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Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs USAA Rewards American Express

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited comes from Chase at $0/yr; the USAA Rewards American Express from USAA 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 UnlimitedUSAA Rewards American Express
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonus$200 bonus2,500 USAA Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)$200$25
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerChaseUSAA
Card categorycashbackrewards
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
    USAA Rewards American Express
    $0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards 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: USAA Rewards American Express

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Unlimited or USAA Rewards American Express?
    The Chase Freedom Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $200 bonus, worth roughly $200, versus 2,500 USAA Rewards points (~$25) on the USAA Rewards American Express.
    Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Rewards American Express?
    The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, so the question is whether the USAA Rewards American Express's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the USAA Rewards American Express'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 USAA Rewards American Express?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and USAA) 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 USAA Rewards American Express first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 spend in 3 months. USAA Rewards American Express: $0 in 0 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.