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Side-by-side

Chase Aeroplan Credit Card vs Chase Freedom Unlimited

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Aeroplan Credit Card comes from Chase at $95/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 Chase Aeroplan Credit Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($925 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Unlimited's. Get the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Aeroplan Credit CardChase Freedom Unlimited
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus75,000 bonus points$200 bonus
Bonus value (est.)$1,125$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$4,000 in 3 mo$500 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Travel)3x5x
Transfer partnersaeroplanchase-ur
Headline benefits
  • 3x on Air Canada + dining + grocery
  • Free checked bag
  • Companion pass
  • UR transfer
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
Read the full review
Chase Aeroplan Credit Card
$95/yr · 75,000 bonus points
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus

Editorial take: Chase Aeroplan Credit Card

Aeroplan is one of the best Star Alliance programs for sweet-spot redemptions. This card is a great way to earn Aeroplan miles directly, plus the UR transfer option gives flexibility.

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, Chase Aeroplan Credit Card or Chase Freedom Unlimited?
The Chase Aeroplan Credit Card has the bigger bonus, 75,000 bonus points, worth roughly $1,125, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Is the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Freedom Unlimited?
At $95/yr, the Chase Aeroplan Credit 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 Chase Aeroplan Credit Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited?
Yes, though both are issued by Chase so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 Chase Aeroplan Credit Card or the Chase Freedom Unlimited first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Aeroplan Credit Card: $4,000 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.