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Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Chase Sapphire Preferred from Chase at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,300 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Unlimited's. Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Freedom UnlimitedChase Sapphire Preferred
Annual fee$0$95
Sign-up bonus$200 bonus75,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$200$1,500
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorycashbacktravel
Best earning category (Travel)5x5x
Transfer partnerschase-urchase-ur
Headline benefits
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
  • 5x on travel booked via Chase
  • 3x on dining & streaming
  • $50 annual hotel credit
  • Transfer to 13 partners (Hyatt 1:1)
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Preferred
$95/yr · 75,000 points

Editorial take: Chase Freedom Unlimited

The best no-fee cash back card in the Chase family. Stack it with a Sapphire and your cash back converts into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, a free upgrade most people miss. Note: Cell phone protection is on Freedom Flex, not Freedom Unlimited.

Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Preferred

The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game. Note: the 10% anniversary points bonus sunsets October 1, 2026.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,500, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred's $95 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Chase Sapphire Preferred's benefits to clear $95 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Can I have both the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Sapphire Preferred?
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 Unlimited or the Chase Sapphire Preferred first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 spend in 3 months. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 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.