Maximizing rewards is important to many credit card users. Rewards enthusiasts are likely aware of the Chase trifecta. The Chase trifecta is a strategy that uses three credit cards to earn more Ultimate Rewards by capturing up to 5x points in certain spending categories. For active Chase credit card users, points become a powerful tool for redeeming more value, thanks to Points Boost or transfer partners. Having the right credit cards is helpful, though how the cards interact optimizes impact. The Chase trifecta strategy can be a helpful way to earn more Ultimate Rewards than you can via a single card. Selecting the right cards and being strategic with how you spend is key to determining whether the strategy is worth the effort.
➤ LEARN MORE:Guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards points
What is the Chase trifecta strategy?
The Chase trifecta is a rewards strategy that combines three Chase credit cards to increase the number of Ultimate Rewards points you can earn. Furthermore, the structure maximizes the points’ redemption value. The trifecta is more efficient at earning points and, in most cases, outperforms using a single card. Intentional spending is essential to maximizing return.
Core concept
The idea behind the Chase trifecta is simple: you use different credit cards for different spending categories to maximize earnings. Not stopping there is important; you then pool all of your Chase Ultimate Rewards into one account.
Pooling points adds value for users who want to use the Chase travel portal or move points to a transfer partner. For example, Freedom cardholders can move points to a Sapphire card to generate more value.
Why it works
The Chase trifecta strategy works because it optimizes the benefit of all of the cards in your wallet. Different cards include various earning possibilities, which are:
- Rotating categories
- Everyday spending
- Travel and dining
The trifecta does more than offer static rewards. It creates a layered approach that allows cardholders to optimize spending and maximize points.
Which cards make up the Chase trifecta?
Building your Chase trifecta wisely is important. Variability is possible, but the three common Chase trifecta cards are:
These three cards all earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, and you can pool points in your Sapphire Preferred Card. Cardholders who value a premium card can exchange the Sapphire Preferred for the Chase Sapphire Reserve(R), which has a higher annual fee.
Each card earns points at a different level. For instance, the Freedom Flex base rewards rate is 1% cash back on purchases. The Chase Freedom Unlimited(R) base is 1.5% cash back, so using it introduces more value in this case.
Business owners can include a Chase business card, like the Ink Business Preferred(R) Credit Card. You have flexibility in creating your trifecta, but it’s essential to include either a Sapphire or Ink Business card, as both let you utilize Chase transfer partners.
How the Chase trifecta works
Understanding how the Chase trifecta works is important, but thoughtfully applying it unlocks more value. It’s best to think of the trifecta as pieces that comprise a puzzle. Misapplying one card can erase value.
Step 1: Earn points strategically
Deliberate spending is vital to boosting value. Using the wrong card will leave points on the table. Here’s how to strategically earn points with the Chase trifecta:
- Use the Chase Freedom Flex(SM) for its rotating 5% categories each quarter
- Use the Chase Freedom Unlimited(R) for everyday spending to receive the 1.5% base points
- Use the Chase Sapphire Preferred(R) Card for its 5x points on travel purchased via the Chase Travel℠ portal, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on all other travel purchases
If you have the Ink Business Preferred(R) Credit Card, use it to earn 3x points on the first $150,000 spent on travel.
➤ LEARN MORE:Chase Freedom® quarterly rewards categories
Step 2: Combine points
Combining points is vital to maximizing the value of your Chase points. For example, Chase Freedom points don’t provide access to the travel portal.
Pooling points into a Sapphire card or an Ink card, if you have a business, can help improve redemption value.
Step 3: Redeem for maximum value
Thanks in part to Points Boost, the Chase Travel portal is a powerful option to redeem points for maximum travel value. Points Boost provides up to 1.5x to 1.75x in value for travel redemptions. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve(R), the card increases the value of qualifying redemptions by up to 2x.
There’s still value if you don’t book travel via the Chase portal. You can transfer points to airline or hotel partners, which you can’t do with a Freedom card.
Chase trifecta benefits
When implemented prudently, the Chase trifecta offers many benefits. Active card users who pay off their balances in full each month get considerably more value than using a single Chase card.
Higher earning potential
Higher earning possibilities are a key perk of the Chase trifecta. Users can earn up to 5% cash back on certain spending categories. Added to the strong base rewards on some cards, users can boost returns.
Compare this to using one Chase card, and you can earn more. Take booking travel outside of the Chase portal. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 2x points, whereas the Freedom Flex earns 1% cash back. Using the Sapphire pays double.
Better redemption value
Improved redemption value is a significant benefit of the Chase trifecta for regular travelers. Users receive 25%-50% more value, depending on the Sapphire card they use. And there’s potential for greater value, depending on the transfer partner, if you move points to an airline or a hotel.
Flexibility across spending
Using one card locks users into one earning potential. The Chase trifecta gives users flexibility to earn more across everyday purchases, travel, and rotating categories.
Additionally, it reduces the possibility of low-reward purchases.
➤ LEARN MORE:How to maximize Chase points: Expert tips
Chase trifecta drawbacks
The upside of the Chase trifecta is compelling. Unfortunately, the strategy isn’t without its risks or hassles. It’s best to consider the following before implementing the plan.
Requires active management
The Chase trifecta undoubtedly requires effort. Passive management results in suboptimal returns. You must track card usage and categories as they can change.
Purposeful spending is necessary to realize maximum benefits.
Annual fee consideration
There is an annual fee to use Sapphire cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred(R) Card has a annual_fees annual fee, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve(R) has a annual_fees annual fee. You must generate sufficient value to justify the fee.
If you have a business card, Ink cards come with varying fees, which you must consider.
Not ideal for simplicity
The Chase trifecta strategy isn’t simple. It takes more effort than using a single card. If you desire a set-it-and-forget-it approach, the trifecta may hold little value.
Is the Chase trifecta worth it?
The Chase trifecta is valuable for people who want to maximize rewards on their spending. People who travel frequently may find the approach particularly valuable.
However, if your spending doesn’t align with the trifecta, or if managing multiple cards is burdensome, it may not hold value. Before using the Chase trifecta, it’s best to identify your spending habits and goals to determine if it’s worth it.
Best for
Implementing the Chase trifecta isn’t for everyone. For some people, there may be significant value. Those include:
- Frequent travelers: Regular travelers can generate substantial value through the Chase Travel portal or by transferring points to airline and hotel partners.
- Rewards maximizers: People who like earning more than 1x per dollar on all their spending will find great value in the trifecta.
- Users comfortable managing multiple cards: If you don’t mind juggling multiple cards and value points, the Chase trifecta is worth it.
Not ideal for
Despite the possibilities, the Chase trifecta is too much work for some people. For the following individuals, it may not be worthwhile.
- Beginners who want simplicity: If you’re new to credit cards, or you value simplicity, the trifecta isn’t worth it.
- Low spenders: Are credit cards not a regular part of your budget? The possibility of maximum points may not be enticing.
- Users who don’t optimize categories: Do you like to spend with just one card and not follow rotating categories? If so, the trifecta isn’t worth the effort.
Overall, the Chase trifecta can outperform a single credit card for rewards, but you must wisely implement it to derive value.
➤ LEARN MORE:Best Chase credit cards
Frequently asked questions
The Chase trifecta is an impactful way to maximize Ultimate Rewards points, but it requires effort. Here are common questions people have when contemplating the trifecta.
Can you have all three Chase cards?
Yes, it’s possible to have all three Chase cards if you meet approval requirements and stay within the unverified Chase 5/24 rule.
What credit score is needed for the Chase trifecta?
Having a good-to-excellent credit score is generally required for the cards in the trifecta. A score of 670-750 is typically necessary.
Is the Chase trifecta good for beginners?
Yes, it can be if you’re comfortable managing multiple cards and have a good-to-excellent credit score.
Can you combine points between Chase cards?
Yes, it is possible to pool points between Chase credit cards. Chase allows users to combine points across accounts or transfer them to a specified household member.
Final thoughts on the Chase trifecta strategy
The Chase trifecta is a good strategy for elevating the points you earn from your spending. It’s not suitable for all credit card users, though. People who want simplicity, don’t spend much, or are unwilling to manage multiple cards, will find little value in the trifecta. The real value depends on your strategy and willingness to combine cards. If you spend purposefully, are comfortable with multiple cards, and pool points, you can capture substantial value.
