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Side-by-side

TAP Miles and Go American Express Card vs Chase Freedom Unlimited

Both are well-respected travel cards. The TAP Miles and Go American Express Card comes from Cardless at $79/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

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureTAP Miles and Go American Express CardChase Freedom Unlimited
Annual fee$79$0
Sign-up bonus40,000 bonus miles$200 bonus
Bonus value (est.)-$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$2,500 in 3 mo$500 in 3 mo
IssuerCardlessChase
Card categoryairlinecashback
Best earning category (Tap_air_portugal)3x1x
Transfer partnersNonechase-ur
Headline benefits
  • 3x miles on TAP purchases
  • 2 Lisbon lounge passes per year
  • Free extra checked bag
  • Star Alliance redemptions
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
Read the full review
TAP Miles and Go American Express Card
$79/yr · 40,000 bonus miles
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus

Editorial take: TAP Miles and Go American Express Card

The only US co-branded card for a European Star Alliance carrier. Useful if you fly TAP to Lisbon or onward Europe several times a year, since the lounge passes, free extra bag, and Premium Boarding can each be worth more than the $79 annual fee on a single transatlantic trip.

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, TAP Miles and Go American Express Card or Chase Freedom Unlimited?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has a public bonus ($200 bonus, worth roughly $200), while the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card's $79 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Freedom Unlimited?
At $79/yr, the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card 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 TAP Miles and Go American Express Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Cardless 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 TAP Miles and Go American Express Card or the Chase Freedom Unlimited first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. TAP Miles and Go American Express Card: $2,500 spend in 3 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.