Chase Pay Yourself Back Q3 Categories: Maximize Your Points

If you're sitting on a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you'll want to pay attention to the latest updates to the Pay Yourself Back program. Chase has announced its rotating categories for the third quarter, giving cardholders a flexible way to redeem points for statement credits on everyday spending. These offers, many of which are valid through Sept. 30, provide an elevated value over standard cash back, making it a great time to see if your recent purchases qualify.

What is Chase Pay Yourself Back?

Pay Yourself Back is a redemption feature within the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal that provides a powerful alternative to booking travel. Instead of cashing out points for a fixed 1 cent each, this tool allows you to apply your points as a statement credit against eligible purchases you've made in the last 90 days at an improved rate.

This benefit is available on many popular Chase cards, including the Sapphire and Freedom lineups, as well as several co-branded cards from partners like Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. It's designed for consumers who want to get solid value from their points by offsetting their daily expenses.

Chase Pay Yourself Back Q3 Eligible Purchases (Through Sept. 30)

Through the end of September, Chase is offering enhanced redemption rates on specific spending categories for its Ultimate Rewards-earning cards. The value you get depends on which card you hold.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Get 1.5 cents per point for donations to qualifying charities, 1.25 cents per point toward your annual fee, and 1.2 cents per point at gas stations and on public transit. For example, 10,000 points could erase a $150 charitable donation.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Redeem points at 1.25 cents each for select charities. You can also get 1.1 cents per point for purchases at pet supply stores, veterinary services, and your annual fee, plus 1.05 cents per point for public transit.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Business owners get 1.25 cents per point for charities and 1.1 cents per point for select utilities (internet, cable, phone) and shipping expenses.
• Chase Freedom Flex®, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and other Ink cards: Cardholders can redeem points for donations to qualifying charities at a value of 1.25 cents per point.

Eligible charities include organizations like the American Red Cross, Feeding America, UNICEF USA, and World Central Kitchen.

Ongoing Categories for Co-Branded Cards

In addition to the quarterly promotions, several of Chase's co-branded travel cards have ongoing Pay Yourself Back offers that don't expire. These are primarily focused on travel expenses.

• Aeroplan® Credit Card: Redeem points for travel purchases and the annual fee at a rate of 1.25 cents per point, up to 200,000 points ($2,500) annually.
• United Airlines Cards: Use miles to cover your annual fee at an excellent rate of 1.35 to 1.5 cents per mile, depending on your card. You can also redeem for United airfare purchases over $50 at 1 cent per mile.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Redeem points for up to $750 per year in travel purchases made directly with airlines or Marriott.

How to Use Pay Yourself Back

Redeeming your points is a straightforward process you can complete in minutes.

1. Log in to your Chase account on the web or through the mobile app and navigate to the Ultimate Rewards portal.
2. Select the "Pay Yourself Back" redemption option from the menu.
3. You'll see a list of your eligible purchases made within the last 90 days.
4. Choose the transaction(s) you want to cover and the number of points you wish to apply.
5. Confirm the redemption. The statement credit should appear on your account within three business days.

Conclusion: Is Pay Yourself Back Worth It?

The Pay Yourself Back feature offers valuable flexibility, especially for cardholders who want to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses without sacrificing too much point value. For many of the Q3 categories, you're getting a redemption rate of 1.1 cents to 1.5 cents per point, which is a significant improvement over the standard 1-cent-per-point cash-back option.

However, it's important to weigh this against your financial goals. If your priority is aspirational travel, you can often achieve the maximum value—sometimes 2.05 cents per point or more—by transferring your points to Chase's airline and hotel partners. But if you have recent expenses in gas, public transit, or pet supplies, or if you plan to donate to charity, using Pay Yourself Back this quarter is a smart and practical way to leverage your rewards. If the current categories don't fit your spending, keep an eye out for new options after the Sept. 30 deadline.