Best Chase Credit Cards of March 2023
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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.
Find the right credit card for you.
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.
Best Chase Credit Cards From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Cash back: High ongoing rate | $0 | 1.5%- Cashback | $300 | Apply now on Chase's website |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Cash back: Quarterly 5% categories | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Chase's website |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Travel rewards | $95 | 1x- Points | 60,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Premium travel rewards | $550 | 1x- Points | 60,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
Chase Slate Edge℠ Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Balance transfers | $0 | N/A | $0 | Apply now on Chase's website |
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Travel rewards for small business | $95 | 1x- Points | 100,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
Chase Freedom® Student credit card Apply now on Chase's website | Best for College students | $0 | 1% Cashback | $50 | Apply now on Chase's website |
Our pick for
Cash back: High ongoing rate
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1.5%-6.5%
Cashback
$300
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.
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.
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 an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
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.
INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Our pick for
Cash back: Quarterly 5% categories
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
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.
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.
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 an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
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.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Our pick for
Travel rewards
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$95
1x-5x
Points
60,000
Points
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.
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.
Pros
You earn 5 points per $1 spent on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3 points per $1 spent on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs, and select streaming services; 2 points per $1 spent on travel not purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; and 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases. Airfare, hotels, cruises, taxis, rental cars and train tickets are all categorized as travel purchases. 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.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
Our pick for
Premium travel rewards
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$550
1x-10x
Points
60,000
Points
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.
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.
Pros
You get 3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining and 1 point per dollar on all other spending. If you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can earn even more: 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals and 5 points on air travel. 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.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 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.
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 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, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Our pick for
Balance transfers
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
N/A
$0
The $0-annual-fee Chase Slate Edge℠ offers a solid introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers and purchases.
The $0-annual-fee Chase Slate Edge℠ offers a solid introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers and purchases.
Pros
The card features a 0% intro APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.49%-28.24% Variable APR. There's also a modest sign-up bonus, as well as some other potential incentives for paying on time, including a possible APR reduction and a potential credit limit increase. Terms apply.
Cons
You can find any number of credit cards with longer intro APR periods on both purchases and balance transfers, and some of those options will also offer ongoing rewards. The Chase Slate Edge℠ does not.
Start off strong with 0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. A variable APR of 19.49% - 28.24% on balance transfers and purchases after the introductory period ends.
Lower your interest rate by 2% each year. Automatically be considered for an APR reduction when you pay on time, and spend at least $1000 on your card by your next account anniversary.
Raise your credit limit. Get an automatic, one-time review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time, and spend $500 in your first six months.
All for no annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Slate Edge℠ card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more
Our pick for
Travel rewards for small business
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$95
1x-3x
Points
100,000
Points
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.
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.
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.
Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $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
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Member FDIC
Our pick for
College students
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1%
Cashback
$50
With its rewards and bonuses, its relatively low APR and its upgrade possibilities, the Chase Freedom® Student credit card offers a compelling combination of benefits to students looking for their first card.
With its rewards and bonuses, its relatively low APR and its upgrade possibilities, the Chase Freedom® Student credit card offers a compelling combination of benefits to students looking for their first card.
Pros
You'll earn 1% cash back on all purchases and enjoy bonus opportunities — $50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening, plus an annual $20 "good standing" bonus for up to five years. You can earn a credit-limit increase with a pattern of on-time payment (see terms), and Chase has great cards to potentially upgrade to after you graduate. You don't need a credit history to apply. The ongoing APR is 19.49% Variable APR — lower than on many other cards for credit newcomers.
Cons
There are other cards that pay a higher cash-back rate on all purchases or offer richer rewards in specific categories. This card charges a foreign transaction fee, making it a poor choice for studying abroad.
$50 Bonus after first purchase made within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases
No annual Fee
$20 Good Standing Rewards after each account anniversary for up to 5 years
Earn a credit limit increase after making 5 monthly payments on time within 10 months from account opening when meeting credit criteria
No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open
Free credit score with Chase Credit Journey
BEST CHASE CREDIT CARDS
Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
CONSUMER CREDIT CARDS
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Our pick for: Cash back — high ongoing rate
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Our pick for: Cash back — quarterly 5% categories
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Our pick for: Premium travel rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our pick for: Travel rewards
Chase Slate Edge℠
Our pick for: Balance transfers
Chase Freedom® Student credit card
Our pick for: College students
BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Our pick for: Travel rewards for small business
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back for small business
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Our pick for: Bonus cash back for small business
Other cards issued by Chase
Chase issues branded credit cards in partnership with airlines, hotels and others. Learn more about some of their more popular cards by reading the reviews linked below:
United Airlines credit cards
Southwest Airlines credit cards
Hotel credit cards
Other consumer credit cards
• • •
OTHER RESOURCES
By Sara Rathner, NerdWallet
What credit score do you need to get a Chase credit card?
Most Chase credit cards require good to excellent credit to qualify. This is especially true for Chase’s popular travel cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Keep in mind, though, that your credit score is just one factor that affects your eligibility. Others may include your income, current debts, recent credit applications and other Chase cards you carry.
One possible exception is the Chase Freedom® Student credit card, which is geared more toward applicants who are newer to building credit. However, you must be enrolled in a college, university, or career or trade school for this card, and Chase will verify your enrollment status when you apply for the card.
What else should I know about qualifying for Chase credit cards?
Sometimes you can have only one card in a product “family.” Chase has some restrictions on holding similar cards. For example, you can’t have both Sapphire cards at the same time, nor can you have more than one of the Chase-issued Southwest Airlines consumer cards. This isn’t always the case, though. You can have both the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
You may have to wait to be eligible for a sign-up bonus. If you had a Sapphire card and then canceled, you must wait 48 months before you can be eligible to earn the sign-up bonus on a new Sapphire card.
Be mindful of how many new cards you’ve opened in the past two years. There’s no official documentation, but under Chase’s famed 5/24 rule, you must have fewer than five credit card approvals in the past two years in order to qualify for a new Chase card. Business cards, like the Chase Ink cards, can be an exception to this rule.
What are the interest rates on Chase credit cards?
Chase charges a range of potential interest rates, and what you’d qualify for depends on your credit score and the financial information you provide in your card application, including your income and current debts.
Credit card interest rates are variable, meaning they can change over time. They're typically tied to the prime rate (the interest rate banks charge their most qualified customers). When the Federal Reserve raises or lowers interest rates, the prime rate changes, and credit card interest rates follow suit.
Some Chase cards offer introductory 0% APR promotions for new purchases and balance transfers. This can give you a reprieve from interest payments for more than a year.
What credit limit can I get with a Chase credit card?
Much like the interest rate you qualify for, the credit limit you'd get on a card also depends on your financial situation, as well as how much credit you have across your other cards. Economic conditions also affect credit limits. In times of uncertainty, credit card issuers sometimes opt to lower credit limits to reduce their own risk at a time when consumers may be struggling to meet financial obligations.
What are the benefits of Chase credit cards?
Rewards: Whether you’re looking for cash back or travel points, Chase offers a broad selection of rewards credit cards. Many of them earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which you can redeem for travel (including transferring points to airline and hotel partners), cash back, gift cards and experiences. You can also pay with points on Amazon.com or when you use PayPal at checkout.
Chase Offers: With select Chase cards, you can earn extra rewards or discounts on purchases from participating merchants. You can add offers to your card on the Chase app or by logging into your account online.
Flexible ways to stretch out payments: With My Chase Plan, you can split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly payments with no interest. Instead, you’ll pay a fixed monthly fee. Another feature, My Chase Loan, allows you to borrow against your credit limit for a lower interest rate than your card would charge for a cash advance. Unlike with a traditional loan, you don’t need to apply for My Chase Loan, nor are you subject to a credit check.
A variety of airline and hotel cards: If you’re loyal to certain travel brands, Chase issues cards that earn rewards for Southwest, United, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG, World of Hyatt and more.
Can you combine points on Chase credit cards?
You can combine points between cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You can also transfer Ultimate Rewards® points to one other member of your household. Airline and hotel rewards on Chase-issued cards can be tied to your loyalty program number, so if you carry multiple cards for the same brand (either at once or over a few years), earned points will land into that specific loyalty program account.
The Chase Sapphire cards provide a unique incentive to transfer points: When you redeem Ultimate Rewards® points for travel booked through Chase via one of these cards, points are worth more than the standard 1 cent. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed for travel bookings. With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, they’re worth 1.5 cents each. That means you can move points from another eligible Chase card to a Sapphire card, and get more value for them.
Last updated on March 15, 2023
Methodology
Frequently asked questions
The best Chase credit card for you depends on what you may qualify for, based on your financial information, and also how you plan on using your rewards. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards and more. Chase’s airline and hotel cards might be a good fit if you’re loyal to a particular brand.
Approval for any credit card is not guaranteed, and it’s based on your own financial situation. Most of Chase’s credit cards require good or excellent credit to qualify. Unlike some issuers, Chase does not offer a secured card or options for people with bad credit.
To cancel a Chase credit card, call the number on the back of your card to speak with a customer service representative.
There’s no official limit to how many Chase cards you can get, but you may not be able to hold more than one card within a product "family." You can only have one Sapphire-branded card at a time, for example, and only one Southwest Airlines consumer card. You also may not qualify for a new Chase card if you’ve opened five or more cards (from any issuer) in the past two years.
When you receive your new Chase card, a sticker on the card will provide a phone number and website for card activation.
