Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. Chase Freedom Flex(SM)

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Two of Chase’s most popular cards are the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex(SM). While they both fall into the cash back rewards category, there are significant differences between them. We compare them so you can decide which one to apply for, or if you want to apply for both.

Welcome Offer

While both cards have a welcome offer, they are structured differently.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Chase Freedom Flex(SM): Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

You can earn a pretty big bonus with the Unlimited card in the first year so it wins this round.

Cash Back Rewards

There are both similarities and difference between the Unlimited and Flex’s cash back rewards. Both offer 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase. They also both offer 3% cash back on dining and drugstores.

There are, however, two important differences. The Chase Freedom Unlimited®  pays 1.5% cash back on all purchases that don’t qualify for a higher rate. In contrast, Chase Freedom Flex(SM)  pays just 1%. What you get in return for the lower rate is 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases in rotating categories.

Here are the details for each card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® 

Chase Freedom Flex(SM) 

Rates & Fees

The rates and fees of both cards are similar. They both offer the same regular APR, the same 0% intro APY on purchases and balance transfers, and the same foreign transaction fee.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

While both cards are cash back cards, they actually earn Chase Ultimate Rewards. As such, you can transfer these rewards to Chase cards that pay a bonus when redeemed for travel through Chase. These bonus cards include the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.

Who the Chase Freedom Flex(SM) is Best For

The Chase Freedom Flex(SM) is best for those who (1) will take advantage of the 5% rotating categories, and (2) who doesn’t charge more than $20,000 to the 1% category each year.

By taking full advantage of the 5% rotating categories, the Flex will earn $300 in cash back a year. That’s a significant cash back rewards and more than makes up for the 1% category to a point. Charge more than $20,000 to the card at 1%, however, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited becomes the better deal.

Freedom Flex is also ideal as a second or third cash back card designed to take advantage of just the 5% rotating categories.

Who the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is Best For

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is ideal for those who (1) won’t take full advantage of the rotating categories offered by Freedom Flex, or (2) those who are looking for a one card cash back solution and spend more than $20,000 a year on the card’s 1.5% cash back category.

Does it Make Sense to Get Both Cards?

It may make sense to get both cards since neither charges an annual fee. The Freedom Flex could be used for the 5% rotating categories, while the Freedom Unlimited could be used for the 1.5% cash back category. Either card could be used for the enhanced rewards on travel booked through Chase, dining and drugstores.

Do keep in mind, however, the Chase 5/24 rule.

Approval Odds

Chase doesn’t disclose details on its underwriting standards. We do have, however, a database of applicants who have been approved or denied for each card. This database comes from various forums where users share their credit scores, whether they were approved or denied for the card, and in some cases, their credit limit.

Approval Odds for the Freedom Unlimited:

Approval Odds for the Freedom Flex:

While we suspect the underwriting standards are similar for both cards, we have seen lower credit scores approved for the Freedom Flex than the Freedom Unlimited.