Chase Freedom Flex vs Freedom Unlimited

In the ever-evolving landscape of credit cards, Chase continues to stand out with its lineup of rewards cards catering to a diverse range of consumers. Two of the most popular options in Chase’s arsenal are the Chase’s Freedom Flex and the Freedom Unlimited. As we step into 2024, let’s take a closer look at how these cards stack up against each other and which one might be the better fit for your wallet.

When Choose Chase’s Freedom Flex℠ and When Freedom Unlimited®

Situation	When Choose Chase Freedom Flex℠	When Choose Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Prefer simplicity and predictability?	No, rotating bonus categories may require more tracking.	Yes, consistent cash back rates without rotating categories.
Want to avoid overspending?	No, may feel compelled to change habits for bonus categories.	Yes, no need to tailor spending to specific categories.
Prefer lower-maintenance rewards?	No, requires activation of quarterly categories.	Yes, no activation required for bonus categories.
Plan to pair with other reward cards?	Yes, but may need to coordinate spending categories.	Yes, seamlessly complements other reward cards.
Value creative spending strategies?	Yes, broad bonus categories offer opportunities for creative spending.	No, prefer straightforward earning structure.
Want consistent year-round rewards?	Yes, offers consistent rewards on dining and drugstore purchases.	Yes, provides consistent cash back rates on all purchases.

How to Choose Between Chase’s Freedom Flex℠ and Freedom Unlimited®:

When deciding between the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Freedom Unlimited®, consider your spending habits and your willingness to manage rewards:

Spending Habits: Evaluate your spending patterns to determine which card aligns best with your lifestyle. If you frequently spend in the Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus categories, such as those listed on their website, the 5% cash back may be advantageous. However, if your spending is diverse and doesn’t fit neatly into these categories, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® might offer better long-term value.

Complexity: Consider your preference for simplicity versus tracking and activation. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers fixed bonus tiers and doesn’t require opting into bonus categories. In contrast, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ necessitates quarterly activation and tracking of bonus categories. Moreover, once you reach the $1,500 quarterly limit in bonus category spending, the rewards rate drops to 1% back.

Chase Freedom Flex℠ Bonus VS Unlimited® Bonus

Feature	Chase Freedom Flex℠	Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Sign-up Bonus	Earn a $200 Bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.	Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
Rotating Bonus Categories	5% back on quarterly bonus categories that you activate, on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending.	None.
Ongoing Bonus Categories	• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. • 3% cash back at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services. • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.	• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. • 3% cash back at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services. • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.
Rewards on Other Purchases	1% cash back.	1.5% cash back.

Learn about: How to Apply for a Personal Loan Through Chase

Rewards Structure:

Chase Freedom Flex℠:

• 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter, activation required).
• 3% cash back at restaurants, including takeout and delivery services.
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®:

• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 3% cash back at restaurants, including takeout and delivery services.
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Sign-up Bonus:

• Chase Freedom Flex℠: Earn a $200 Bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent) in the first year, worth up to $300 cash back.

0% Intro APR Offer:

Both cards offer a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by an ongoing APR of 20.49%-29.24%, variable APR.

Partner Perks:

• Lyft: Both cards earn 5% cash back on qualifying Lyft services purchased through the Lyft app until March 31, 2025.
• Shopping Portal: Earn 1% to 15% cash back at select merchants through the Chase online bonus mall.

Shopping/Travel/Fraud Protections:

• Shopping: Both cards offer purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and access to the Chase online bonus mall.

Your new purchase is protected for 120 days against damage or theft, providing coverage up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.

• Travel: Rental car insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and fraud protection.

Receive reimbursement of up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable passenger fares in the event your trip is cancelled or cut short due to sickness, severe weather, and other covered situations.

• Credit Score/ID Theft: Access your credit score anytime and receive free identity restoration services.

Visa vs. Mastercard Perks:

Chase Freedom Flex℠ (Mastercard):

• Cell phone protection.
• Discounts on services like Lyft, Boxed, and more.
• Hotel benefits via the Mastercard Luxury Hotel and Resorts program.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® (Visa): Visa Signature benefits.

Choosing Between the Two:

• Evaluate your spending habits and preferences.
• Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers versatility and higher rewards potential.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® provides simplicity and consistency.

Maximizing Rewards:

• Use Chase’s Freedom Flex℠ for bonus categories and cell phone protection.Receive up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year in cell phone protection against covered theft or damage for phones listed on your monthly cell phone bill when paid with your Chase Freedom Flex℠. You’re eligible for a maximum of two claims within a 12-month period, with a $50 deductible per claim.

• Utilize Chase’s Freedom Unlimited® for consistent 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Multiple Redemption Options:

Both the Chase’s Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase’s Freedom Unlimited® offer versatile redemption options for their rewards. Points earned on these cards can be redeemed for straight cash back, providing cardholders with the flexibility to use their rewards as they see fit, at a rate of one cent per point. This cash back can be claimed as a statement credit or deposited directly into most U.S. checking or savings accounts.

There is no minimum redemption requirement for cash back, allowing cardholders to access their rewards whenever they choose. In addition to cash back, points can also be redeemed for various other rewards. These include gift cards, travel bookings, or purchases through the Chase portal, including Apple products. Furthermore, cardholders have the option to redeem points on Amazon.com to cover all or part of their purchases. It’s worth noting that the value of points may vary depending on the redemption method chosen, providing flexibility to tailor rewards to individual preferences and needs.

Can I keep both Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® ?

Yes, you can keep both the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, there’s a simple solution:

While these cards are often seen as competitors, they actually complement each other quite well. Utilize the Chase Freedom Flex℠ for its lucrative 5% bonus categories, and leverage the Freedom Unlimited® to earn more than the standard 1% cash back on all other purchases. You can even transfer your rewards between accounts and redeem them collectively, streamlining your rewards process.

If you opt for both cards, consider spacing out your applications by a few months to minimize any impact on your credit score.

Individually, each card offers excellent value. But together, they synergize to provide even greater benefits.