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 Strata Elite Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Flex comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Citi Strata Elite Card from Citi at $595/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Citi Strata Elite Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,150 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Flex's. Get the Citi Strata Elite Card first; revisit the Chase Freedom Flex after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Freedom Flex | Citi Strata Elite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $595 |
| Sign-up bonus | $200 cash back | 75,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $200 | $1,350 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $500 in 3 mo | $6,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Citi |
| Card category | cashback | travel |
| Best earning category (Rotating) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Freedom Flex
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Read the full review
Citi Strata Elite Card
$595/yr · 75,000 points
Editorial take: Citi Strata Elite Card
Citi's premium answer to Amex Platinum + Sapphire Reserve. The 12x on Citi-booked hotels is the best earning rate in the category; the $200 Blacklane and 4 Admirals Club passes are differentiated perks. $595 fee penciled out if you'll actually use the hotel + Splurge credits.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Flex or Citi Strata Elite Card?
- The Citi Strata Elite Card has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,350, 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 Strata Elite Card?
- The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Citi Strata Elite Card's $595 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Citi Strata Elite Card's benefits to clear $595 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Can I have both the Chase Freedom Flex and Citi Strata Elite 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 Strata Elite Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 spend in 3 months. Citi Strata Elite Card: $6,000 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.