Which Chase credit card is a better fit for your wallet?
Both the Chase Freedom® and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® give you access to your credit score, come with no annual fee, have the same sign up bonus and offer an intro APR on balance transfers and purchases. The cards are nearly identical when it comes to features and fees, but what sets them apart are their rewards structures.
Figuring out which of these two cards is best for you comes down to this — do you want a simple rewards card or one that you can tailor your spending around to maximize rewards?
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Chase Freedom®
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Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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|---|---|
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★★★★★ 4.4 / 5.0 |
★★★★★ 4.2 / 5.0 |
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| Earn $150 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening | Earn $150 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening |
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Earn 5% cash back in quarterly rotating categories on up to $1,500 in combined purchases for each quarter you activate, then 1%. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back for each dollar spent |
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0% intro APR for 15 months, and then 16.99% to 25.74% variable |
0% intro APR for 15 months, and then 16.99% to 25.74% variable |
| $0 | $0 |
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APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months, then 16.99% to 25.74% variable Fee: $5 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater |
APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months, then 16.99% to 25.74% variable Fee: $5 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater |
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APR: 26.99% variable Fee: $10 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater |
APR: 26.99% variable Fee: $10 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater |
| $38 | $38 |
| $0 | $0 |
| 21 days | 21 days |
| $0 | $0 |
| 670 | 670 |
| Credit | Credit |
| Rates & Fees | Rates & Fees |
Which card should you choose?
Chase Freedom®
- $150 signup bonus
- Up to 5% cash back on rotating categories
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
The Chase Freedom® will be a useful rewards card for someone with flexible spending habits because of its 5% cash back — on up to $1,500 in purchases for every quarter you activate (then 1%) — in bonus categories that change each quarter. On top of that, all other purchases earn 1% unlimited cash back.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- No annual fee
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back
- Signup bonus of $150 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Zero fraud liability
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® will reward all of your spending with unlimited 1.5% cash back so you don't have to chase points by making purchases in specific categories. This is a simple card that comes with a concierge service, travel accident insurance and purchase protection — just like the Chase Freedom®.
What’s next?
Your next step is to make the call if the Chase Freedom® or the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is suitable for your spending needs. If so, all that’s left to do is apply. Some people even get both cards because of their compatibility and flexibility for transferring rewards between accounts.
But if neither sounds like a fit for your wallet, move on and continue your search for plastic practicality. Keep on comparing different types and brands of credit cards until you’ve found the right one for your needs.
Compare Chase Freedom® vs Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card