What is the ‘Chase Trifecta’? How to Use Chase Trifecta?

What is the ‘Chase Trifecta’?

The concept of the Chase trifecta involves leveraging a trio of Chase rewards cards to optimize the accumulation of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. The traditional Chase trifecta strategy combines the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Freedom Flex℠*, and Chase Freedom Unlimited® cards.

This strategic approach entails pairing a high-tier Ultimate Rewards card with no-annual-fee cash-back cards. By doing so, you broaden your access to more advantageous redemption opportunities, transcending the confines of mere cash-back earnings. This methodology enables you to enhance the value derived from your points while enjoying diverse benefits from these credit card combinations.

How to Use Chase Trifecta?

The objective behind employing the Chase trifecta is to optimize your expenditure patterns, extracting optimal rewards for each dollar spent. Following the specified expenditure categories, allocate Chase Sapphire Reserve for all expenses related to travel and dining. Leverage the rotating categories of Freedom Flex, adhering to quarterly limits, and for acquisitions at drugstores.

For the residual portion of your spending across diverse categories, utilize Freedom Unlimited. By strategically designating these cards based on their strengths, you harness the potential to amass rewards in a manner that aligns with your spending behavior. Chase Sapphire Reserve's benefits cater to travel and dining, while Freedom Flex's rotating categories offer enhanced returns during specific periods.

Freedom Unlimited ensures consistent rewards for all remaining expenditures. This approach allows you to make the most of the Chase trifecta's combined earning potential, ultimately bolstering your overall rewards accumulation.

How Does the Chase Trifecta Work?

The Chase trifecta operates by combining three distinct Chase rewards cards to maximize the accumulation of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. While often considered cash-back cards, all three cards in the Chase trifecta actually earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

While using each card independently allows for cash back and limited redemptions, merging the rewards from all three cards into a Sapphire Reserve account transforms all earnings into transferable points for Chase's airline and hotel partners. Another option is to redeem these points for travel at 1.5 cents per point through the Ultimate Rewards portal or via Pay Yourself Back. 

This trifecta strategy leads to heightened earning rates, such as 10 points per dollar on hotel and car rental spending through the Sapphire Reserve portal, 5 points per dollar on flights via the portal, and various dining and travel benefits. Notable perks include a yearly $300 travel credit, airport lounge access, rental car damage waiver, trip insurance, and more.

Chase Credit Card Trifecta

Building the perfect Chase trifecta involves selecting three Chase credit cards strategically. To maximize rewards, a combination of a Chase Sapphire card, a Chase Freedom card, and a Chase business credit card is commonly recommended. Here's how each card contributes to your trifecta:

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Cash Back with a Twist

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card offers an enticing 3-5% cash back in categories like travel, dining, and drugstore purchases, along with a flat 1.5% cash back on all other expenditures. It's important to note that the rewards are actually in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, each valued at 1 cent.

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Elevating Your Travel Rewards

Pairing a Chase Freedom card with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® allows you to unlock unparalleled travel rewards. With a remarkable 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, this card is a travel enthusiast's dream. Earning 3X points on travel and dining, plus other benefits, it's a cornerstone of the trifecta.

3. Chase Freedom Flex℠: Maximize Rewards, Minimize Fees

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ card comes with no annual fee and provides 5% cash back on combined quarterly bonus category purchases of up to $1,500 (reverts to 1% after activation). It also offers 5% back on travel bookings made via Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores, and a continuous 1% on regular non-bonus-category expenditures. Additionally, until March 2025, you can earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides. When redeemed for travel booked through Chase, each point holds a value of 1 cent.

How Does Chase Trifecta Benefit Small Business Owners?

Chase Trifecta: A Boost for Small Businesses

For small business owners, the Chase trifecta opens up a distinct array of possibilities. Entrepreneurs operating small businesses have the option to interchangeably include one or more of the subsequent cards:

• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Alternatively, businesses can assemble a Chase trifecta solely utilizing these cards to earn the subsequent rewards on their business expenditures:

• 5 points for every dollar spent on the first $25,000 in combined purchases during each account anniversary year in categories like office supply stores, internet, cable, and phone services.
• 3 points for every dollar spent on the first $150,000 in combined purchases during each account anniversary year in categories including shipping, advertising via social media sites and search engines, internet, cable, phone services, and travel.
• 2 points for every dollar spent on the first $25,000 in combined purchases during each account anniversary year in categories such as gas stations and restaurants.
• 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

This tailored Chase trifecta configuration empowers small businesses to reap substantial rewards and maximize their benefits based on their specific operational needs and expenditure patterns.

How Can You Optimize the Benefits of the Chase Trifecta?

To make the most of your Chase trifecta, follow these strategies:

Leverage Freedom Categories: Utilize your Chase Freedom cards wisely. Earn 3% cash back with the Freedom card for drugstore purchases and activate 5% cash back rotating categories quarterly with Freedom Flex (up to $1,500, then 1%).

Book Travel with Freedom Cards: Earn 5% cash back by booking travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards with Freedom cards, optimizing points on paid travel expenses.

Use Sapphire Reserve for Various Travel: For general travel expenses, including hotels, parking, and tolls, earn 3X points with the Sapphire Reserve. Book hotels and car rentals via Ultimate Rewards for 10X points, and air travel for 5X points.

Pool Points for Greater Value: Combine points in your Sapphire Reserve account for 50% more value when redeeming for travel. Transfer points to travel partners using Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred for 1:1 transfer ratios.

Enjoy Sapphire Reserve Perks: Benefit from Sapphire Reserve's $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass Select airport lounge access, and credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100).

Optimize Ink Business Preferred: Earn 3X points (up to $150,000/year) on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and select advertising, plus 1X points on other business expenses with Ink Business Preferred.

Use Freedom Unlimited for Regular Spending: Make non-bonus purchases with Freedom Unlimited to earn more than 1X points on everyday expenses.

Consider Sapphire Preferred: Swap cards to include Chase Sapphire Preferred for its current bonuses on dining, travel, online grocery, streaming services, and travel. It's a viable alternative to Sapphire Reserve or Freedom Cards, depending on your preferences and fees.

By implementing these strategies, you can optimize your Chase trifecta and maximize your rewards potential across various spending categories.

Who Benefits From Using the Chase Trifecta?

The Chase trifecta caters to individuals who are comfortable managing multiple rewards credit cards to optimize their benefits. This strategy appeals to those seeking to maximize rewards across various spending categories. By combining three distinct Chase cards with their specific earning rates and advantages, users can effectively capitalize on their expenditures. 

This approach is particularly suitable for individuals who prefer consolidating points within a single account. Managing three Chase cards that allow point pooling offers more convenience compared to handling multiple cards across different loyalty programs. 

Moreover, the Chase trifecta is a favorable choice for those desiring access to Chase's array of transfer partners, distinct from other travel programs like Amex Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou Rewards. The 1:1 transfer ratio to partners such as Marriott Bonvoy, United MileagePlus, and Virgin Atlantic enhances the appeal. 

However, if these transfer partners do not align with your preferences, exploring alternatives like the Amex trifecta could be worthwhile, with unique card options, earning structures, and partner networks to consider.

How Can You Acquire the Chase Trifecta?

To acquire the Chase trifecta of credit cards, which includes cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Freedom Flex℠, and Chase Freedom Unlimited®, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, these cards are designed for individuals with good to excellent credit scores. If your credit needs improvement, it's advisable to work on that before applying.

Additionally, obtaining the full trifecta might take some time due to Chase's 5/24 rule. This rule restricts the number of new cards you can get within 24 months. If you've acquired five or more cards from any issuer in the last two years, your application might not be approved. Thus, spacing out new credit card applications is recommended to qualify for all three cards.

Waiting at least 90 days between credit card applications is a good practice. It's important to be aware that each application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, causing a temporary dip in your credit score. Furthermore, note that with Chase Sapphire cards, you can earn the bonus on only one of these cards every 48 months at a minimum.