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 Explorer Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Flex comes from Chase at $0/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the United Explorer Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($840 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Flex's. Get the United Explorer Card first; revisit the Chase Freedom Flex after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Freedom Flex | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | $200 cash back | 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $200 | $1,040 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $500 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | cashback | airline |
| 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 Explorer Card
$150/yr · 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Editorial take: United Explorer Card
Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 70k + 10k AU bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights. $0 intro annual fee, then $150.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Flex or United Explorer Card?
- The United Explorer Card has the bigger bonus, 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus, worth roughly $1,040, 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 Explorer Card?
- The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the United Explorer Card's $150 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the United Explorer Card's benefits to clear $150 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Can I have both the Chase Freedom Flex and United Explorer 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 Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 spend in 3 months. United Explorer Card: $3,000 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.