Which Is Better Chase Freedom Unlimited® Or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

June 21, 2024
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Chase Freedom Unlimited® VS Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Both the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit cards are great rewards cards. The decision on which credit card is better is based on what you to use the card for. If you want to use the card for cash back on purchases, as well as a cashback bonus then clearly the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best card. However, if you travel frequently, then the Chase Sapphire Preferred® would make much more sense.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Quick details at a glance:
Card Rewards Offer – 1.5% – 5% cash back
Annual Fee – $0
Intro Rewards Bonus – Up to $300 cash back

Here are more detailed features of the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

  • INTRO OFFER: 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!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Quick details at a glance:
Intro Rewards Bonus – 60,000 bonus points
Card Rewards Offer – 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases
Foreign Trans Fee – $0
Annual Fee – $95

Here are more detailed features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • Member FDIC
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Which Card is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing a credit card, Chase offers some compelling options, particularly the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Both cards cater to different needs and lifestyles, offering unique features and benefits. This article will delve into the details of each card to help you decide which one might be the better fit for you.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®: The Cash Back Champion

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a cash back card that appeals to those who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases without worrying about rotating categories. Here are some of the key features and benefits of the Chase Freedom Unlimited:

Key Features:

  1. Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it simple to accumulate rewards.
  2. Bonus Categories: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
  3. No Annual Fee: Enjoy all these benefits without paying an annual fee.

Benefits:

  • Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem cash back for statement credits, direct deposit, gift cards, travel, and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
  • Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is ideal for individuals who prefer a straightforward cash back system, especially those who spend significantly on dining, travel, and everyday purchases.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: The Travel Enthusiast’s Dream

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is a travel rewards card designed for those who love to travel and dine out. It offers robust rewards and benefits tailored to frequent travelers. Here’s what the Chase Sapphire Preferred brings to the table:

Key Features:

  1. Earn Points: Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x points on dining, streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and 2x points on all other travel purchases.
  2. Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when redeemed through Chase TravelSM for travel.
  3. Annual Fee: $95 annual fee, which is relatively modest compared to other premium travel cards.

Benefits:

  • Travel Perks: 25% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase TravelSM. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Travel and Purchase Coverage: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, and more.
  • Transfer Partners: Transfer points at a 1:1 rate to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and more.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is perfect for those who frequently travel and dine out, providing valuable points that can be transferred to various travel partners or redeemed for increased value through Chase TravelSM.

Which Card is Better for You?

The decision between the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ultimately depends on your spending habits and financial goals:

  • Choose the Chase Freedom Unlimited® if you want a straightforward cash back card with no annual fee, and your spending is spread across a variety of categories, particularly dining and everyday purchases.
  • Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred® if you are a frequent traveler and diner who can take advantage of the higher rewards rates on travel and dining, and you are comfortable paying the $95 annual fee to unlock significant travel perks and benefits.

Both cards offer valuable rewards and benefits, but aligning them with your lifestyle will help you maximize the value you receive. Consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and preference for cash back versus travel rewards to make the best choice.

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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