The Chase trifecta: What It Is And How To Maximize It

Last updated Aug. 1, 2024 by Okechukwu Nkemdirim

The Chase Trifecta: What It Is And How To Maximize It

Navigating the competitive world of credit cards can often feel like a daunting task, but the Chase trifecta stands out as a strategic and rewarding choice for savvy consumers. This combination of three highly regarded Chase credit cards is designed to maximize the benefits of each card, offering an unparalleled opportunity to earn and redeem Ultimate Rewards points effectively. In this article, we’ll delve deep into what the Chase trifecta is, how it works, and strategies to maximize its potential for your everyday spending, travel, and more.

What Is The Chase Trifecta?

The Chase trifecta is a popular combination of three specific Chase credit cards that complement each other, allowing cardholders to earn and maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards points. The most common trio includes:

1. Chase Freedom Flex℠ or Chase Freedom Unlimited®:

   • Chase Freedom Flex℠: Earns 5% cashback on rotating quarterly categories up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter, 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.
   • Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Earns a flat 1.5% cashback on all purchases, 5% on travel purchased through Chase, and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases.

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:

   • Earns double points on travel and dining and 1 point on all other purchases. This card also provides redemption bonuses when points are used for travel through the Chase portal.

3. Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card:

   • Earns 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year, and 1 point on all other purchases.

By combining these three cards, users can maximize the earning potential of Ultimate Rewards points through strategic category spending and account management.

Benefits Of The Chase Trifecta

1. Maximized Rewards:
   Each card in the trifecta is designed to be used for specific types of spending, maximizing the reward points you earn. For instance, you could use the Chase Freedom Flex℠ for its quarterly 5% categories, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® for dining and travel, and the Ink Business Preferred℠ for business expenses.

2. Ultimate Rewards Points Flexibility:
   Points earned with the Chase trifecta can be pooled into one account and used for various redemptions, such as cashback, gift cards, or travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Additionally, points can be transferred to numerous Chase travel partners, which can significantly increase their value.

3. Redemption Bonuses:
   Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Ink Business Preferred℠ provide a redemption bonus when points are used to book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal—25% for the Sapphire Preferred® and 25% for the Ink Business Preferred℠.

4. No Redundant Annual Fees:
   The combination strategically avoids overlapping fees. Typically, the Chase Freedom cards do not have annual fees, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Ink Business Preferred℠ come with justifiable fees considering the extensive benefits they provide.

How to Maximize the Chase Trifecta

1. Strategic Spending:
   Allocate your spending according to the strengths of each card. For example, use the Chase Freedom Flex℠ for its rotating categories and regular drugstore purchases, the Freedom Unlimited® for non-bonus everyday purchases, and the Sapphire Preferred® for dining and travel. Apply the Ink Business Preferred℠ for business-related purchases in specialized categories.

2. Leverage Introductory Offers:
   New cardholders often get lucrative sign-up bonuses. Meet the minimum spending requirements strategically across all three cards to maximize these introductory points.

3. Pooling Points:
   Combine your points in your Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Ink Business Preferred℠ account before redeeming them. Doing this allows you to take advantage of the points’ increased value on travel bookings and more redemption options.

4. Transfer Points to Travel Partners:
   Chase has a robust list of travel partners, including airlines and hotel chains. By transferring points to these partners, you can often get a better value compared to booking directly through the Chase portal.

5. Stay Updated with Chase Offers:
   Keep an eye on special promotions and offers from Chase. These can provide additional opportunities to earn bonus points or cashback on purchases.

6. Monitor Rotating Categories:
   If you have the Chase Freedom Flex℠, ensure you activate and monitor the quarterly rotating categories to earn the 5% cashback. This can significantly boost your overall point earnings.

7. Use a Points Calculator:
   Several online tools can calculate the value of your points based on your spending habits. This can help you optimize which card to use for different types of purchases to maximize rewards.

8. Redeem Points for Maximum Value:
   Assess the best redemption options. Whether it’s through the Chase portal, transferring to travel partners, or other options, choosing wisely can make a significant difference in the value you get from your points.

FAQs

1. Is the Chase trifecta worth it if I don’t travel much?

   • Yes, the Chase trifecta offers numerous benefits beyond travel, such as cashback, flexible redemption options, and valuable rewards on everyday spending categories.

2. Can I combine points from other Chase cards not in the trifecta?

   • Absolutely, you can combine Ultimate Rewards points from any eligible Chase cards to maximize their value.

3. Are there annual fees for these cards?

   • The Chase Freedom cards typically do not have annual fees, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Ink Business Preferred℠ have annual fees, which can be offset by the benefits provided.

4. How do I transfer points to travel partners?

   • Log in to your Chase account, go to the Ultimate Rewards section, select ‘Transfer to Travel Partners,’ and follow the prompts to complete the transfer.

5. What happens if I cancel one of the trifecta cards?

   • Cancelling a card may affect your overall point strategy and pooling. It’s advisable to transfer or use the points before cancellation to avoid losing them.

6. How often do the rotating categories for Chase Freedom Flex℠ change?

   • The categories change every quarter, and you need to activate them each quarter to earn the 5% cashback.

7. Can I use the trifecta for business expenses?

   • Yes, the Ink Business Preferred℠ is specifically designed for business expenses, making it suitable for business owners.

Conclusion

The Chase trifecta is a powerful tool for those looking to maximize their rewards and leverage their spending to benefit from Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program. By understanding each card’s strengths and using them strategically, you can unlock extensive value, whether you are booking travel, earning cashback, or enjoying other perks. As with any financial strategy, staying informed and flexible with your approach will yield the best rewards.