A lot has been written about the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card’s 100,000 point sign-up bonus. Many posts focus on the value of the bonus when used for premium travel, which is certainly worth mentioning.
However, there are other high-value redemptions the card is good for as well. What’s more high-value than a first class seat? We’re comparing apples and oranges, all-inclusive vacations can be a great alternative to ultra luxury ones.
That’s because after redeeming points for airfare and hotels, you’re off the hook for any other expenses (except maybe transportation). How does this relate to the sign-up bonus from the Chase Sapphire Reserve? You can use the sign-up bonus to pay for a 4-night all-inclusive vacation, including airfare!
I did a similar trip last spring, through not all of it was booked with Ultimate Rewards points. If I had to do it again, I’d definitely put points from Hyatt and Southwest to use for maximum savings.
Hyatt has two all-inclusive properties that can be booked for just 20,000 points per night: The Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. I’ve stayed at the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and can actually recommend it, so we’ll continue with that property in mind. Four nights for two people at this resort will cost just 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points. Considering paid rates at this resort can go well over $500 per night, that is a terrific redemption value.
Most people may be inclined to transfer points to United MileagePlus in order to cover airfare, but Southwest’s fare-based rewards program may be a better option. Throughout March and April (when most people have their Spring Break), roundtrip flights between the West Coast and San Jose del Cabo require as few as11,304 points per person + 82.29 in taxes and fees. So airfare for two people flying between Los Angeles and San Jose del Cabo would cost just 22,608 Ultimate Rewards points plus $82.29 in taxes.
And just like that, the 105,000 points earned after completing the $5,000 sign-up bonus on the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card covers not just four nights at an all-inclusive resort but airfare for two. Even the $164.58 in taxes can be off-set with the $300 annual travel credit Sapphire Reserved cardholders are entitled to.
So thanks to this very generous credit card sign-up bonus, it’s possible to book a 4-night all-inclusive vacation to Mexico for two, with airfare included, for $0 out of pocket. Yes, the annual fee on the card is $450 but if you’re getting continued use out of more than just the card’s sign-up bonus, the cost is reduced further.
There are many other great uses for the Sapphire Reserve sign-up bonus, so cardholders should definitely explore their options before redeeming it. After all, with the 100,000 point sign-up bonus coming to an end soon, you might as well put it to good use if you got in on this offer.
How would you spend the 100,000 point sign-up bonus from the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?