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Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Discover it Miles

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Discover it Miles from Discover 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.

FeatureChase Freedom UnlimitedDiscover it Miles
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonus$200 bonusUnlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled)
Bonus value (est.)$200$450
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$0 in 12 mo
IssuerChaseDiscover
Card categorycashbacktravel
Best earning category (Travel)5x1.5x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
  • 1.5x everywhere
  • First-year match = 3x
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign tx fees
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus
Read the full review
Discover it Miles
$0/yr · Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled)

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: Discover it Miles

A rare card that effectively earns 3x in year one (1.5x + match). Miles aren't transferable, but the simplicity + first-year match make this a strong starter travel card.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Unlimited or Discover it Miles?
The Discover it Miles has the bigger bonus, Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled), worth roughly $450, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Miles?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Discover it Miles's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Discover it Miles's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Can I have both the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Discover it Miles?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and Discover) 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 Discover it Miles first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 spend in 3 months. Discover it Miles: $0 in 12 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.