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Side-by-side

American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs Chase Freedom Unlimited

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/yr; the Chase Freedom Unlimited from Chase at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,300 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Unlimited's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedChase Freedom Unlimited
Annual fee$295$0
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash back$200 bonus
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$500 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorybusinesscashback
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNonechase-ur
Headline benefits
    • 1.5% everywhere
    • 5% on travel via Chase
    • 3% dining + drugstores
    • Free if paired with Sapphire
    Read the full review
    American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
    $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
    Read the full review
    Chase Freedom Unlimited
    $0/yr · $200 bonus

    Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

    Editorial take: Chase Freedom Unlimited

    The best no-fee cash back card in the Chase family. Stack it with a Sapphire and your cash back converts into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, a free upgrade most people miss. Note: Cell phone protection is on Freedom Flex, not Freedom Unlimited.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or Chase Freedom Unlimited?
    The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
    Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Freedom Unlimited?
    At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Chase Freedom Unlimited's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited and Chase Freedom Unlimited?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the Chase Freedom Unlimited first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 spend in 6 months. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.