Best Chase Credit Cards in 2025: Compare Rewards, Fees & Travel Benefits
Our winner
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Our winner
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best credit card from Chase, due to its generous rewards rate, huge sign-up bonus and affordable annual fee.
Key takeaways
- The best Chase credit card for you will depend on what you typically spend money on, whether or not you want to pay an annual fee and whether you prefer rewards points or cash back.
- Most Chase credit cards are designed for individuals with good to excellent credit, but there are still good options if you have lower or limited credit.
- Chase has some of the best travel credit card options.
- (Winner) Best Chase rewards card: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best Chase business credit card: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Best Chase travel credit card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best Chase cash back credit card: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Best Chase rotating cash back card: Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Best Chase card for beginners: Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card
- Best Chase balance transfer credit card: Chase Slate Edge℠
- Best Chase gas credit card: The New United Gateway℠ Card
- Best Chase hotel credit card: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- Best Chase airline credit card: The New United Club℠ Card
Top 10 chase credit cards
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Overall
|
$95 | 1X - 5X points
| 75,000 points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card*
|
Business
|
$95 | 1X - 3X points
| 90,000 points
Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| |
Chase Sapphire Reserve®*
|
Travel
|
$795 | 1X - 8X points
| 125,000 points
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| |
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Cash back
|
$0 | 1.5% - 5% cash back
| $200 cash back
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
|
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Chase Freedom Flex℠*
|
Rotating cash back
|
$0 | 1% - 5% cash back
| $200 cash bonus
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| |
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card*
|
Card for beginners
|
$0 | 1.5% cash back
| $25 statement credit
Earn a $25 statement credit when you sign up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account and remain enrolled for at least 90 days.
| |
Chase Slate Edge℠*
|
Balance transfer
|
$0 | N/A | N/A | |
The New United Gateway℠ Card*
|
Gas credit card
|
$0 | 1X - 2X miles
| 30,000 miles
Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.
| |
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card*
|
Hotel credit card
|
$95 | 2X - 17X points
| 3 Free Night Awards
Earn 3 Free Night Awards worth up to 50,000 points each after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening.
| |
The New United Club℠ Card*
|
Airline credit card
|
$695 | 1X - 4X miles
| 80,000 miles
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
Methodology
We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best Chase credit cards. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. Every card is selected based on its merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals.
Overall winner (Best Chase Rewards Card)
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: 75,000 points
- Rewards transfer to airline and hotel partners
- Get up to 75% more value when you book airfare, hotels and more through Chase
- Earn elevated rewards on travel and dining
- Comes with trip cancellation and interruption coverage and other travel benefits
- Doesn’t offer luxury travel benefits, like lounge access
- Requires excellent credit
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best Chase credit card for most people, since it lets you earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points without paying a high annual fee. And though this card doesn’t come with the same luxury perks as pricier travel cards, it does offer an annual hotel credit and generous travel insurance.
You can transfer the flexible rewards points to Chase partners, or use them to book travel directly through Chase.
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
- Rates & Fees
Best Chase business credit card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: 90,000 points
- Large sign-up bonus
- Earn 3X points in popular business categories
- Get more value for when you book travel through Chase
- Free employee cards
- Caps on bonus rewards for spending
- Requires excellent credit
- Only earns 1X points on purchases outside of bonus categories
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers an exceptional earning rate of 3X points on up to $150,000 in annual spending in popular business categories (then 1X points). This card lets you earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn.
The card also offers a variety of benefits to help you manage your business finances, including the ability to easily track expenses and maintain records for tax reporting and other business needs. You can also add employee cards at no additional cost.
- Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
Best Chase travel credit card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: 125,000 points
- $300 flexible travel credit
- Points transfer to airline and hotel partners
- Get more value from points when you book travel through Chase
- High rewards rate on travel and dining purchases
- $795 annual fee
- Requires excellent credit
- Only earns 1X points on purchases outside of bonus categories
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with luxury travel benefits like a Priority Pass™ Select airport lounge membership, a fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck and a $300 annual travel credit. You can transfer points to Chase airline and hotel partners or book travel through Chase, as you’ll earn up to 8x points on travel purchases and 3x points on dining. Cardholders also get VIP access to special events.
This card also offers many other travel benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance and purchase protection. It gives you up to 100% more value from your rewards when you redeem them for travel via Chase’s travel portal.
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
Best Chase cash back credit card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: $200 cash back
- Earn a generous flat rate on regular spending, including groceries
- Several bonus rewards categories apply
- Comes with consumer protections
- Intro APR offer for purchases and balance transfers
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- No rewards points, just cash back
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best Chase credit card for earning cash back, as it offers a generous flat rate of rewards on all purchases and bonus rewards in several different categories.
It’s also ideal if you need to finance a large purchase and pay it off over time — the card comes with a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months; after that, a regular APR of 18.99% - 28.49% Variable applies.
Plus, it also has a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months. After the intro period ends, the regular APR will be 18.99% - 28.49% Variable.
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
- Rates & Fees
Best Chase rotating cash back card
Chase Freedom Flex℠*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $200 cash bonus
- Earns bonus rewards in rotating quarterly categories
- Fixed bonus rewards categories throughout the year
- $0 annual fee
- Long intro APR offer for purchases and balance transfers
- You have to activate categories each quarter to earn the quarterly bonus
- $1,500 cap on 5% bonus rewards each quarter
- Only earns 1% back on spending outside of bonus categories
- Charges foreign transaction fees
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers an exceptional earning rate of 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories (on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter), plus bonus rewards on dining, drugstores and Chase travel purchases. There’s a $0 annual fee, and cardholders even get an intro APR offer that applies to purchases and balance transfers. Rewards are also flexible since you can redeem for travel through Chase, cash back, gift cards, merchandise and more.
Just know that you’ll need to activate the bonus category each quarter to earn the 5% cash back rate on those purchases, and that rate will be capped at $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter.
- Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
- Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Best Chase card for beginners
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $25 statement credit
- No annual fee
- Available to consumers with limited credit
- Earns 1.5% cash back rewards
- $25 bonus for automatic payments
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- May require Chase banking relationship
The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is a newer Chase credit card, one that’s geared to individuals who need to build credit for the first time. It’s easily one of the top credit-building cards on the market today: There’s no annual fee, and it earns a flat rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cardholders can even earn a $25 cash bonus for enrolling in automatic payments. Plus, it’s an unsecured card, so there’s no requirement for a security deposit as collateral.
Applicants have a better chance of being approved if they open a Chase bank account and deposit at least $250 before they apply. That makes the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card best for consumers who already bank with Chase, or those who are willing to open and fund a checking or savings account to increase their approval odds.
- Increase your approval chances - Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise®
- Earn Cash Back - With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
- Earn a $25 statement credit when you sign up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account and remain enrolled for at least 90 days. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
- Credit Limit Increase - As a Chase cardmember, you'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card
- Free Credit Score - Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
- No Annual Fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise® card.
- Member FDIC
Best Chase balance transfer credit card
Chase Slate Edge℠*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. Then, a 18.99% – 28.99% variable APR applies.
- Lengthy intro APR offer for balance transfers
- Intro APR offer also applies to purchases
- $0 annual fee
- Qualify for a APR over time
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fees
The Chase Slate Edge℠ is the Chase credit card with the longest intro offer for balance transfers — this means you’ll have more time to pay down debt at a lower interest rate. (That intro offer applies to purchases, too.) Cardholders also have the potential to qualify for a higher credit limit over time.
But if you want to earn miles, points or cash back for the purchases you make, a rewards credit card may be a better fit.
- Start off strong with 0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a 18.99% – 28.99% Variable
- Lower your interest rate by 2% each year. Automatically be considered for an APR reduction when you pay on time, and spend at least $1000 on your card by your next account anniversary.
- Raise your credit limit. Get an automatic, one-time review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time, and spend $500 in your first six months.
- All for no annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Slate EdgeSM card
- Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more
- Member FDIC
Best Chase gas credit card
The New United Gateway℠ Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: 30,000 miles
- Earn airline miles with a $0 annual fee
- Comes with generous travel and purchase coverages
- MileagePlus miles don’t expire
- Comes with intro APR offer for purchases
- Only earns 1X miles on regular spending
- Bonus offer isn’t enough for a round-trip flight
The New United Gateway℠ Card is a good option for gas, since it offers 2x miles on United® purchases, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting. 1x mile on all other purchases. This airline credit card is also one of the few that charges a $0 annual fee, and miles earned can be used to book flights with United and its Star Alliance partners.
Cardholders even get a 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases with the card, and The New United Gateway℠ Card has a $0 foreign transaction fee.
- Earn 30,000 bonus miles
- 0% intro APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases & no annual fee.
- 2x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
- Earn 2 checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
- Member FDIC
Best Chase hotel credit card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: 3 Free Night Awards
- Earns up to 17X points on paid stays with Marriott
- Annual free night award
- Automatic Silver Elite status
- Includes travel insurance protections
- $95 annual fee
- Inflexible rewards
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card stands out due to its generous rewards rate and bonus offer that’s worth several free nights right off the bat. Cardholders get automatic Silver Elite status with the card, as well as the chance to work toward higher levels of elite status through credit card spending. And while the card does have a $95 annual fee, users get a free night award (up to 35,000 points) each year they renew their card.
- Earn 3 Free Night Awards worth up to 50,000 points each after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Best Chase airline credit card
The New United Club℠ Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: 80,000 miles
- Complimentary United Club membership (value of at least $750)
- Frequent flyer benefits
- Earn Premier qualifying points toward elite status
- Comes with travel and purchase protections
- High $695 annual fee
- Inflexible rewards
While a $695 annual fee applies, The New United Club℠ Card does come with United Club membership — which is worth at least $750. Cardholders get the chance to earn generous rewards on United purchases, travel and dining, and they can even earn Premier qualifying points toward their elite status goals. The card also comes with a range of airline-specific benefits, including first and second checked bags free, 25% back on eligible in-flight purchases, a fee credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck membership and more.
- Earn 80,000 bonus miles
- 4x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles on dining and all other travel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- United Club℠ card membership - at least a $750 value
- Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
- Earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount after $20,000 in purchases to use toward an eligible award flight - up to two times each calendar year
- Member FDIC
How to qualify for a Chase credit card
Several Chase credit cards require a credit score of 660 or higher, which is just below where the “good” credit score range begins with FICO Scores. However, the best travel and rewards credit cards from Chase require a credit score of 720 or higher, which is considered “very good.”
If your credit score isn’t quite high enough to qualify for most Chase cards, see if you can qualify for the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card, or see what other credit cards can help you build credit. You can improve your credit with responsible use with the goal of getting one of the top Chase cards in the future.
The following steps can help improve your credit or your approval odds for Chase cards:
- Build positive credit habits.
If your credit score needs work, make sure you pay all your bills on time and avoid opening or closing accounts while you work toward boosting it. Paying down debt can also help improve your credit score if your credit utilization ratio is high. - Check your credit reports for problems or errors.
Checking your credit reports is a great way to spot incorrect reporting or other information that could be harming your credit score. You can check your credit reports from all three credit bureaus for free by visiting the website AnnualCreditReport.com. - List your full household income on your application.
Chase credit card applications ask for your household income, not just your own. This means that if you’re over the age of 21, you can list the full household income you have access to — including the earnings of a partner or spouse. - Apply for Chase credit cards before you dive into other card products.
Due to the Chase 5/24 rule, you’ll want to make sure you have the Chase credit cards you want before you apply for cards from other issuers.
Don’t know your credit score?
Sign up for an account with LendingTree Spring to get your free credit score and recommendations to boost your score.
How to choose a Chase credit card
The best Chase card for you depends on a range of factors. For example, you’ll need to take your credit score into account to figure out which Chase credit cards you can qualify for. You also need to decide on the type of rewards you want to earn, the Chase credit card benefits you want to have and whether you’re willing to pay an annual fee.
Find the right Chase credit card for your needs with the following tips:
-
DECIDE WHAT TYPE OF CREDIT CARD YOU WANT
Before you can decide on the best Chase credit card for your wallet, you’ll need to determine the type of card you want. This could be a cash back credit card if you want to earn basic rewards you can redeem for statement credits or gift cards, or an airline credit card or hotel credit card associated with your favorite brand. You could also opt for a general travel credit card with transferable points if you prefer flexibility.
Chase even offers balance transfer credit cards and credit-building cards for new credit users. The chart below gives some basic card recommendations for different types of users.
What type of card user are you?
Type of user Consider You want to earn points that you can use with any hotel or airline. General travel card (Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card) You want the simplest, most flexible rewards possible. Cash back credit card (Chase Freedom Unlimited®) You're collecting miles with a particular airline, or could use perks like free checked bags and lounge access. Airline credit card (The New United Club℠ Card) You frequently stay at a hotel chain and could use perks like elite status and free hotel night certificates. Hotel credit card (Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card) You're trying to pay down a balance on another credit card. Balance transfer credit card (Chase Slate Edge℠) You want to finance a large purchase. 0% APR credit card (Chase Slate Edge℠) You need a card to make purchases for your small business. Business credit card (Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card) -
FIND REWARDS THAT MATCH YOUR SPENDING PATTERNS
Make sure you pick a card that offers more rewards in categories you typically spend the most in, whether that includes groceries, gas, dining out, travel or another category. This will help you earn more rewards over time, which is the main point of signing up for a rewards credit card in the first place.
You can even pair together a few different Chase credit cards, so you can earn even more rewards on all your spending and bills. Just make sure to keep annual fees in mind (if they apply), and come up with a strategy for when you’ll use different cards and how you’ll keep track of your spending on each one.
Popular bonus categories Best cards Dining Gas Groceries Travel -
DECIDE IF YOU WANT TO PAY AN ANNUAL FEE
Some Chase credit cards have a high annual fee, yet these fees can be worth it if you’re able to use the perks or earn more in rewards than the fee is worth. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a $795 annual fee, yet it also has a $300 annual travel credit, a $120 credit for TSA PreCheck, NEXUS or Global Entry membership and a Priority Pass™ Select membership worth $469. If you use all of these benefits, you’re getting nearly $900 in value from the card without even taking the rewards you earn into account.
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CONSIDER OTHER CARD BENEFITS
Chase credit cards are also known for their incredible benefits, which can include travel and purchase protections and other benefits that make travel more affordable and comfortable. Consider the following perks you can get with certain Chase credit cards.
- No foreign transaction fees: This benefit can help you avoid paying extra fees when you use your card to pay for purchases outside the United States.
- Lounge access: Airport lounge access gives you a quiet and relaxing place to escape in the airport, and most lounges offer free snacks and drinks to boot.
- Travel protections: Look out for benefits like trip cancellation and interruption coverage, primary auto rental coverage, travel delay coverage and baggage insurance.
- Purchase protections: Look for Chase credit cards that offer purchase protection against damage or theft, extended warranties on items that come with a manufacturer’s warranty or both.
How do Chase Ultimate Rewards® work?
The Chase Ultimate Rewards® program is one of the most flexible credit card programs out there, and that’s especially true if you have a Chase travel credit card. There are several reasons this is the case, including the fact that Chase credit cards let you pool all your points in a single account for better redemption options.
Chase travel credit cards let users transfer their points to a variety of airline and hotel partners, and users can also redeem their points for travel through the Chase portal, sometimes for up to 25% to 50% more value, depending on the card.
You don’t have to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for travel if you don’t want to. These points can also be used for cash back, statement credits, gift cards or merchandise — this means you won’t be stuck with unusable rewards.
How much are Ultimate Rewards points worth?
Ultimate Rewards points have a relatively high potential point value. Most options, including cash back, will net you 1 cent per point. You can get a 25% to 50% bonus on those points with some cards if you redeem through Chase TravelSM. You’ll get the most value (around 2 cents per point or possibly higher) by transferring them to hotel and airline loyalty program partners via a premium Chase travel card.
Value of 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points
- Transfer to loyalty program: Around $20 (can range more or less)
- Travel on Chase TravelSM portal: $10.00 to $15.00 (depending on card)
- Cash back: $10
- Gift cards: $10
- Pay with points on Amazon.com: $8.00
Which cards earn Ultimate Rewards points?
You may already know that Chase’s travel cards earn points. However, it may be news to you that Chase’s cash back cards also earn Ultimate Rewards points that you can pool with your Chase travel cards.
All the cards below earn points that fall within the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates & fees)
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates & fees)
Chase travel partners
Chase offers a great lineup of hotel and airline programs that you can transfer points to at a 1:1 ratio. Note that the same transfer partners apply to all travel credit cards from Chase.
- Aer Lingus
- Aeroplan/Air Canada
- British Airways Executive Club
- Emirates
- Flying Blue/Air France
- Iberia Plus
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards®
- United MileagePlus®
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- IHG One Rewards
- Marriott Bonvoy
- World of Hyatt
Should you apply for multiple Ultimate Rewards cards?
Applying for several Chase credit cards can be a good idea, provided you can keep track of balances and payments and avoid paying interest on your purchases. After all, having multiple Chase credit cards gives you the chance to maximize bonus rewards in each of the categories your selection of cards offer. From there, you can pool all your points in a single account to get better redemptions.
The Chase Trifecta is popular for this reason. With the three cards involved (the Chase Freedom Flex℠, Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card), cardholders can rotate cards to get the highest point value on every purchase.
For example, you could:
- Use the Chase Freedom Flex℠ to earn bonus rewards in its 5% back categories each quarter.
- Rely on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for its superior rate on travel purchases that aren’t booked through Chase.
- Devote the rest of your spending to the Chase Freedom Unlimited® to earn 1.5% cash back.
From there, you can move all your points to your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card account. This would let you get up to 75% more value for your rewards if you redeem them for travel through Chase. It also unlocks the option to transfer points to Chase airline and hotel partners.
Sample reward earnings ($20,000 annual spend)
| Comparison categories | Chase Freedom Unlimited alone | Chase Trifecta |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned on $3,000 in dining | 9,000 points | 9,000 points |
| Rewards earned on $1,300 in groceries (frequent quarterly category for Chase Freedom Flex℠) | 1,950 points | 6,500 points |
| Rewards earned on $500 in gas (frequent quarterly category for Chase Freedom Flex℠) | 750 points | 2,500 points |
| Rewards earned on $1,400 in travel not booked through Chase | 2,100 points | 2,800 points |
| Rewards earned on $13,800 in other spend | 20,700 points | 20,700 points |
| Total points | 34,500 | 41,500 |
| Target redemption option | Cash back ($0.01 per point) | Transfer points to Southwest airlines (average point value = $0.014) |
| Redemption value | $345 | $581 |
| Value minus annual fee | $345 | $486 |
| Other travel benefits |
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Should you get a Chase credit card?
It really depends on the credit card you want. If you’re looking for flexible travel rewards and excellent travel benefits, Chase travel cards are some of the best on the market. Chase also offers some of the best co-branded airline and hotel cards.
If you’re new to credit cards and building credit, but you still want to earn rewards, Chase has one of the best options out there. If you’re looking for a business card for regular business expenses, or you want a business travel card, Chase has some high-value options.
However, if you want to rebuild your credit, looking for a secured card or certain types of balance transfer cards, you may find better options elsewhere. Determine what you need from a card before making a final decision on the issuer.
Pros and cons of Chase credit cards
Before you choose a Chase credit card, make sure you know about potential advantages and disadvantages. The following pros and cons apply to these cards.
- Incredibly flexible rewards
- Some cards let users transfer to airlines and hotels
- Many cards have intro APR offers
- Some cards offer enhanced rewards value for travel redemptions
- Choose from flexible cards, airline cards, hotel cards and more
- Chase credit card benefits can be generous
- Chase offers points pooling on its Chase Ultimate Rewards® cards
- Chase credit cards require good to excellent credit
- Better balance transfer cards come from other issuers
- Some Chase rewards cards have complicated earning rates
What is Chase 5/24?
Frequently asked questions
You can activate your new Chase credit card by calling the number that’s listed on the sticker on the front of your card. You may also be able to activate your card online. Check to see if your card has a sticker with a secured website link (chase.com/activate, for example).
Some Chase credit cards charge foreign transaction fees — however, this mostly applies to cash back credit cards from the issuer, like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Chase travel credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card don’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Chase doesn’t offer a secured credit card, but many other card issuers do. If you need a secured credit card because you have a low credit score or no credit at all, you may want to check out our picks for the best secured credit cards and see if one is right for you.
Chase credit cards typically arrive in the mail within seven to 10 days after you’re approved.
You can use your Chase account for purchases before you get the physical card in the mail — you’ll just need to add your card to a digital wallet like Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
The information related to the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card, Chase Slate Edge℠, The New United Gateway℠ Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, The New United Club℠ Card, The New United℠ Explorer Card and Instacart Mastercard® has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
