10/10/11 Update: the United logo is no longer visible–presumably they're still working on the integration.
If you got the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card for the 50,000 mile bonus (see The Best Credit Cards for Sign Up Bonuses and Everyday Spend) there's more good news: United MileagePlus is now a new transfer partner for Chase Ultimate Rewards. This was expected to happen at some point, since Continental is already a transfer partner, and as Brian points out, Chase issues United's credit cards.
The addition is so new, that United doesn't even appear in the dropdown:
If you select “See All” however, you do see United MileagePlus, although the logo isn't there yet.
If you click on United MileagePlus, you then come to the transfer screen; there's already an item number for United MileagePlus transfers: UNITEDPTTRSFR1 You aren't yet, however, able to actually able to make a transfer, as there isn't yet a place to enter your United MileagePlus account number. Presumably this will be added in the next day or so.
While this doesn't change the calculus much for the card, given that it was already possible to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Continental OnePass, and then from that to United MileagePlus, it's good to see Chase continuing to make the Sapphire Preferred Card more attractive for card holders. It's already my default card for all dining expenses (since it accrues 2 points per dollar) and for travel expenses excluding airfare (which go on my AMEX Premier Rewards Gold card) and Starwood hotels (which go on my SPG card) since it gets 2 points per dollar for travel as well. It's a good card as well for international travel, as there are no foreign transaction fees. I've also heard (although not verified myself) that purchases via the Ultimate Rewards Shopping portal get points credited quickly, and faster than many of the other miles and points shopping malls.
And on the redemption front, the Ultimate Rewards points came in very handy in transferring instantly to British Airways, to redeem for Cathay Pacific First Class.
What are your thoughts? Do you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, and if so, what do you plan to use your points for?
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