The 'Chase Trifecta' refers to a synergistic combination of three strategically timed deposits and withdrawals that maximize checking account benefits offered by Chase Bank.
In the world of credit card rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards® points have proven to be a valuable asset for savvy spenders. The trifecta strategy, which involves combining three Chase-branded rewards credit cards, is a popular approach to increase rewards earned from spending and potentially redeem them for greater value.
The Power of Chase Ultimate Rewards®
At the heart of the trifecta strategy, Chase Ultimate Rewards® points offer flexibility. They can be transferred from one card to another, allowing for strategic spending, transferring, and redeeming that can result in an effective rewards rate of up to 20% on certain purchases, compared to an overall rate of 1.5% to 2% using a single credit card for every purchase.
The Best Chase Trifecta Combination
The best Chase Trifecta combination for maximizing rewards and travel redemption value is typically:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (premium travel card with 3x points on travel and dining, 1.5 cents per point redemption through Chase Travel, and premium benefits)
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® (1.5% cash back on all other purchases, which you can convert to Ultimate Rewards points)
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (3x points on business-related spending including travel and advertising)
This trio works well because it combines:
- The Sapphire Reserve for premium travel rewards and the ability to redeem points at 1.5 to 2.05 cents each via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
- The Freedom Unlimited as a simple all-around card earning 1.5% cash back equivalent to Ultimate Rewards points.
- The Ink Business Preferred to maximize points on business expense categories with 3x points, further boosting your earning potential.
All rewards earned across these cards can be combined into Ultimate Rewards points, allowing transfers to airline and hotel partners for high-value travel redemptions. Current valuations from The Points Guy value Ultimate Rewards points at about 2.05 cents each when redeemed through travel partners or the Chase travel portal with Sapphire Reserve.
Other Options and Considerations
Alternative setups exist, such as replacing the Sapphire Reserve with the lower-fee Sapphire Preferred (which still gives 1.25 cents per point travel redemption but fewer perks), or including the Freedom Flex to take advantage of 5% rotating quarterly categories. However, the classic trifecta with Sapphire Reserve, Freedom Unlimited, and Ink Business Preferred remains the most powerful for maximizing rewards and travel redemption value overall.
It's important to note that Chase's 5/24 rule means that if you've opened five credit cards within the past 24 months, you probably won't be eligible for another Chase card. Additionally, rewards credit cards have high APRs, and if you carry a balance, that double-digit interest will eat away at your rewards. It's best to wait a minimum of six months between each new line of credit you're seeking to avoid multiple hard inquiries dragging down your score and being a red flag to issuers.
In conclusion, the Chase Trifecta strategy offers a powerful way to maximize rewards and travel redemption value. By strategically combining three Chase-branded rewards credit cards, you can unlock elevated redemption values and enjoy a wide range of spending category benefits.
- The flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points allows for strategic transfer, spending, and redemption, potentially offering an effective rewards rate of up to 20% on certain purchases compared to a single credit card.
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card together form the best Chase Trifecta for maximizing rewards and travel redemption value, due to their combined category benefits and high-value point redemption opportunities.
- With the Chase Trifecta, points earned across these cards can be combined into Ultimate Rewards points, enabling transfers to airline and hotel partners for high-value travel redemptions.
- Alternative setups to the classic trifecta exist, such as using the Sapphire Preferred or the Freedom Flex, offering reduced fees but also fewer perks or specific benefits.
- Chase's 5/24 rule prohibits cardholders from obtaining additional Chase cards if they have opened five credit cards within the past 24 months, possibly limiting eligibility for the Chase Trifecta.
- To avoid high APRs eroding the value of rewards earned on the Chase Trifecta, it's essential to pay off credit card balances promptly and wait a minimum of six months between new lines of credit to maintain a good credit score and avoid drawing attention from issuers.
