Compare Credit Cards: BankAmericard Credit Card vs. Chase Freedom
A 0%-interest credit card might be for you. But which one?
On a similar note...
On a similar note...
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A 0% interest credit card may be right for you, if you want to make a large purchase but can’t or don’t want to pay it off in full right away. Let’s discuss two of your 0% financing options — the BankAmericard® credit card and Chase Freedom® — to find out which one is a better choice for you. And don’t forget, whichever card you go with, it’s important to pay off your balance in full before the introductory APR period expires.
BankAmericard® credit card vs. Chase Freedom®: The basics
The BankAmericard® credit card is a basic credit card with a long introductory balance transfer APR period and a low interest rate following that period’s expiration. The Chase Freedom® has a slightly shorter introductory period and a slightly higher interest rate. This card also offers 5% rewards on rotating categories and a generous signup bonus.
BankAmericard® credit card vs. Chase Freedom®: Rewards
The BankAmericard® credit card is not a rewards card. The Chase Freedom® offers 5% cash back rewards on rotating quarterly categories on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter. Any purchases beyond the $1,500 or outside the bonus categories will earn cash back at a rate of 1%. Here are the current bonus categories:
Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex℠* bonus rewards categories for 2020 | |
|---|---|
Q1 (Jan. 1 - March 31) | • Gas stations. • Select streaming services. • Internet, cable and phone services. |
Q2 (April 1 - June 30) | • Grocery stores. • Gym memberships and fitness clubs. • Select streaming services. |
Q3 (July 1 – Sept. 30) | • Amazon.com. • Whole Foods Market. |
Q4 (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31) | • Walmart. • PayPal. |
*The Chase Freedom Flex℠ was introduced in mid-September 2020, so the first bonus categories that apply to the card for a full quarter are those for Q4. | |
The Chase Freedom® has an awesome cash signup bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Cardmembers can also earn up to 10% back in rewards when shopping online through the Chase Ultimate Rewards site.
BankAmericard® credit card vs. Chase Freedom®: Fees
The BankAmericard® credit card has an annual fee of $0 and foreign transaction fees of 3%. It comes with a 0% introductory APR balance transfer offer: 0% APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 14.49% - 24.49% Variable APR.
The Chase Freedom® has an annual fee of $0 and foreign transaction fees of 3%. The card has an introductory APR of 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, and then the ongoing APR of 14.99% - 23.74% Variable APR. You'll pay balance transfer fees of 3% or $5, whichever is greater, during the introductory APR period. After that, the fee is 5% or $5, whichever is greater.
BankAmericard® credit card vs. Chase Freedom®: Additional benefits
The BankAmericard® credit card is a very straightforward card. No rewards, no frills. That said, it does have an impressive introductory APR period and potentially low interest rates for those with good credit.
The Chase Freedom® is best paired with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. You can transfer your rewards earned on the 5% bonus category purchases to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and use these points to book travel on the Chase Ultimate Rewards site at a rate of 1.25 cents for every point.
The bottom line: Should I get the BankAmericard® credit card or Chase Freedom®?
For most people, the Chase Freedom® is the superior choice. It offers rewards, an impressive signup bonus, a long introductory APR of 0% on balance transfers and purchases, and an annual fee of $0. It’s also a great card for those who already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
The BankAmericard® credit card has a slightly lower ongoing interest rate, though we don’t encourage anyone to carry credit card debt from one month to the next, so that shouldn't matter. In truth, the BankAmericard® credit card doesn’t stack up to the Chase Freedom® unless you're planning on carrying a credit card balance.
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