You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points directly to Delta SkyMiles through your Chase account online

Chase Ultimate Rewards points move to Delta SkyMiles in real time when you initiate the transfer through your Chase account. The transfer happens when ready — you do not need to call anyone or wait for approval. You will see the SkyMiles appear in your Delta account within minutes.

Not every Chase card earns Ultimate Rewards points that can transfer to airlines. Only cards in the Chase Sapphire and Chase Ink families allow transfers to travel partners like Delta. If you have a basic Chase card like the Freedom Unlimited or a co-branded Delta card, your points do not transfer — they stay as cash-back or must be redeemed through Chase's own travel portal.

The transfer ratio is always 1 point to 1 SkyMile, with no bonus or penalty. You decide how many points to move, and you can transfer as few as 1,000 points at a time. Once transferred, SkyMiles cannot go back to Chase points, so move only what you plan to use.

Key Takeaways

  • Only Chase Sapphire and Chase Ink cards allow point transfers to Delta; other Chase cards do not have this option.
  • Transfers happen when ready through your Chase account and show up in your Delta SkyMiles account within minutes.
  • The conversion rate is always 1 Chase point equals 1 SkyMile, with no bonus or discount.
  • You can transfer as few as 1,000 points at a time, and transfers are permanent — SkyMiles cannot be converted back to Chase points.

Which Chase Cards Let You Transfer Points to Delta

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve both allow transfers to Delta and other travel partners. These are premium cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points on most purchases. Both cards charge an annual fee — Sapphire Preferred costs $95 per year, and Sapphire Reserve costs $550 per year.

The Chase Ink Business Preferred and Chase Ink Business Premier also transfer to Delta. These are business cards with similar annual fees and point structures. If you have a business account with Chase, these cards may be an option.

The Chase Ink Unlimited, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and the co-branded Delta SkyMiles American Express card do not allow transfers to Delta or other airlines. Points from these cards must be redeemed as cash back or through Chase's travel booking portal. If you have one of these cards and want to move points to Delta, you cannot do so directly.

How to Transfer Points Through Your Chase Account

Log into your Chase account online or through the Chase mobile app. Go to the rewards or points section — the exact name varies by card, but it is usually labeled "Rewards" or "Ultimate Rewards." Look for an option that says "Transfer points" or "Redeem points."

Select Delta Air Lines from the list of transfer partners. Chase shows all available airlines and hotel chains you can transfer to. Delta will appear under the airline section.

Enter the number of points you want to transfer. The minimum is 1,000 points. You can transfer any amount above that in increments of 1 point. Review the amount before you confirm — once you submit, the transfer is final.

Confirm the transfer. Chase will ask you to verify your Delta SkyMiles account number. Make sure you enter the correct number, because points go to the account you specify. If you do not have a Delta SkyMiles account yet, you will need to create one before you can transfer points.

What Happens After You Transfer

Your SkyMiles appear in your Delta account within minutes. You can check your SkyMiles balance by logging into Delta.com or the Fly Delta app. The points are ready to use when ready — you do not need to wait for them to "settle" or become active.

Once SkyMiles are in your Delta account, you can use them to book award flights, upgrade existing tickets, or pay for seat selections and baggage fees. You can also transfer SkyMiles to other people or donate them to charity through Delta's website, though those options are separate from the Chase transfer process.

Chase keeps a record of the transfer in your rewards history. If you need to confirm that the transfer went through, you can check your Chase account for the transaction details.

When to Transfer Points to Delta Instead of Redeeming Them Directly

Chase's own travel portal lets you book flights and hotels with Ultimate Rewards points at a fixed rate — typically 1 point equals 1 cent of travel value. If you transfer to Delta instead, the value depends on what award flights cost in SkyMiles. Sometimes Delta awards are cheaper than the 1-cent rate, and sometimes they are more expensive.

Transferring makes sense if you fly Delta regularly and know which routes you want to book. You can check Delta's award chart or search for specific flights before you transfer, so you know whether the SkyMiles will give you better value than redeeming through Chase.

Transferring also makes sense if you have a specific Delta trip coming up and want to lock in the points now. Once points are in your Delta account, you can hold them for as long as you want — they do not expire as long as you have some SkyMiles activity (like earning or redeeming) at least once every 24 months.

Mistakes to Avoid When Transferring

Do not transfer to the wrong Delta account. If you have multiple SkyMiles accounts or share a name with someone else, double-check the account number before you confirm. Chase will send the points to the exact account number you enter, and there is no way to reverse the transfer if you make a mistake.

Do not transfer more points than you plan to use soon. SkyMiles do not expire as long as you have account activity, but if your account becomes inactive for 24 months, Delta will close it and you will lose the miles. If you are not sure when you will use the points, keep them in your Chase account until you have a specific trip planned.

Do not assume the transfer rate is better than cash back without checking. Calculate what the SkyMiles are worth for your specific trip before you transfer. A flight that costs 50,000 SkyMiles might be worth $500 in value, or it might be worth $400 — it depends on the route and the date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Chase points to Delta if I have a co-branded Delta credit card?

No. The co-branded Delta SkyMiles American Express card earns SkyMiles directly, not Ultimate Rewards points. Those miles cannot be transferred from Chase because they are already with Delta. If you want to move points to Delta, you need a Chase Sapphire or Chase Ink card.

How long does it take for SkyMiles to show up in my Delta account?

SkyMiles appear within minutes of the transfer. You can check your Delta account balance right away through Delta.com or the Fly Delta app. If you do not see them within an hour, contact Chase customer service to confirm the transfer went through.

Can I transfer SkyMiles back to Chase points?

No. Once points move to Delta, they stay as SkyMiles. This is why you should only transfer the amount you plan to use. If you change your mind, you cannot convert them back.

What is the minimum number of points I can transfer?

The minimum transfer is 1,000 points. You can transfer any amount above that. There is no maximum, but you can only transfer points you currently have in your Chase account.

Do I lose points when I transfer to Delta?

No. The conversion is always 1 Chase point equals 1 SkyMile. You do not pay a fee, and Chase does not take a percentage. The full amount you transfer becomes SkyMiles in your Delta account.