BEST OF
Best Chase Credit Cards of February 2021
Chase credit cards are known for great rewards — including both sign-up bonuses and generous rates on spending — and a fantastic points program. Chase issues some of the best co-branded airline, hotel and store credit cards on the market. Its own Chase-branded products, described here, include outstanding travel, cash-back and small-business cards.
Chase credit cards are known for great rewards — including both sign-up bonuses and generous rates on spending — and a fantastic points program. Chase issues some of the best co-branded airline, hotel and store credit cards on the market. Its own Chase-branded products, described here, include outstanding travel, cash-back and small-business cards.
Best Chase Credit Cards From Our Partners
Our pick for
Cash back: High ongoing rate
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Rec Credit Score
690-850
Good - Excellent
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Pros
This card earns 1.5% cash back on most purchases, with bonus cash back in specific categories: 5% on travel booked through Chase, and 3% at restaurants and drugstores. New cardholders can snag this sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Cons
While you can earn big rewards on travel bookings with this card, it also charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it's not a good companion abroad.
Why We Like It
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® gives you excellent rewards on every purchase, a lengthy 0% intro APR period and a fairly easy-to-grab sign-up bonus for an annual fee of $0.
Our pick for
Cash back: Quarterly 5% categories
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Rec Credit Score
690-850
Good - Excellent
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Pros
This card earns 5% cash back in bonus categories that change every three months (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending, then 1%); 5% on travel booked through Chase; 3% cash back at restaurants and drugstores; and 1% on other purchases. New cardholders can snag this sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Cons
You have to opt in to the bonus categories every quarter, which can be a hassle. The rotating 5% categories might not be a good fit for everyone, and in recent years, they've shifted a bit toward lower-spending areas: Restaurants dropped out of the rotation entirely (although dining is now a permanent 3% category), and gas stations have been included for two quarters a year.
Why We Like It
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rewards as high as 5% in specific categories (some that change quarterly and some that don't), plus a generous bonus offer for new cardholders. If you're willing to put in a little work, it's one rich card.
Our picks for
Travel rewards
Annual Fee
$550
Rewards Rate
1x-3x
Points
Intro offer
50,000
Points
Rec Credit Score
720-850
Excellent
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. From 6/1/20 through 6/30/21, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit
- 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,000+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
- Earn 3x total points on up to $1,000 in grocery store purchases per month from November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Includes eligible pick-up and delivery services
Pros
You get 3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining and 1 point per dollar on all other spending. Points are worth 1.5 cents apiece when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to a dozen hotel and airline partners. You get $300 a year in credit for travel expenses, Priority Pass airport lounge access and reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. And don't forget the big sign-up bonus.
Cons
The fee is a significant out-of-pocket expense, and much of the value of the card is tied up in the $300 annual travel credit. Get this card only if you are a dedicated traveler.
Why We Like It
With its $550 annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® might look like a luxury card. But avid travelers know better. Rich rewards and generous perks could make this card a deal, even at $550.
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
Points
Intro offer
60,000
Points
Rec Credit Score
690-850
Good - Excellent
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Pros
Earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Airfare, hotels, cruises, taxis, rental cars and train tickets are all categorized as travel purchases. Consistent with all Chase rewards cards, you can earn unlimited points, and the points don’t expire. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel booked through Chase. Or you can transfer them to several frequent traveler programs at a 1:1 rate.
Cons
Since this is a general-purpose travel card, it doesn't come with the kinds of perks that are standard on branded airline and hotel cards in the same price range.
Why We Like It
If you love to travel but can't stomach the fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, check out its sibling card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers elevated rewards on travel and dining and a sign-up bonus that's worth just as much when redeemed for travel via Chase.
Our pick for
Travel rewards for small business
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
1x-3x
Points
Intro offer
100,000
Points
Rec Credit Score
690-850
Good - Excellent
- New Offer! Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
- Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases - with no limit to the amount you can earn
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- No foreign transaction fees
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- $95 Annual Fee
Pros
Earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 per year in combined spending on travel and select business categories (shipping purchases; Internet, cable and phone services; and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines). All other spending earns 1 point per dollar. Points are worth 1.25 cents apiece when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them on a 1:1 basis to popular airline and hotel programs.
Cons
There's an annual fee of $95. If your spending doesn't align with the 3X categories, your rewards will be limited.
Why We Like It
High rewards on travel, high-value points and one of the biggest sign-up bonuses available on any card anywhere make the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card a valuable business asset.
Our pick for
Flat-rate cash back for small business
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5x
Cashback
Intro offer
$750
Rec Credit Score
690-850
Good - Excellent
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- No Annual Fee
Pros
In addition to its simple, unlimited rewards, this card comes with a stellar sign-up bonus for a cash-back card: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. If you have a big purchase you'd like to finance, there's a pretty good introuctory 0% APR period, too.
Cons
On the other hand, if your spending does fit into traditional "business" categories, a bonus-rewards card might be better for you.
Why We Like It
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is an excellent option for entrepreneurs whose expenses don't fit neatly into the bonus categories of other business credit cards: It offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases for a $0 annual fee.
Our pick for
Bonus cash back for small business
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1x-5x
Cashback
Intro offer
$750
Rec Credit Score
690-850
Good - Excellent
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
- Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- No Annual Fee
Pros
You earn 5% cash back on up to $25,000 a year in spending at office supply stores and on cable, internet and phone service; 2% cash back on up to $25,000 a year in spending at gas stations and restaurants; and 1% on other purchases. The 0% introductory APR period is great if you have a big purchase to finance. And then there's that bonus.
Cons
This card's value is directly tied to how much you spend in the 5% and 2% categories. If your expenses are all over the place, consider a flat-rate card instead.
Why We Like It
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card pays up to 5% cash back in specific categories and offers a fantastic sign-up bonus for a $0-annual-fee card.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CHASE CREDIT CARDS
Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
CONSUMER CREDIT CARDS
Our pick for: Cash back — high ongoing rate
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet cash bonus. Read our review.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Our pick for: Cash back — quarterly 5% categories
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, at restaurants and at drugstores. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending matches the categories — and for a lot of people, it will — you can rack up hundreds of dollars a year. There's a fantastic bonus offer for new cardholders and a 0% intro APR period, too. Read our review.
Our pick for: Travel rewards
The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. A fat sign-up bonus, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, 3X points on travel and dining, and a 50% boost in point value when you redeem for travel booked through Chase all add to the appeal. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review.
Our pick for: Travel rewards
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns 2X points on travel and dining for a reasonable annual fee. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you could transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review.
Our pick for: Balance transfers
The debt-busting features of the Chase Slate® make it possible to pay off balances without interest or fees. Read our review.
BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS
Our pick for: Travel rewards for small business
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere (assuming you spend enough to earn it), then gives you bonus rewards in common business spending categories. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review.
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back for small business
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card earns a simple, flat cash-back rate on every purchase, with no limit on how much you can earn. The sign-up bonus is outstanding for a cash-back card, particularly one with no annual fee, and there's an introductory 0% APR period for purchases. Read our review.
Our pick for: Bonus cash back for small business
If your business's spending matches the bonus categories on the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, you can rack up some serious cash back. (If not, then look elsewhere.) There's an excellent sign-up bonus for a no-annual-fee cash-back card, plus an introductory 0% APR period for purchases. Read our review.
Other cards issued by Chase
Chase issues branded credit cards in partnership with airlines, hotels and others. Learn more about these cards by reading the reviews linked below:
United Airlines credit cards
Southwest Airlines credit cards
Hotel credit cards
Other credit cards
Last updated on January 14, 2021
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen in multiple categories.
