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Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited comes from Chase at $0/yr; the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card from PenFed Credit Union at $95/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 UnlimitedPenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
Annual fee$0$95
Sign-up bonus$200 bonusNot advertised
Bonus value (est.)$200-
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo-
IssuerChasePenFed Credit Union
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
    Read the full review
    Chase Freedom Unlimited
    $0/yr · $200 bonus
    Read the full review
    PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
    $95/yr ·

    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: PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Unlimited or PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
    The Chase Freedom Unlimited has a public bonus ($200 bonus, worth roughly $200), while the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
    The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, so the question is whether the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card's $95 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card'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 PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and PenFed Credit Union) 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 PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 spend in 3 months. PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: no published min spend. 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.