Chase has just rolled out a valuable new transfer bonus: from now through July 15, 2026, you’ll get a 30% bonus when transferring Ultimate Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. This means every 1,000 Chase points becomes 1,300 Virgin points—an excellent opportunity for savvy travelers to stretch their rewards further.
What Changed
- Transfer bonus: 30% bonus when moving Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Old rate: 1:1 (1,000 Chase points = 1,000 Virgin points)
- New rate: 1:1.3 (1,000 Chase points = 1,300 Virgin points)
- Effective dates: June 12, 2026 – July 15, 2026
Who Benefits Most
- Travelers eyeing Delta One to Europe: Virgin Atlantic often offers Delta One business class from the US to Europe for 50,000–77,500 points one-way. With the bonus, 39,000–60,000 Chase points can score a $2,500+ seat.
- ANA First/Business Class aspirants: ANA roundtrip business class from the US to Japan is 95,000–120,000 Virgin points (as low as 74,000–93,000 Chase points with the bonus). ANA First Class (110,000–145,000 Virgin points) can be booked for just 85,000–112,000 Chase points—often a $15,000+ value.
- Virgin Atlantic flyers: Standard economy awards (10,000–20,000 points) now cost as few as 7,700–15,400 Chase points one-way, making transatlantic trips more accessible.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve holders: Those with large Ultimate Rewards balances can maximize value by transferring for high-value redemptions.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Travelers with no flexibility: Virgin Atlantic awards can have high surcharges, especially on their own flights. If you can’t avoid these, the bonus may not be worth it.
- Domestic US flyers: Virgin points are less valuable for US domestic flights (except some Delta routes), so the bonus may not be as useful.
- Those who don’t have immediate plans: Virgin points are non-reversible; only transfer if you have a redemption in mind, as devaluations can happen.
What To Do Right Now
- Check award availability: Search for Delta, ANA, and Virgin Atlantic award seats before transferring points.
- Calculate surcharges: Factor in cash fees, especially for Virgin-operated flights.
- Transfer only what you need: Transfers are one-way and irreversible—move points only for bookings you’re ready to make.
- Book by July 15: The 30% bonus is only available for transfers initiated by July 15, 2026.
