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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Both are cashback travel cards. The Chase Freedom Flex comes from Chase at $0/yr; the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards from USAA 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 | USAA Preferred Cash Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | $200 cash back | $250 cash bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $200 | $250 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $500 in 3 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | USAA |
| Card category | cashback | 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
USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
$0/yr · $250 cash bonus
Editorial take: USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Flex or USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards has the bigger bonus, $250 cash bonus, worth roughly $250, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Is the Chase Freedom Flex's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards'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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and USAA) 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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 spend in 3 months. USAA Preferred Cash Rewards: $1,000 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.