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Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: Which Is Better In 2025?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: This versatile no-annual-fee card is perfect for earning consistent cash back on everyday spending, with bonus rewards on dining and drugstore purchases.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: This card is designed for travelers who frequently fly with American Airlines and want to earn miles on airline purchases, as well as at restaurants and gas stations.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This card packs a lot of value into a no-annual-fee package, and here’s a closer look at why we think it’s a great choice.
- It offers a range of cash back opportunities and travel perks without charging an annual fee.
- You can earn a solid, unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with elevated 3% rewards on dining and at drugstores.
- Since there's no annual fee to offset, you start earning from your first purchase; spending about $3,334 on general purchases would earn you $50 back (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Features a simple yet powerful rewards structure, offering a flat cash back rate on all purchases plus bonus rewards on dining and drugstore spending. The points earned are flexible and can be made even more valuable when paired with a premium Chase card.
- Comes with a suite of valuable protections, including purchase protection, extended warranty, and trip cancellation insurance, all without an annual fee.
Cons
- It's not the best choice for international travel due to its foreign transaction fees.
- To truly maximize the value of your rewards, you’ll need to pair it with a premium Chase card, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®.
- You'll earn 2x AAdvantage® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, as well as at restaurants and gas stations.
- Cardholders receive a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries for themselves and up to four companions on the same reservation.
- The $99 annual fee is waived for the first year, and can be offset later by checking a bag on just three one-way domestic flights (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- You can earn Loyalty Points on eligible purchases, which count toward AAdvantage® elite status.
- The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for international travel.
- AAdvantage® miles can be redeemed for flights on American Airlines and its partner airlines, including premium-cabin bookings.
Cons
- The card's earning rates are not as competitive as what you might find with other travel rewards cards.
- It lacks many common travel and purchase protections, which were removed by the issuer.
- Unlocking the annual flight discount requires a significant spending threshold.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® vs Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Categories
Deciding which is better, Chase Freedom Unlimited or Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, depends entirely on your spending habits and reward goals. One card excels at straightforward cash back, while the other is tailored for travelers loyal to a specific airline.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: This card is ideal for cash back seekers who want a simple way to earn consistent rewards on all their daily spending without needing to track complicated bonus categories.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: This card is best suited for semi-frequent American Airlines travelers who want to earn airline miles and enjoy travel perks without a high annual fee.
Redemption
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Rewards earned with this card are highly flexible, redeemable for cash back, gift cards, or travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal. You can also transfer points to premium Chase cards to unlock even more valuable travel options.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: The rewards you earn are AAdvantage® miles, which are primarily redeemed for flights with American Airlines and its partner airlines. Miles can also be used for upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, and other travel-related experiences.
Travel Perks
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: This card's travel ecosystem is centered on the flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, but its direct travel perks are minimal. It is not designed for international travel, as it incurs foreign transaction fees. You won't find airline-specific benefits like free checked bags or priority boarding, though it may offer some baseline travel protections.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: As an airline co-branded card, its travel perks are tailored specifically to the American Airlines experience. It eliminates foreign transaction fees, a key benefit for international travelers. Cardholders enjoy a first checked bag free for themselves and up to four travel companions on domestic American Airlines itineraries, as well as preferred boarding. While it doesn't grant lounge access, it does offer a 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To make the best choice, a tool like Kudos can help you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards based on your unique spending habits.
- “Test drive” a credit card to see potential earnings based on your actual spending history before you apply.
- Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
- Track your progress toward earning sign-up bonuses for free.
- Receive a welcome offer guarantee, ensuring you get the best deal.
- Access Kudos Boost to earn extra rewards when shopping at your favorite stores.
Who Should Choose the Chase Freedom Unlimited®?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an excellent choice for everyday spenders who value a straightforward rewards structure without the hassle of tracking rotating categories. It's also a strategic pick for existing Chase customers, particularly those who plan to pair it with a premium card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® to maximize the value of their Ultimate Rewards® points. Ultimately, as this comprehensive guide explains, it's ideal for anyone seeking strong purchase protections and travel benefits without the burden of an annual fee.
Who Should Choose the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®?
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is an excellent choice for casual American Airlines flyers who want to enjoy some elite-like perks without committing to a premium card's high annual fee. Cardholders benefit from a free checked bag on domestic itineraries and can earn AAdvantage miles on everyday purchases, especially at restaurants and gas stations. According to a full card review, it's also a solid option for those without existing AAdvantage status or travelers looking to diversify their rewards portfolio with American Airlines miles.
Alternatives to Consider
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® comparison highlights two very different types of cards, so it's understandable if neither one is the perfect fit. Let's explore a few other alternatives that might better align with your spending habits and reward goals.
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Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score as most rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
- Review issuer application rules, as some policies can affect your eligibility for a welcome bonus.
- Plan your spending to ensure the card's benefits align with your lifestyle and travel habits.
Application Strategy
- Consider your existing card lineup - Pairing cards from the same issuer can often unlock greater value.
- Understand bonus eligibility rules - Some issuers restrict welcome offers if you've had the card recently.
- Time your application strategically - Applying before a large planned purchase can help you meet a spending requirement naturally.
Our Methodology
We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.
Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for frequent American Airlines flyers?
The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard® is built for those who frequently fly with American Airlines, offering airline-specific perks like a free checked bag on domestic itineraries. In contrast, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® provides flexible rewards that are not tied to a single airline.
Can I use Chase Freedom Unlimited® points for travel?
Yes, points from the Chase Freedom Unlimited® can be used for travel booked via the Chase portal. Holding a premium Chase card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, also unlocks the ability to transfer those points to various airline and hotel partners.
Do both cards have an annual fee?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is known for having no annual fee, making it an accessible option for earning rewards on daily purchases. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard®, as a travel-focused card, does carry an annual fee.
What kind of rewards does the Chase Freedom Unlimited® earn?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, a flexible currency redeemable for cash back, travel, and more. The Citi AAdvantage card is more specialized, earning AAdvantage® miles for use within the American Airlines loyalty program.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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