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 Simplicity Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Flex comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Citi Simplicity 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.
| Feature | Chase Freedom Flex | Citi Simplicity Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | $200 cash back | No welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program |
| Bonus value (est.) | $200 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $500 in 3 mo | - |
| Issuer | Chase | Citi |
| Card category | cashback | |
| Best earning category (Rotating) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Flex
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Read the full review
Citi Simplicity Card
$0/yr · No welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program
Editorial take: Citi Simplicity Card
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Flex or Citi Simplicity Card?
- The Chase Freedom Flex has a public bonus ($200 cash back, worth roughly $200), while the Citi Simplicity Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Chase Freedom Flex's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Simplicity Card?
- The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Citi Simplicity Card's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Citi Simplicity 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 Citi Simplicity 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 Citi Simplicity Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 spend in 3 months. Citi Simplicity 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.