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Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($780 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Unlimited's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Freedom UnlimitedMarriott Bonvoy Boundless
Annual fee$0$95
Sign-up bonus$200 bonus4 Free Night Awards
Bonus value (est.)$200$980
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorycashbackhotel
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 night award annually
  • 15 elite qualifying nights
  • 6x at Marriott properties
  • Silver Elite status
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
$95/yr · 4 Free Night Awards

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: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

One of our favorite keeper cards. The free night award on every card anniversary easily exceeds the $95 fee, and the 15 elite qualifying nights help you reach Marriott status faster.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Unlimited or Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless has the bigger bonus, 4 Free Night Awards, worth roughly $980, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless's $95 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless'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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 spend in 3 months. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: $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.