Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs IHG One Rewards Premier

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited comes from Chase at $0/yr; the IHG One Rewards Premier from Chase 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 IHG One Rewards Premier is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($725 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Unlimited's. Get the IHG One Rewards Premier first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Freedom UnlimitedIHG One Rewards Premier
Annual fee$0$99
Sign-up bonus$200 bonus185,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$200$925
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorycashbackhotel
Best earning category (Travel)5x5x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
  • Free night award annually
  • Platinum Elite status
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 10x at IHG properties
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Premier
$99/yr · 185,000 bonus 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: IHG One Rewards Premier

A solid hotel card if you stay at IHG properties regularly. The free night award and 4th night free on award stays can easily offset the $99 annual fee.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Unlimited or IHG One Rewards Premier?
The IHG One Rewards Premier has the bigger bonus, 185,000 bonus points, worth roughly $925, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Premier?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, so the question is whether the IHG One Rewards Premier's $99 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the IHG One Rewards Premier'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 IHG One Rewards Premier?
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 IHG One Rewards Premier first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 spend in 3 months. IHG One Rewards Premier: $3,000 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.