Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. Chase Freedom Flex℠: Which Is Best for You?
If you’re looking for a credit card with robust rewards and a solid welcome bonus, you may benefit from either the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Chase Freedom Flex℠. In this guide, MoneyGeek compared both cards to help you choose the best option.


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With Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Chase Freedom Flex℠, you’ll get a $200 welcome bonus on spending $500 within the first three months of account opening. Both cards also have no annual fee and offer valuable rewards.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs Chase Freedom Flex℠ comparison shows that while both cards are pretty similar in many aspects like the welcome bonus, annual fees and the intro APR offer — there is a key difference in their rewards structures. MoneyGeek’s comparison will help you understand the difference between both cards so you can choose the option which fits your needs.
Comparison Overview: Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Has Annual Fee
- Has Balance Transfer Offer
- Has APR Offer
- Cash Back Rewards
- Travel Rewards
Chase Freedom Unlimited® At a Glance
With the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card — you’ll get a 5% cash back on gas station purchases up to $6,000 in the first year, 3% cash back on drugstores and restaurant purchases, 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. This card also offers a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months after account opening.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
An excellent no-annual-fee card that lets you earn unlimited cash back
- ExcellentRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- 1.5–5% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 3xRewards Rate on Dining
- 5xRewards Rate on Air Travel
Chase Freedom Flex℠ At a Glance
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card offers you a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $500 within three months of account opening. The unique feature of the rewards program of this card is that you can get a 5% cashback up to $1,500 in purchases on rotating bonus categories in every quarter — only if you activate it. The rewards you earn with this card do not expire as long as your account stays open.
- Chase Freedom Flex℠
An easy-to-use cash back card with quarterly rotating bonus categories
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- 1–5% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
- 5xRewards Rate on Air Travel
- 3xRewards Rate on Dining
Comparison Summary
MoneyGeek analyzed the difference between Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ to help you decide which card would be the best fit for your needs.
- Card DetailComparison Summary
Travel Coverage and Purchase Protection
Both the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex℠ offer reimbursement up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip in case your travel plans get canceled due to sickness or other covered conditions. These cards also offer purchase protection against theft or damage up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per accident for 120 days after a new purchase.
However, Chase Freedom Flex℠ also offers cell phone protection for theft or damage up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year.
Winner: Chase Freedom Flex℠
Rewards
While both cards offer a 5% cash back on gas station purchases up to $6,000 in the first year, 3% cash back on drugstores and restaurants purchases, 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards — Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a 5% cash back on making purchases in rotating categories in each quarter you activate.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers a 1.5% cash back on all other purchases while the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a 1% cash back.
Winner: Chase Freedom Flex℠
Annual Fee
Both Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex℠ charge a $0 annual fee. However, since Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a welcome bonus worth $200 and a 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories, it’s the better option.
Winner: Chase Freedom Flex℠
Which Card Should You Get?
Before choosing a card, you should consider your needs first. MoneyGeek analyzed below whether you should get the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or the Chase Freedom Flex℠ card.
Who Should Consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited®?
People who are looking for an all-purpose credit card with a simple rewards structure would benefit the most from the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card.
Who Should Consider the Chase Freedom Flex℠?
If you’re looking for a credit card with a high rewards rate across many different categories, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ card may be the best option for you.
The choice on this one is simple. If you can take advantage of the rotating 5% categories and own an expensive smartphone like an iPhone, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is the better of the two options. If you don’t find value in the 5% cash back categories or the cell phone insurance, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® will suffice. But overall, both cards are nearly identical and can benefit a large amount of consumers.
Other Helpful Decision-Making FAQs
MoneyGeek researched the following frequently asked questions to help you understand the difference between the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ and make the best decision for you.
Still Not Sure About These Cards? Consider These Options
MoneyGeek compared the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Chase Freedom Flex℠ to help you make a better decision. However, if you’re still having difficulty choosing — you can look over the best rewards credit cards to see if one of the other options would be a better fit.
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sources
- Chase Bank. "Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card." Accessed January 5, 2022.
- Chase Bank. "Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card." Accessed January 5, 2022.
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