also earn a portal bonus. In this way, by making regular purchases through the portal, you can maximize your earnings through point stacking.
Let’s assume you’re considering purchasing a new laptop for your home. You’ve identified a Microsoft laptop to purchase that costs $1,800, and learn that Best Buy is offering 2X points on Microsoft laptops.
Here’s what your purchase via Shop Through Chase will earn you in points:
- Purchase: $1,800
- Portal bonus: 2 x 1,800 = 3,600 points
- Credit card earns: 1.5 x = 2,700 points
- Total earned: 6,300 points
Earning cash back on such a purchase will likely net you $63. If you redeem that amount for travel, it could be worth $126. Compared to using your Chase card at a physical retailer, you may leave valuable Ultimate Rewards points on the table.
Using Shop Through Chase is most powerful when you use it for planned purchases. Doing so makes it easy to earn more points to bank for future redemptions.
Which cards are eligible?
Not all Chase credit cards qualify to use Shop Through Chase. A card must be tied to the Ultimate Rewards platform to be eligible.
Eligible cards
If you have any of these Chase cards, you can use Shop Through Chase:
Not eligible
Most co-branded credit cards are not eligible to use Shop Through Chase. Co-branded cards usually have their own loyalty program and don’t offer access to Chase Ultimate Rewards.
To use Shop Through Chase, your card must have access to the Ultimate Rewards program.
Which stores are available?
Shop Through Chase offers broad access to various merchants. Chase says it works with roughly 500 retailers, spanning electronics, clothing, home goods, services and more.
Available retailers change frequently, and many merchants offer different rates for different categories. Don’t overlook the fine print when purchasing from a retailer, so you’re not caught by surprise and receive fewer points than you anticipated.
Merchants may also exclude certain categories from earning points. Best Buy, for example, excludes all Apple products.
Category
Example Retailers
Department stores
Macy’s, Kohl’s
Electronics
Apple, Lenovo, Dell
Apparel
Nike, Lululemon
Home Improvement
Home Depot, Lowe’s
Subscriptions
Verizon, ESPN+
The portal isn’t static, but it pays to check it first before making any planned purchase to verify if a retailer is offering rewards for spending.
Shop Through Chase vs. Chase Offers
Chase Offers is another valuable benefit available to cardholders, but it differs from Shop Through Chase. The shopping portal is trip-based: you must click through it before making a purchase.
Chase Offers is card-based: users must activate it on a specific card, then use that card to make the purchase. Chase Offers typically gives cash rebates on purchases.
Combining the two can work on some occasions, if the same retailer appears in both Chase Offers and Shop Through Chase. Paying with the same card is necessary to accomplish this.
Shop Through Chase
Chase Offers
Reward Type
Bonus Ultimate Rewards points
Statement credit
Online or In-Store
Online only
Both
Activation Required
No activation, click-through
Must activate
Activation Required
Ultimate Rewards cards
All Chase credit cards
Activation Required
Yes
Yes
All Chase credit cards are eligible to use Chase Offers. You don’t need Ultimate Rewards access to use it.
Pros and cons of Shop Through Chase
For the right cardholder, Shop Through Chase is an impactful way to maximize Ultimate Rewards earnings. Here are some instances when using Shop Through Chase is worth it:
- You can earn bonus points on everyday online spending
- Can stack with base rewards
- Points potentially worth $0.02+ for travel redemptions
- Unlimited earning in many cases
Shop Through Chase isn’t always a good fit. Here’s where Shop Through Chase falls short:
- Only works for online purchases
- Rates and retailers frequently change
- Exclusions may apply
- Points take time to post
Shop Through Chase isn’t perfect, but it can be worthwhile in the right circumstances.
Tips to maximize Shop Through Chase rewards
Proper planning is necessary to amplify rewards earning when using Shop Through Chase. Implementing the following tips can help you maximize value.
- Check the portal before major purchases: If you’re buying electronics, appliances, or other expensive items, you can earn thousands of points.
- Compare portal rates: Sometimes Rakuten or other portals pay more. Determining if Ultimate Rewards are more valuable is beneficial.
- Stack with Chase Offers: While not always possible, activating an offer and then using the card for a purchase in the portal can multiply returns.
- Use a premium card: The portal bonus may be identical, but your redemption value can differ depending on the card you use.
- Don’t switch devices: Don’t jump devices mid-purchase and complete the purchase after clicking through on the original device.
- Avoid using coupon codes: Unapproved promos can hinder tracking and prevent earning Ultimate Rewards points.
Frequently asked questions about Shop Through Chase
Shop Through Chase can be a powerful platform, but accurately understanding certain questions can impact value.
Is Shop Through Chase worth it?
Yes, Shop Through Chase is valuable, especially with larger purchases or when stacking. Value may depend on your redemption strategy.
How many points can you earn with Shop Through Chase?
You can earn 1X to 15X points when shopping through the Chase portal. Most offers range between 1X and 4X the amount spent.
Can anyone use Shop Through Chase?
No, only eligible Ultimate Rewards cardholders can use Shop Through Chase. Most co-branded cards don’t qualify.
Do you still earn regular credit card rewards?
Yes, portal bonuses stack with your card’s standard earning rate, allowing you to multiply points further.
Why didn’t my Shop Through Chase points post?
Not earning your portal points can be frustrating. Common reasons why your points didn’t post include you’re using an ad blocker, you didn’t click through properly, or you used an unauthorized coupon code.
Can you stack Shop Through Chase with Rakuten?
Using multiple shopping portals is typically not possible. You must select either Shop Through Chase or Rakuten; you can’t stack the two.
Final verdict: Should you use Shop Through Chase?
Shop Through Chase is an effective tool for making planned purchases online, whether they are expensive or not. Using it requires minimal effort, and its stacking capabilities make it valuable for people who want to grow their Ultimate Rewards balances to redeem for travel needs. Don’t forget to check the terms of a given retailer, though, as not all purchases may qualify, and you may earn less in certain categories.
ON THIS PAGE
- What is Shop Through Chase?
- How does Shop Through Chase work?
- Shop Through Chase rewards example
- Which cards are eligible?
- Which stores are available?
- Shop Through Chase vs. Chase Offers
- Pros and cons of Shop Through Chase
- Tips to maximize Shop Through Chase rewards
- Frequently asked questions about Shop Through Chase
- Final verdict: Should you use Shop Through Chase?
