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Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select 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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($640 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Unlimited's. Get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Freedom UnlimitedCiti AAdvantage Platinum Select
Annual fee$0$99
Sign-up bonus$200 bonus60,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$200$840
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$3,500 in 4 mo
IssuerChaseCiti
Card categorycashbacktravel
Best earning category (Travel)5x1x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
  • Free checked bag
  • Priority boarding
  • 2x on AA + dining + gas
  • First year free
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus
Read the full review
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
$99/yr · 60,000 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: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select

The free checked bag covers the fee on just one round-trip with a partner. Good if you fly AA more than twice a year, otherwise AAdvantage is worth collecting through other means.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Unlimited or Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select has the bigger bonus, 60,000 miles, worth roughly $840, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's $99 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select'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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 spend in 3 months. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: $3,500 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.