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Chase Sapphire Reserve Changes: How to Lock in Your 1.5x Portal Redemption Rate Before It's Too Late
July 1, 2025
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The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders are facing a significant change to one of the card's most valuable redemption features. If you got your Sapphire Reserve before June 23, 2025, you have a limited window to preserve the coveted 1.5x portal redemption rate on your existing points. Here's what you need to know.
What's Changing with Chase Sapphire Reserve?
On October 26, 2025, Chase is rolling out updates to the Sapphire Reserve, including:
- New dining credits
- Stubhub credits
- Introduction of "Points Boost" feature for select redemptions
While these additions sound appealing, there's a critical catch: the new Points Boost feature isn't as flexible as the flat 1.5x redemption rate that existing cardholders have enjoyed.
The Grandfathering Window: Act Before October 26, 2027
Here's the good news: Chase is offering a grandfathering period for legacy cardholders. If you earned Sapphire Reserve points before October 26, 2025, those points will maintain the 1.5x redemption value through Chase Travel portal until October 26, 2027.
However, you need to move your points strategically to take advantage of this.
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Your Action Plan: 6 Days to Transfer Points
If you have a Sapphire Reserve issued before June 23, 2025, you have approximately 6 days to transfer points to lock them in at the grandfathered 1.5x rate. Here's how to maximize this opportunity:
Step 1: Transfer Points to Chase Travel ASAP
Move your Ultimate Rewards points to your Reserve ASAP so they qualify for the 1.5x redemption rate before the cutoff.
Step 2: Understand the Math
The 1.5x redemption rate means:
- 4,150 points = $62.25 in travel value (at 1.5x)
- Compare this to the new Points Boost, which offers variable rates on select bookings
Step 3: Consider Card Combinations
The screenshot shows strategic point pooling across multiple Chase cards:
- Transfer from Freedom cards (5x categories)
- Transfer from Ink cards (business spending bonuses)
- Consolidate to Reserve for maximum redemption value
Why the 1.5x Rate Matters
The flat 1.5x redemption rate through Chase Travel has been one of the Sapphire Reserve's most valuable features because:
- Simplicity: No need to hunt for "Points Boost" eligible bookings
- Flexibility: Works on any Chase Travel booking
- Consistency: Predictable value for travel planning
Stacking potential: Can combine with other Chase benefits
What to Do After October 26, 2027
Once the grandfathering period ends, you'll need to evaluate:
- Whether the new Points Boost feature offers comparable value for your travel patterns
- If transferring to airline/hotel partners makes more sense (still available at 1:1)
- Whether the Sapphire Reserve remains your optimal card for earning and redeeming points
Bottom Line
If you're a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder who got the card before June 23, 2025, act now to preserve your points' 1.5x redemption value. Transfer your points from other Chase cards to your Reserve account before the deadline, and you'll have until October 26, 2027 to redeem them at the legacy rate.
This grandfathering period is a valuable opportunity. Don’t let it slip away.
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