Chase has launched a new transfer bonus, this time offering a 40% bonus when transferring Ultimate Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
The Deal
- Get a 40% bonus when transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards to Virgin Atlantic.
Key Terms
- Expires February 28, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.
Quick Thoughts
Chase offered a similar 40% transfer bonus back in November. That 40% bonus was also only available for two weeks, although that version then reverted to a 30% bonus for two weeks after that initial 40% rate. This latest version on the other hand is 40% for two weeks only and that’s it.
If you have a wealth of Ultimate Rewards and you don’t tend to transfer them for Hyatt stays or us them for Points Boosts through Chase Travel℠ (if you have an eligible card for that feature), it might be tempting to make some kind of speculative transfer. However, be aware that Virgin Atlantic is will known for conducting devaluations with no forewarning, so there’s definitely a risk that by the time you come to redeem your points, they won’t get you as far as you’d originally hoped.
Best Uses for Virgin Points
- ANA First Class from the US for as low as 72.5K (West Coast) - 85K (East Coast). For a long time, the sweetest of Virgin Points sweet spots was for First Class awards from the US to Japan on ANA. Unfortunately, Virgin devalued those awards in March 2023, but even with the substantial increases these awards are still a solid value if not the amazing value they used to be. ANA has one of the best first-class products around, often selling for over $20,000. It's worth noting that ANA flights can't be booked on the VA website, so you have to call or message via Twitter (see below).
- US to UK Economy for as low as 6K (East Coast) - 9K (West Coast). Virgin Points can be used to fly to London at a great value. Flying from the US to London for 6K to 9K is a bargain, even after accounting for moderate award fees (~$100). Note that the fees for flights originating in the UK are considerably higher ($200+).
- US to UK Business Class for as low as 29K (East Coast) - 41K (West Coast). Since moving to dynamic pricing, some Virgin business fares can be significantly lower than they used to be. You can fly from the US to London for 29K to 41K - even during peak season - depending on the flights. Award fees are significant ($500-600), and flights originating in the UK have even higher fees.
- SAS flights to Europe. Virgin Atlantic has decent prices for flights to Europe on SAS, and with very low fees. They charge between ~20K for nonstop economy flights and 75K for business class flights, with only $5.60 in surcharges to Europe and $50-90 on the return.
- Air France or KLM flights within Europe. Virgin Atlantic has great rates for nonstop flights within Europe on Air France or KLM. They charge between as low as 4K for nonstop economy flights under 1250 miles in distance (which is most within Europe), and as low as 8K for business class flights under 600 miles in distance. Details here: Air France & KLM across Europe for less.
Things to Know
- Virgin Points purchases are processed by points.com and DO NOT qualify as airfare.
- Virgin Points do not expire.
- Many itineraries can be booked online at virginatlantic.com. This includes some partner flights such as Delta, Air France, and KLM.
- For partner flights that cannot be booked online, it is sometimes possible book via Twitter by sending a direct message on Twitter to @VirginAtlantic. If they respond that they cannot sell any flights which do not fly via the UK, tell them that you are not looking to purchase a flight but rather to redeem points to book an award ticket.
- Virgin Atlantic charges separately for every leg of the trip. When multiple legs are required, it can be cheaper to book the same flights with Air France Flying Blue or (sometimes) Delta SkyMiles.
- Point transfers from Amex, Chase, or Citi to Virgin Atlantic are usually instantaneous. It's best to find available award space before transferring points and then transfer and book the award.
Want to learn more about miles and points? Subscribe to email updates or check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Doesn’t VA transfer to Virgin Red, thereby opening up the whole Virgin family for booking?
Shoot, I transferred some points to VA just a few days ago :(. I guess one thing to get used to in this hobby is to see increased sign-up bonuses, transfer bonuses, etc. right after you did the same thing…! Oh well!