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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Flex comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select from Citi at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($640 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Flex's. Get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first; revisit the Chase Freedom Flex after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Freedom Flex | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | $200 cash back | 60,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $200 | $840 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $500 in 3 mo | $3,500 in 4 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Citi |
| 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
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
$99/yr · 60,000 miles
Editorial take: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
The free checked bag covers the fee on just one round-trip with a partner. Good if you fly AA more than twice a year, otherwise AAdvantage is worth collecting through other means.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Flex or Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select has the bigger bonus, 60,000 miles, worth roughly $840, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Is the Chase Freedom Flex's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's $99 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's benefits to clear $99 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Can I have both the Chase Freedom Flex and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- 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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 spend in 3 months. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: $3,500 in 4 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.