Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Freedom Flex: Which No-Annual-Fee Card Wins in 2025?

If you’re looking to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points without paying an annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card are two of the most compelling options out there.

Both cards earn cash back that can be converted into points if paired with an eligible Chase card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. But the earning structure and ideal user profile for each card are very different.

One card gives you solid rewards no matter what you spend on. The other option takes a bit more effort, but can deliver higher returns if you're willing to put in the work. Let's break down which one deserves a spot in your wallet—and why some people carry both.

All information about the Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card has been collected independently by asksebby.com

Quick Comparison: Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Chase Freedom Flex

Do These Cards Earn Cash Back or Points?

Although the Chase Freedom Unlimited®and Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card are advertised as cash back credit cards, what you’re actually earning are Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.
 

Each percentage of “cash back” you see—like 1.5%, 3%, or 5%—corresponds to 1.5X, 3X, or 5X points per dollar spent. These points can be redeemed for cash back at a value of 1 cent per point, but if you have a premium Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you unlock more value.
 

With an eligible Sapphire or Ink card, you can:

• Transfer points to airline and hotel partners
• Redeem through Chase Travel℠ at a higher value 
   

Why it matters: Treating your Freedom card(s) as “points cards” instead of cash back cards opens the door to much higher travel value—often double or triple what you’d get from a straight cash redemption.
 

TL;DR: They’re marketed as cash back cards, but savvy users treat them as point-earning tools for premium travel redemptions.

Why Choose Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a strong choice if you prefer simplicity. You don’t need to worry about rotating categories or activating anything. 

You’ll automatically earn:

• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases

If you want a single, reliable card that earns above the standard 1% across the board, this is it. It’s also a great “catch-all” card when paired with other Chase cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.

Why Choose Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card

The Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card gives you more upside—if you're willing to put in a little effort. 

You’ll earn:

• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% cash back on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
   

Each quarter, Chase releases a new 5% cash back calendar. Bonus categories often include things like grocery stores (excluding Target® and Walmart®), gas stations, PayPal, and select online merchants.
 

If you're a points optimizer and don’t mind tracking quarterly categories, this card lets you squeeze out more rewards. But if you forget to activate or don’t spend in the targeted category, you miss the 5%.

Which Card Is Best for You?

Can You Get Both?

Yes. If you qualify, you can carry both cards and play to their strengths:

• Use the Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card for the 5% rotating bonus categories (once activated)
• Use the Chase Freedom Unlimited® for everything else to earn 1.5%
   

Then, if you have a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you can combine your rewards and transfer points to travel partners or redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Final Thoughts

Both the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card are excellent no-annual-fee options—especially when you’re trying to build or optimize your Chase Ultimate Rewards® strategy. The right card for you depends on how much effort you want to put in.

• Want a hands-off rewards card that always earns at least 1.5%? Go with the Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
• Want to maximize rotating categories, and you’re okay with tracking and activating each quarter? Go Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card.
   

Or, get both and build a powerful combo.