Best Chase Cash-Back Credit Cards
Written by
Daria Uhlig
Edited by
Lindsey Kloosterman
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Of all the different types of credit card rewards available, there’s really only one everyone can use no matter what they buy or how much: cash back. Chase has two main cash-back rewards cards to choose from.
Both reward you with 5% cash back on travel you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards. You’ll earn anywhere from 1% to 5% on all your other purchases, depending on the card and category, within program limits.
Cash-back rewards are converted to points that you can redeem in a variety of ways, including as statement credits or for gift cards or travel. The points never expire as long as your account remains open, and there are no restrictions on the number of points you can redeem.
Best Credit Cards for Cash-Back Rewards From Chase
These cards also come with bonus offers for new card members and a number of other benefits.
| Credit Card | Features |
|---|---|
| Best for: Higher rewards on everyday spending – 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a APR – 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 – 5% back on travel purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal – 3% back on drugstore, dining, takeout and select food delivery services – 1.5% on all other purchases – annual fee |
|
| Best for: Big rewards in rotating bonus categories – 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a APR – $200 cash-back bonus after spending $500 on purchases in first three months – 5% cash back on up to $12,000 spent on grocery store purchases in first 12 months – 5% on up to $1,500 combined spending in bonus categories – 3% on restaurant and drugstore purchases – 1% on all other purchases – annual fee |
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card
Best for: Higher rewards on everyday spending
The Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card makes it easy to accumulate points quickly, without the hassle of tracking which categories you currently have active. It’s especially good for travelers, as you’ll earn your highest rewards — 5% cash back — on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
You’ll also get 3% back at restaurants and pharmacies and 1.5% back on all your other purchases. Additionally, earn an extra 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
Pros
- Easy-to-earn cash-back
- An additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)
- High cash-back rewards on travel
- Introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers
- Predictable rewards
- annual fee
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Balance transfer fee
Who would benefit from this card? Frequent travelers who want generous cash-back rewards on all their spending.
Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card
Best for: Big rewards in rotating bonus categories
Whereas the Freedom Unlimited card offers just one 5% cash-back category outside of the new card member offer, Freedom Flex offers two. The catch is that the second category changes each quarter, and you must activate a category to get the 5%. Otherwise, you’ll get just 1% back on everyday purchases, instead of the slightly higher 1.5% cash-back rate the Freedom Unlimited card allows you to earn.
The card’s quarterly categories run the gamut from airline tickets purchased with the airline or through Ultimate Rewards to fitness memberships, online grocery, shipping, social media and search engine advertising and utilities.
As far as the cash-back welcome bonus, cardholders receive $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months. The card also offers 5% on up to $12,000 worth of grocery store purchases in the first year.
Pros
- Generous new-cardmember bonus
- High cash-back rewards on travel
- Opportunity to earn 5% cash back in multiple categories on a rotating basis
- Introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
Cons
- Must activate bonus categories to qualify for 5% cash back
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Balance transfer fee
Who would benefit from this card? Those with high spending in multiple eligible categories.
Which Is the Best Chase Cash Back Credit Card for You?
With just two cards to choose from — not considering specialized cards for students or businesses — the decision should be fairly easy. Go for the Freedom Unlimited card if you spend modestly using your card and don’t want to have to keep track of categories.
The Freedom Flex card is the better option if you could earn more with higher spending in the bonus categories than with the Unlimited card’s extra 0.5% cash-back reward for all everyday spending.
Cynthia Measom contributed to the reporting for this article.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Dec. 13, 2022.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
The information related to the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex cards was collected by GOBankingRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see the issuer’s website for current information. GOBankingRates does not receive commission for this product.
