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Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Flex vs American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Flex comes from Chase at $0/yr; the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card from Citi 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.

FeatureChase Freedom FlexAmerican Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonus$200 cash backNot advertised
Bonus value (est.)$200-
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo-
IssuerChaseCiti
Card categorycashbacktravel
Best earning category (Rotating)5x1x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 5% rotating categories
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • No annual fee
  • Cell phone protection
    Read the full review
    Chase Freedom Flex
    $0/yr · $200 cash back
    Read the full review
    American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
    $0/yr ·

    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.

    Editorial take: American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Flex or American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
    The Chase Freedom Flex has a public bonus ($200 cash back, worth roughly $200), while the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Chase Freedom Flex's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
    The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp 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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and Citi) 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 Chase Freedom Flex or the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 spend in 3 months. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card: no published min spend. 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.