If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee credit card that earns cash back (or flexible points if you play your cards right), Chase has two valuable options: the Chase Freedom Flex® and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
Both cards have great earning potential, access to those sweet, sweet Chase Ultimate Rewards, and a whole lot of flexibility. But while they look similar on the surface, the way they earn rewards is totally different.
Let’s break it all down so you can figure out which one’s the better fit for your wallet.
Chase Freedom Flex vs. Freedom Unlimited Key Features
Chase Freedom Flex
The Freedom Flex is a category-based card that works best when you don’t mind a little bit of effort. But, don’t freak out — it’s worth it. This card earns 5% back on rotating quarterly bonus categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, then 1% after that), which can include things like gas stations, grocery stores, Amazon, and more.
It also earns:
5% on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
3% on dining and drugstores
1% on all other purchases
You’ll need to activate the 5% quarterly bonus categories each quarter, but if you plan ahead, the rewards can add up quickly.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Freedom Unlimited keeps things simple with a flat-rate earning structure. You’ll earn:
5% on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
3% on dining and drugstores
1.5% on everything else
It’s the better card if you’re more of a “set it and forget it” type of person who wants reliable rewards without worrying about bonus calendars.
Side-by-Side Overview
Freedom Flex | Freedom Unlimited | |
|---|---|---|
Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
Rotating Bonus Categories | 5% back on quarterly categories (activation required, up to $1,500/quarter) ack | None |
Ongoing Bonus Categories | 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ 3% on dining and drugstores | 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ 3% on dining and drugstores |
Rewards on Other Purchases | 1% back | 1.5% back |
Redemption Options | Cash back, gift cards, travel, or point transfers (if paired with eligible Sapphire/Ink) | Same as Flex |
Foreign Transaction Fees | 3% | 3% |
Rewards
Both cards technically earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points. On their own, those points are worth one cent apiece toward cash back, travel through Chase, or gift cards.
However, if you pair your Freedom card with a Sapphire or Ink card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you unlock the ability to transfer your points to travel partners like United, Hyatt, and Air Canada. This is where the real magic happens. Not Disney magic… real magic. These “starter cards” become incredibly powerful in a Chase trifecta setup.
Chase Freedom Flex
5% on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating bonus categories each quarter (activation required)
5% on Chase Travel purchases
3% on dining and drugstores
1% on everything else
Chase Freedom Unlimited
1.5% on all non-bonus purchases
5% on Chase Travel purchases
3% on dining and drugstores
If your spending is consistent and you don’t want to juggle categories, that 1.5% flat rate on the Freedom Unlimited is tough to beat.
Benefits
Chase Freedom Flex
Rotating 5% categories
Mastercard World Elite® benefits like cell phone protection, Lyft credits, and DoorDash perks
Purchase protection and extended warranty
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
No annual fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Simple flat-rate earning on all purchases
Discounts on DoorDash
Purchase protection and extended warranty
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
No annual fee
For a $0 annual fee, both cards come stacked with protections and perks — and they’re even better when paired with other cards in the Chase ecosystem.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Freedom cards come with similar offers, with the Freedom Unlimited’s cash-back bonus being just $50 more. But both cards have a pretty stellar return for such a low spend requirement.
The key difference is how you earn long-term.
Freedom Flex can make you more if you maximize the 5% rotating categories.
Freedom Unlimited offers more consistent, low-effort value across all your everyday spending.
If you’re a planner who wants to squeeze every drop out of those quarterly 5% bonus categories, the Freedom Flex may be your move. But if you’d rather not think about it and earn strong returns on every purchase, the Freedom Unlimited is a clear winner.
Why We Love the Freedom Unlimited
At Daily Drop, we’re big fans of the Freedom Unlimited because it’s simple and powerful, especially when paired with a Chase Sapphire card. That 1.5x return on everything adds up quickly, and when you transfer points to travel partners, you’re easily getting more than 1.5% in value per dollar spent.
It’s the ideal card for everyday purchases, long-term spending, and anyone who wants solid rewards without any crazy mental math.
That said, if you’re someone who loves playing the miles and points game and knows how to plan your spending around quarterly 5% categories, the Freedom Flex could offer even more in return.
Bottom Line
Both the Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited offer excellent value with no annual fee — and they’re even better when combined with another Ultimate Rewards card.
Whichever you pick, you’ll be racking up valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, and those are some of the best points in the game!
