Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Freedom Unlimited: Which Is Better In 2025?

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "497", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Cash Back Seekers", "headerHint": "Fantastic Cash Back Card"} ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

Here’s a closer look at why we think the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a standout choice.

• The card offers strong cash back rates on everyday categories like dining and drugstore purchases, plus a solid flat rate on all other spending.
• With no annual fee and no rotating categories to track, it's a straightforward way to earn rewards on every purchase.
• You can earn over $100 in cash back each year just by spending about $278 per month across the dining and drugstore categories (publisher-formulated estimate).

‍

Pros

‍

• A great rewards card with no annual fee.
• The rewards program is straightforward, earning cash back on all purchases without rotating categories to track.
• It comes with a suite of valuable benefits, including travel and purchase protections.

‍

Cons

‍

• The flat reward rate on general spending is lower than what some competing cards offer.
• Bonus rewards are limited to specific categories, and the card lacks premium travel perks like airport lounge access.
• To maximize the value of your rewards for travel, you may need to pair it with another Chase card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs Chase Sapphire Preferred®

‍

Categories

‍

Deciding which is better, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Freedom Unlimited, comes down to your spending habits and financial goals. Each card excels in different areas, catering to distinct types of users.

‍

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is an excellent entry-level option for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards on travel and dining. It offers robust travel protections and flexible redemption options, making it a strong choice for those looking to maximize their travel benefits.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for earning flexible rewards on everyday spending, this card offers solid cash back on a wide range of purchases. It's ideal for those who want a straightforward rewards structure without an annual fee.

‍

Redemption

‍

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: With this card, points are most valuable when redeemed for travel through the Chase portal or transferred to airline and hotel partners.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: This card offers flexible rewards that can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, and travel booked through the Chase portal.

‍

Travel Perks

‍

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: As a premium travel card, its ecosystem is designed to maximize value for travelers.
  • Travel Portal: Points are worth more when redeemed for travel through the Chase portal.
  • Transfer Partners: You can transfer points to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, often at a 1:1 ratio.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: This card does not charge foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
  • Travel Protections: Includes a strong set of travel insurance benefits, such as primary auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and baggage delay insurance.
  • Annual Credits: Offers an annual hotel credit.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: While primarily a cash back card, it still provides access to some of Chase's travel infrastructure, albeit with fewer perks.
  • Travel Portal: Points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase portal, though without the redemption bonus offered by the Sapphire Preferred.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: This card charges a foreign transaction fee.
  • Travel Protections: Provides some travel protections, including an auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

To make the decision easier, you can use a tool like Kudos, which evaluates nearly 3,000 credit cards to provide personalized, data-driven recommendations.

‍

• Test drive credit cards: Simulate your potential earnings with a new card based on your actual spending data—all without a hard credit pull or commitment.
• Personalized approval odds: Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your regular credit card rewards when shopping at participating stores.
• Automatic card selection: The Kudos browser extension can automatically select the best card in your wallet at checkout to maximize rewards on every purchase.
• Financial management tools: Track your spending, monitor your credit score, and manage all your cards in one centralized dashboard.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred®?

‍

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is a top contender for frequent travelers who want strong rewards without a premium annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for cost-conscious individuals or those just starting with travel rewards, as it provides valuable travel protections and flexible redemption options. As detailed in a 2025 review, its bonus categories on dining, streaming, and travel make it a versatile choice for both everyday use and international trips.

Who Should Choose the Chase Freedom Unlimited®?

‍

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an excellent choice for those with good to excellent credit seeking a straightforward, no-annual-fee card that delivers solid rewards on everyday spending. It's particularly well-suited for individuals who frequently spend on dining, drugstore purchases, and travel booked through the Chase portal, offering elevated cash back in these categories. As this Chase Freedom Unlimited® review explains, the card also appeals to users who value perks like purchase protection and the ability to pair it with other Chase cards to maximize rewards.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

If our Chase Sapphire Preferred® vs Chase Freedom Unlimited® comparison has you feeling like neither card is the perfect match, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent rewards cards on the market that might be a better fit for your spending habits and travel goals.

‍

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["510", "7644"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["$300 Annual Travel Credit", "Mid-Tier Travel Rewards"]} ]]

Tips for Application Success

‍

To boost your chances of approval, it pays to be prepared. Here’s what to consider before and during your application.

‍

Before You Apply:

• Check your credit score. You'll generally need a good to excellent score (typically 670 or higher) for the best approval odds. Keep in mind that Chase also considers other factors like your income and overall credit history.
• Know the 5/24 rule. Chase has an unofficial policy that may affect your approval if you've opened five or more credit cards from any bank in the last 24 months. It's wise to review your recent credit history before applying.
• Plan your spending. Make sure you can naturally meet the spending requirement for the welcome offer within the first few months without forcing unnecessary purchases.
• Confirm your residency. Chase cards are typically available only to residents of the United States and certain U.S. territories.

Application Strategy:

• Be patient after submitting. While some decisions are instant, it can sometimes take a few weeks to hear back. If you don't get an immediate answer, you can check your application status online.
• Provide accurate information. Fill out your application with your correct personal details, income, and housing costs.

Pro tip: Time your application to coincide with a planned large purchase—like a vacation, new furniture, or a home project—to help meet the spending threshold for the welcome offer organically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Freedom Unlimited®?

Yes, you can hold both cards at the same time, which is a popular strategy for maximizing rewards. This allows you to pool your points into the Chase Sapphire Preferred® account for potentially higher redemption values.

‍

What are the annual fees for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Freedom Unlimited®?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® has a $95 annual fee. In contrast, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® has no annual fee.

‍

Can I transfer points from Chase Freedom Unlimited® to Chase Sapphire Preferred®?

Yes, you can combine your Chase Ultimate Rewards® points from your Freedom Unlimited® card to your Sapphire Preferred® card. Doing so lets you access the Sapphire Preferred® card's premium travel redemption options and transfer partners.

‍

Which card is better for beginners, Sapphire Preferred® or Freedom Unlimited®?

With its straightforward rewards and no annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is often a great choice for those new to travel rewards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is typically better for those ready to manage an annual fee in exchange for premium travel benefits.