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Chase Freedom Unlimited vs CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited comes from Chase at $0/yr; the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard from Citi at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($873 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Unlimited's. Get the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Freedom UnlimitedCitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
Annual fee$0$99
Sign-up bonus$200 bonus65,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$200$1,073
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$4,000 in 4 mo
IssuerChaseCiti
Card categorycashbacktravel
Best earning category (Travel)5x2x
Transfer partnerschase-uraadvantage
Headline benefits
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
    Read the full review
    Chase Freedom Unlimited
    $0/yr · $200 bonus
    Read the full review
    CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
    $99/yr · 65,000 miles

    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: CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Unlimited or CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard?
    The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard has the bigger bonus, 65,000 miles, worth roughly $1,073, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
    Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard?
    The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, so the question is whether the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard's $99 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard's benefits to clear $99 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
    Can I have both the Chase Freedom Unlimited and CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard?
    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 Unlimited or the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 spend in 3 months. CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard: $4,000 in 4 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.