Flat-rate simplicity or 5% bonus categories? We break down the key differences, ideal user profiles, and how to use both cards together to earn more Chase points.
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
Annual fee: $0
Sebby's take: Great multipliers and is a great standalone card or system card (Chase Trifecta). With no annual fee and tons of optionality (cash back or travel since you earn UR) it's an easy pickup.
Sebby's take: Great multipliers and is a great standalone card or system card (Chase Trifecta). With no annual fee and tons of optionality (cash back or travel since you earn UR) it's an easy pickup.
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:
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.
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:
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.
The Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card gives you more upside—if you're willing to put in a little effort.
You’ll earn:
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%.
Yes. If you qualify, you can carry both cards and play to their strengths:
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℠.
Annual fee: $95
Sebby’s Take: One of the best starting points into the travel rewards world. You have flexible points, strong multipliers, a reasonable annual fee, and tons of optionality (whether team cash back or travel).
Sebby’s Take: One of the best starting points into the travel rewards world. You have flexible points, strong multipliers, a reasonable annual fee, and tons of optionality (whether team cash back or travel).
Annual fee: $795
Sebby's Take: This premium travel card is packed with perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, and elevated rewards on travel and dining. It’s a top choice for frequent travelers who want premium benefits and flexible redemption options
Sebby's Take: This premium travel card is packed with perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, and elevated rewards on travel and dining. It’s a top choice for frequent travelers who want premium benefits and flexible redemption options
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.
Or, get both and build a powerful combo.
💳 Featured Card Offers
Earn $200 cash back
75,000 bonus points
100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit
Earn 90,000 bonus points
💳 Featured Card Offers
Earn $200 cash back
75,000 bonus points
100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit
Earn 90,000 bonus points