Editorial take: Chase Freedom Flex
Worth it only if you'll actually activate the rotating 5% categories every quarter. If you won't, the Freedom Unlimited earns more on everyday spend with zero effort.
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Side-by-side
Chase Freedom Flex vs Chase Sapphire Preferred
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Flex comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Chase Sapphire Preferred from Chase at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,300 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Flex's. Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred first; revisit the Chase Freedom Flex after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Freedom Flex | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | $200 cash back | 75,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $200 | $1,500 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $500 in 3 mo | $5,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | cashback | travel |
| Best earning category (Rotating) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | chase-ur |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Freedom Flex
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Preferred
$95/yr · 75,000 points
Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Preferred
The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game. Note: the 10% anniversary points bonus sunsets October 1, 2026.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Flex or Chase Sapphire Preferred?
- The Chase Sapphire Preferred has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,500, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Is the Chase Freedom Flex's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
- The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred's $95 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Chase Sapphire Preferred's benefits to clear $95 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Can I have both the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Sapphire Preferred?
- 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 Freedom Flex or the Chase Sapphire Preferred first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 spend in 3 months. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 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.