Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Editor's Note This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. One of the biggest advantages of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees ) and Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees ) is their broad definition of "travel."
Unlike many rewards cards that only award bonus points on airfare or hotels, Chase includes everything from parking garages and tolls to ferries, taxis and cruises.
That generous travel category makes it easier to earn bonus Chase Ultimate Rewards points on everyday trip expenses — not just flights and hotels. However, there are a few notable exceptions that can catch cardholders off guard.
Chase has one of the broadest definitions of travel among major rewards credit cards. Eligible purchases generally include:
Compared with many competing rewards cards, Chase's travel category is among the most comprehensive. While cards such as the American Express® Gold Card and American Express Platinum Card® primarily reward airfare booked directly with airlines, Chase extends bonus earnings to nearly every stage of a trip — from airport parking to cruise fares.
Keep in mind that Chase awards bonus points based on a merchant's category code (MCC), not necessarily what you purchase. That means two similar businesses may not always earn the same rewards.
While Chase's travel category is broad, there are several types of purchases that generally won't qualify for bonus points, even if they're related to travel.
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Remember, these exclusions are based on how the merchant is categorized — not necessarily what you're purchasing.
Most travel purchases code correctly, but a few exceptions have been encountered by TPG staff.
*Excluding the Sapphire Preferred; more on that below.
By contrast, Airbnb bookings have consistently qualified as travel purchases.
Ultimately, merchant coding determines whether you'll receive bonus points, and that's outside Chase's control. However, there are some steps you can take if a purchase doesn't code the way you hoped.
Related: The best credit cards to use for booking Airbnb stays
If an expense you expected to qualify doesn't earn bonus rewards:
While Chase doesn't guarantee retroactive point adjustments, customer service can often explain how a merchant is classified, helping you avoid surprises on future purchases.
If you're testing a new travel merchant, making a small purchase first can help confirm how it codes before committing to a larger expense.
Once a purchase qualifies as travel, the number of Ultimate Rewards points yo…