Credit Cards
Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Chase Freedom Flex℠? Choose the best card!
Are you trying to decide between the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or the Chase Freedom Flex℠ cards? Check out this side-by-side comparison to see how they stack up.
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Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. Chase Freedom Flex℠: all you need to know
If you’re looking for a new Chase credit card, you may be wondering whether the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Chase Freedom Flex℠ is right for you.
Both cards offer great rewards and benefits, but they have different features that may make one or the other more appealing.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these two cards so that you can make an informed decision. Check their main features below and keep reading our comparison to see which card fits you best.
Chase Bank review
If you’re looking for a new bank to deal with your finances, why not Chase Bank? Read our review to learn everything this institution has to offer.
Freedom Unlimited®
- Credit Score Needed: Good – Excellent.
- Standard Variable APR: 0% for 15 months. 16.49% – 25.24% after that period.
- Is there an annual fee?: No.
- What is the welcome bonus: An additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases up to $20,000 during the first year of card membership.
- Are there any rewards?: Yes. You’ll earn 5% back on travel-related expenses purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus 3% on drugstores and restaurants and 1.5% on all other expenses.
Freedom Flex℠
- Credit Score Needed: Good – Excellent.
- Standard Variable APR: 0% for 15 months, then 16.49% – 25.24% variable.
- Is there an annual fee?: There is none.
- What is the welcome bonus: $200 bonus after spending $500 within the first three months.
- Are there any rewards?: Yes. 5% cash back on bonus categories each quarter (requires activation). 5% cash back on travel-related purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3% back on restaurants and drugstores. 1% on everything else.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: features, pros, and cons
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is one of Chase’s best-known products, and for a good reason. If you have a good credit score, this card is definitely a good addition to your wallet.
Not only you won’t have to worry about annual fees, but you’ll also get a great APR intro on purchases and balance transfers. Plus, with the Freedom Unlimited® welcome bonus, you could rack up some serious rewards.
If you’re a frequent traveler, the 5% return rate on travel expenses purchased with Chase can help you save a lot of money. However, beware of the 3% foreign transaction fees if you want to use this card overseas.
For daily use, you’ll get 3% back on drugstores and restaurants, including eligible takeout and delivery services. If those are not part of your primary expenses, you’ll still get 1.5% back on everything else you buy.
To help you decide between Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Chase Freedom Flex℠, check out some of the benefits you’ll get with Freedom Unlimited® below.
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Benefits
- Solid intro offer that will add 1.5% cash back on all existing categories;
- Great ongoing rewards – especially for travelers;
- No annual or maintenance fees;
- No minimum amount to redeem your cash back;
- 0% introductory APR – perfect for balance transfers and big purchases.
Drawbacks
- 3% foreign transaction fee – with such a good rate on travel-related purchases, Chase could choose to waive the fee and make it even better;
- Depending on your creditworthiness, the regular APR could go as high as 25.24%.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card application
Apply for Chase Freedom Unlimited® to enjoy the best rewards program for a zero annual fee.
Chase Freedom Flex℠: features, pros, and cons
When you have a good or excellent credit score, there are a great number of credit cards available to you. Undoubtedly, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is one of the best alternatives out there.
To begin with, you’ll have access to an easy-to-get welcome bonus of $200 for spending just $500 within the first three months. Combine that with the lack of an annual fee and the 0% intro APR for 15 months, and you’re good to go.
But there’s even more to this card. Like the Freedom Unlimited®, the Freedom Flex℠ also rewards travelers with a 5% return on purchases made through Chase’s rewards program.
Plus, you’ll also get 5% back up to $1,500 on rotating quarterly categories. On top of all that, there’s 3% cash back on restaurants and drugstore purchases and 1% back on everything else you buy.
It’s important to note that once the introductory APR period is over, you’ll get a standard variable rate between 16.49% – 25.24%. So it’s in your best interest to avoid carrying a balance if you want to avoid high interest fees.
If you’re still unsure which card to choose between Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Chase Freedom Flex℠, check below for some of the latter’s benefits to help you make a decision.
Benefits
- Easy-to-get and attractive welcome bonus;
- Solid ongoing rewards with rotating categories each quarter;
- Great deal for frequent travelers;
- No annual fee;
- Excellent 0% introductory APR;
Drawbacks
- The 5% cash back categories have a low earning limit;
- You need a good credit score to qualify for this card;
- Rotating bonus categories require activation;
- The card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it not the best choice for international travels.
Chase Freedom Flex℠ credit card application
Chase has some excellent credit cards, and the Chase Freedom Flex℠ credit card is one of them.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Chase Freedom Flex℠: which is the right choice?
Choosing between the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Chase Freedom Flex℠ is not an easy task. However, the ultimate decision is up to you. Both are excellent cards with solid benefits – albeit similar in many aspects.
Both require a good credit score for approval, have no annual fees, and a great introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers. What sets them apart is mostly how you’ll earn your rewards.
So, in that sense, if you’re looking for a more straightforward product and don’t want to worry your mind over rotating categories, the Freedom Unlimited® should fit your needs just right.
However, if you spend a lot of money on different categories every month, the 5% rotating structure of the Chase Freedom Flex℠ will serve you well.
If your financial needs lie elsewhere, Chase has a credit card made specifically for balance transfers. The Chase Slate Edge℠ Credit Card has no annual fee and offers a 0% intro APR for 18 months.
Check the link below to learn more about it and how adding this card to your wallet can benefit you in the long run.
Chase Slate Edge℠ Credit Card review
This post will tell you everything you need to know about the Chase Slate Edge℠ Credit Card.
Aline Barbosa
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