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Which Chase Freedom Credit Card Should You Get?
The right Chase Freedom card for you depends on your spending habits and credit score.
Melissa Lambarena is a senior writer on the credit cards team at NerdWallet. She has enthusiastically covered credit card-related topics for over nine years. Her prior experience includes nine years as a content creator for several publications and websites. Through her work, she aims to help readers extract value from credit cards to meet financial goals like stretching their budget, building credit, traveling to dream destinations and paying off debt. Her articles have been published in The Associated Press, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, USA Today and Yahoo Finance, among others. Melissa has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Kenley Young directs daily credit cards coverage for NerdWallet. Previously, he was a homepage editor and digital content producer for Fox Sports, and before that a front page editor for Yahoo. He has decades of experience in digital and print media, including stints as a copy desk chief, a wire editor and a metro editor for the McClatchy newspaper chain.
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While the Chase Freedom Rise® is ideal for those new to credit, the other two Freedom cards can offer value to those with seasoned credit histories. Already know that you want Flex or Unlimited and are just trying to choose between them? See our Flex vs. Ulimited comparison here.
Here’s what you need to know to figure out the best one for you.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
APR
The ongoing APR is 25.24%.
0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.24%-27.74% Variable APR.
0% intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.24%-27.74% Variable APR.
Rewards
1.5% cash back on all qualifying purchases.
5% back on travel purchased through Chase.
3% back at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
3% back on drugstore purchases.
1.5% cash back on everything else.
5% cash back in quarterly bonus categories on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter. Activation of bonus categories is required. (See the quarterly 5% bonus calendar below.)
5% back on travel booked through Chase.
3% back on dining, including takeout and delivery services.
3% back on drugstore purchases.
1% on all other purchases.
🤓Nerdy Tip
A fourth Freedom credit card — the original Chase Freedom® — still exists but is no longer accepting new applications. This card also allows existing cardholders to earn rewards in rotating quarterly bonus categories, but it doesn't pack the fixed bonus categories you'll find on the Chase Freedom Flex®, which has essentially replaced the Chase Freedom®.
Chase Freedom Rise®
The Chase Freedom Rise® is ideal for beginners to credit because you don't necessarily need an existing credit history to qualify for it, although you can increase your approval odds by opening a Chase checking or savings account that has a balance of at least $250. It offers solid ongoing rewards for a card in its class, and you'll get some credit-friendly perks, too.
The card offers a $25 statement credit when you sign up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening the card account, which can help you avoid late payments as you’re learning to manage credit. Another feature that sets this card apart from some others is that you'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as six months, which can help your credit score by decreasing your credit utilization ratio (aka the amount of credit in use compared with the amount of credit available).
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an ideal option for those who prefer a minimalist approach to managing credit cards. With a decent base rewards rate of 1.5% and elevated rates in specific categories, it’s a solid go-to card for a large chunk of your spending. If you make it an all-purpose card, you don’t have to bother remembering the categories that earn bonus rewards. And unlike with the Chase Freedom Flex®, you won’t have to worry about activating or tracking rewards categories.
You'll need good to excellent credit (credit scores of 690 or higher) to qualify.
The fixed bonus categories and quarterly changing categories on the Chase Freedom Flex® can provide a lot of value, especially for those who prefer to maximize rewards. Good to excellent credit is required to qualify.
It’s not the best match for the forgetful since it requires tracking and activating categories every three months to make the most of rewards. If you don't opt in, then the card defaults to earning 1% back in those rotating categories.
See the current bonus categories for the Chase Freedom Flex® See the current bonus categories for the Chase Freedom Flex®
Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex® bonus rewards categories for 2026
Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31)
Restaurants
Norwegian Cruise Line.
American Heart Association.
Q2 (April 1-June 30)
Amazon.
Whole Foods.
Chase Travel℠.
Feeding America.
Q3 (July 1-Sept. 30)
TBD. (In 2025: Gas/EV charging; live entertainment; Instacart.)
Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31)
TBD. (In 2025: Chase Travel℠; department stores; Old Navy. December only: PayPal.)
"If you're looking for a single card you can use everywhere, go with Chase Freedom Unlimited®. If you're looking to add a card to your collection to use strategically for maximum rewards, go with Chase Freedom Flex®."
"If you're looking for a single card you can use everywhere, go with Chase Freedom Unlimited®. If you're looking to add a card to your collection to use strategically for maximum rewards, go with Chase Freedom Flex®."
Paul Soucy
content director, credit cards and travel rewards
Jae Bratton
writer, credit cards
"I have both cards, and I definitely use the Chase Freedom Unlimited® more often. The Chase Freedom Flex®'s 5% bonus categories can be hit or miss, and earnings are capped on a quarterly basis."
"I have both cards, and I definitely use the Chase Freedom Unlimited® more often. The Chase Freedom Flex®'s 5% bonus categories can be hit or miss, and earnings are capped on a quarterly basis."
Jae Bratton
writer, credit cards
Caitlin Mims
content management specialist, credit cards and travel rewards
"I love the 5% bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex®. It does take some effort to opt in each quarter and remember the rotating categories, but the potential rewards just can’t be beat. I usually earn the maximum rewards three quarters per year, which equates to $225 cash back. Not bad for a card with no annual fee."
"I love the 5% bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex®. It does take some effort to opt in each quarter and remember the rotating categories, but the potential rewards just can’t be beat. I usually earn the maximum rewards three quarters per year, which equates to $225 cash back. Not bad for a card with no annual fee."
Caitlin Mims
content management specialist, credit cards and travel rewards
Sally French
writer/ spokesperson, travel rewards
"The Chase Freedom Flex® can be fun when the rotating categories align with your spending that quarter. But if the categories don't align with my spending — like gas, as I live in a city and don't own a car! — then this card feels like a waste of space. Plus, having to opt in to the categories every quarter is annoying and feels like unnecessary busy work."
"The Chase Freedom Flex® can be fun when the rotating categories align with your spending that quarter. But if the categories don't align with my spending — like gas, as I live in a city and don't own a car! — then this card feels like a waste of space. Plus, having to opt in to the categories every quarter is annoying and feels like unnecessary busy work."
Sally French
writer/ spokesperson, travel rewards
Kenley Young
editor, credit cards
"The Chase Freedom Flex® is a one-trick pony; the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a one-card solution."
"The Chase Freedom Flex® is a one-trick pony; the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a one-card solution."
Kenley Young
editor, credit cards
Paul Soucy
content director, credit cards and travel rewards
"If you're looking for a single card you can use everywhere, go with Chase Freedom Unlimited®. If you're looking to add a card to your collection to use strategically for maximum rewards, go with Chase Freedom Flex®."
"If you're looking for a single card you can use everywhere, go with Chase Freedom Unlimited®. If you're looking to add a card to your collection to use strategically for maximum rewards, go with Chase Freedom Flex®."
Paul Soucy
content director, credit cards and travel rewards
Jae Bratton
writer, credit cards
"I have both cards, and I definitely use the Chase Freedom Unlimited® more often. The Chase Freedom Flex®'s 5% bonus categories can be hit or miss, and earnings are capped on a quarterly basis."
"I have both cards, and I definitely use the Chase Freedom Unlimited® more often. The Chase Freedom Flex®'s 5% bonus categories can be hit or miss, and earnings are capped on a quarterly basis."
Jae Bratton
writer, credit cards
Caitlin Mims
content management specialist, credit cards and travel rewards
"I love the 5% bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex®. It does take some effort to opt in each quarter and remember the rotating categories, but the potential rewards just can’t be beat. I usually earn the maximum rewards three quarters per year, which equates to $225 cash back. Not bad for a card with no annual fee."
"I love the 5% bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex®. It does take some effort to opt in each quarter and remember the rotating categories, but the potential rewards just can’t be beat. I usually earn the maximum rewards three quarters per year, which equates to $225 cash back. Not bad for a card with no annual fee."
Caitlin Mims
content management specialist, credit cards and travel rewards
Sally French
writer/ spokesperson, travel rewards
"The Chase Freedom Flex® can be fun when the rotating categories align with your spending that quarter. But if the categories don't align with my spending — like gas, as I live in a city and don't own a car! — then this card feels like a waste of space. Plus, having to opt in to the categories every quarter is annoying and feels like unnecessary busy work."
"The Chase Freedom Flex® can be fun when the rotating categories align with your spending that quarter. But if the categories don't align with my spending — like gas, as I live in a city and don't own a car! — then this card feels like a waste of space. Plus, having to opt in to the categories every quarter is annoying and feels like unnecessary busy work."
Sally French
writer/ spokesperson, travel rewards
Kenley Young
editor, credit cards
"The Chase Freedom Flex® is a one-trick pony; the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a one-card solution."
"The Chase Freedom Flex® is a one-trick pony; the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a one-card solution."
Kenley Young
editor, credit cards
Paul Soucy
content director, credit cards and travel rewards
"If you're looking for a single card you can use everywhere, go with Chase Freedom Unlimited®. If you're looking to add a card to your collection to use strategically for maximum rewards, go with Chase Freedom Flex®."
"If you're looking for a single card you can use everywhere, go with Chase Freedom Unlimited®. If you're looking to add a card to your collection to use strategically for maximum rewards, go with Chase Freedom Flex®."
Paul Soucy
content director, credit cards and travel rewards
Jae Bratton
writer, credit cards
"I have both cards, and I definitely use the Chase Freedom Unlimited® more often. The Chase Freedom Flex®'s 5% bonus categories can be hit or miss, and earnings are capped on a quarterly basis."
"I have both cards, and I definitely use the Chase Freedom Unlimited® more often. The Chase Freedom Flex®'s 5% bonus categories can be hit or miss, and earnings are capped on a quarterly basis."
Jae Bratton
writer, credit cards
Caitlin Mims
content management specialist, credit cards and travel rewards
"I love the 5% bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex®. It does take some effort to opt in each quarter and remember the rotating categories, but the potential rewards just can’t be beat. I usually earn the maximum rewards three quarters per year, which equates to $225 cash back. Not bad for a card with no annual fee."
"I love the 5% bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex®. It does take some effort to opt in each quarter and remember the rotating categories, but the potential rewards just can’t be beat. I usually earn the maximum rewards three quarters per year, which equates to $225 cash back. Not bad for a card with no annual fee."
Caitlin Mims
content management specialist, credit cards and travel rewards
Sally French
writer/ spokesperson, travel rewards
"The Chase Freedom Flex® can be fun when the rotating categories align with your spending that quarter. But if the categories don't align with my spending — like gas, as I live in a city and don't own a car! — then this card feels like a waste of space. Plus, having to opt in to the categories every quarter is annoying and feels like unnecessary busy work."
"The Chase Freedom Flex® can be fun when the rotating categories align with your spending that quarter. But if the categories don't align with my spending — like gas, as I live in a city and don't own a car! — then this card feels like a waste of space. Plus, having to opt in to the categories every quarter is annoying and feels like unnecessary busy work."
Sally French
writer/ spokesperson, travel rewards
Kenley Young
editor, credit cards
"The Chase Freedom Flex® is a one-trick pony; the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a one-card solution."
"The Chase Freedom Flex® is a one-trick pony; the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a one-card solution."
Kenley Young
editor, credit cards
Branching out can offer more value
If your spending needs change, you may get more value by not being loyal to just one Chase card. Some options to consider include:
The Chase trifecta
Although the Freedom cards above are marketed as "cash-back" credit cards, technically they earn points in the Chase Ultimate Rewards® system. Those points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed as cash back — unless you also have other Chase travel cards that offer higher redemption values for those points.
If you're a Chase cardholder with big travel goals, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Chase trifecta — a strategic combination of Chase-issued credit cards that can both boost your rewards-earning capability and supercharge your redemption options.
In short, if you have multiple cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, it's possible to combine those points into one pool, which can be especially helpful if you also have a Chase travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®. That's because those cards offer higher redemption values for your reward points when you use them to book travel through Chase's online portal. Those travel cards also boast multiple travel partners, allowing you to transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards® into a variety of different rewards currencies — often for outsize value.
The ability to product change
Over time, a credit card can become less valuable if your lifestyle or spending needs change. When that happens with a Chase Freedom credit card, you’re eligible to product change to a qualifying credit card in the Chase family if the issuer approves it. This means you could potentially get a new card without having to submit an application and open a new account, thus avoiding a hard pull on your credit and any temporary ding to your credit scores that it might cause.
A product change might make sense if, for example, you started off with the Chase Freedom Rise® and then worked your way up to good credit. In that case, you could potentially request a switch to a card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
