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 United Gateway Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Flex comes from Chase at $0/yr; the United Gateway Card 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.
| Feature | Chase Freedom Flex | United Gateway Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | $200 cash back | 30,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $200 | $390 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $500 in 3 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | cashback | travel |
| Best earning category (Rotating) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Freedom Flex
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Read the full review
United Gateway Card
$0/yr · 30,000 miles
Editorial take: United Gateway Card
The no-fee United card. Doesn't include free bags (that starts with the Explorer), so it's really only worth it for credit-building purposes.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Flex or United Gateway Card?
- The United Gateway Card has the bigger bonus, 30,000 miles, worth roughly $390, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Is the Chase Freedom Flex's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the United Gateway Card?
- The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the United Gateway Card's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the United Gateway Card's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Can I have both the Chase Freedom Flex and United Gateway Card?
- 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 United Gateway Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 spend in 3 months. United Gateway Card: $1,000 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.