Chase Sapphire cards have a feature called “Points Boost,” and it’s worth noting when trying to minimize Umrah travel costs.  Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve both have the “Points Boost” feature, each with varying redemption values from 1.5x – 2X.  Let’s take a look at some properties in Makkah and Madinah to decide when to book directly with a hotel brand, and when to use the Chase Travel portal.

*If applying through my referral link for a Chase credit card, please use a new browser window.  Don’t log in, if prompted and apply as a guest.  That’s how it credits it back to me, appreciate the support!*

 

What Is Points Boost?

Points Boost is a promotion offered on a select group of hotels and flights that can be booked by cardholders.  (For the purpose of this post, we’ll be focusing on hotel properties, and using the Chase Sapphire Reserve.)

If you hold a Chase Sapphire Reserve, and use Points Boost, your points are worth up to 2x when you book a hotel that’s part of The Edit, and up to 2x when redeemed for other top-booked hotels and flights with select airlines through Chase Travel.

If you hold a Chase Sapphire Preferred card, Points Boost are worth up to 1.5x on top-booked hotels and flights with select airlines.

Keep in mind offers can vary, depending on when you check.

How To Search

Let’s search for a property in Makkah, for Spring Break 2027 travel.

I hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve, so I’m searching through that card in my Chase account:

On the far right, you’ll see “Travel.”  In the drop down menu, select “Book travel.”  You’ll be taken to this page:

This is where you’ll search for a property.

We’re going to toggle that button on the lower, far right, so we see properties that are eligible for Points Boost.  The first two properties shown are from major hotel programs such as World of Hyatt and IHG Hotels & Resorts.

I checked the World of Hyatt site, and when booking direct, I’ll need less points:

One thing to note about World of Hyatt, is that there are generally no taxes or fees on award stays.  So if you have breakfast covered (through Globalist status or a Club Access Award), you can come out with a $0 stay.  In this scenario, I would book direct using World of Hyatt points, or transfer Chase points to Hyatt, and then book.  You will need a Sapphire product to transfer points to any Chase airline or hotel partner.

Note that the Chase to Hyatt transfer ratio is now 1:1 only on the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred 2026 Card Changes

Now let’s look at InterContinental Hotels DAR AL TAWHID MAKKAH by IHG.  Here’s what it looks like if I wanted to book direct:

Note that this is the nightly rate.

 

So it looks like I’ll need more points for this property, if I were to book directly with IHG.

When searching in the Chase Travel portal, here’s how it looks:

In both images, total points needed for the stay are shown.

 

Things To Note

• For 2026 only, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers get a one-time $250 hotel credit for prepaid stays of two or more consecutive nights booked through Chase Travel.
• This credit could be applied when booking the IHG property.  Note that it would also be eligible for IHG One Rewards.
• You cannot stack with the 2, $250 The Edit credits, as neither property is part of The Edit.
• There are other properties that show up as eligible for Points Boost.  Depending upon your budget, and travel goals, you can decide if you’d like to use points or cash.  *Always compare prices when booking directly with a hotel brand and booking in the Chase Travel portal.*
• Points Boost promotions apply to more high-end, premium hotels.  This includes The Edit collection.
• You can stack with the annual $300 travel credit that comes with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.  Make a single, prepaid hotel booking through Chase Travel.  The $300 travel credit will be triggered automatically, followed by the $250 hotel credit (as applicable, of course).

Options in Madinah

At the time of writing, I’m not seeing some popular properties in Madinah, as part of a Points Boost promotion.  But they do show up, as eligible for $250 select hotel credit & IHG One Rewards.  This is important to note if you’re considering booking in cash, and deciding where/how to book:

These IHG properties seem to cost less points when booking through Chase Travel.

If you’re a family like mine, you may need two rooms.  Maybe you’re using a mix of points and cash to book your reservation.  Either way, it’s important to note these perks as a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder.  It can help you minimize your out-of-pocket, and Umrah travel costs overall.

Note: There are multiple hotel options that show up for Points Boost, in both cities.  I’m focusing on properties that are booked often, from major hotel loyalty programs, and close to the respective Haram.

Booking Direct v. Booking in Chase Travel

More often than not, you’ve probably heard that it’s best to book direct with a hotel loyalty program.  You can earn the points directly with that hotel brand, or earn flexible points that you can transfer to them.  And if you hold hotel status, then booking direct is even more key.

But sometimes, depending on the card you hold and your travel goals, you can find sweet spots to maximize the value of your points when booking through the bank’s travel portal.

Note that when doing so, changes and cancellations can be harder, as it’s considered a 3rd party.  Make sure to note the rate that you book, and if it’s refundable (or not) when booking in a bank’s travel portal.

In Sum

2026 is the year to get the Chase Sapphire Reserve because the one-time $250 hotel credit is for this year only!  If you’re someone who’s planning to book a stay in cash, or like to book in the bank’s travel portal – there’s even more to consider.  Bookings on the Reserve, made through Chase Travel, earn 8x the points for flights, hotels, cruises, tours, and activities.

If paying a $795 annual fee for a premium credit card seems too much right now, Chase Sapphire Preferred is always a great place to start!

 

You can find more posts here on using points and miles to book Umrah travel.