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Comparing Credit Card Offers from Chase
Updated: October 27, 2020
If you want a credit card with superior rewards, excellent cash back or a generous sign-up bonus, Chase offers that and more. While part of a full-service national bank, the company also issues about two dozen cards with a host of features and benefits. Here, we look at:
Best Chase Credit Cards
Why it’s the best Chase card for overall flexible travel rewards
As a premier Ultimate Rewards card, the Sapphire Preferred allows you to get 25% more value when you redeem for future travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Also, through 4/20/21, earn 25% more for grocery, dining, home improvement and contributions to select charities. And when you earn 60,000 points after a $4,000 spend within the first 3 months of card membership, those points can translate into $750 in qualifying categories. You’ll also earn 2X points on travel and dining, as well as 2X points on grocery store purchases (up to $1,000 a month) from 11/1/20-4/30/21. Just know that there is a $95 annual fee.
Pros
- No points limits
- No expiration dates/ blackout dates
Cons
- Doesn’t grant access to airport lounges
- Lower rewards value for merchandise
Why it’s the best Chase card for flat-rate cash back
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers no annual fee and has a nice sign-up bonus of $200 after a $500 spend within the first 3 months. New cardholders can now earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Pros
- Rewards don’t expire for the life of the account
- Redeem for gift cards, travel, or Amazon.com merchandise
- No earning limits on cash back
Cons
Why it’s the best Chase card for flat-rate business rewards
A few small-business cards offer rewards with no annual fee, and this is one of them. As a welcome bonus, earn $750 back after a $7,500 spend within the first 3 months. Also, earn 1.5% back on all purchases made for your business. Then, any rewards you reap can be transferred to the premier Ultimate Rewards cards to enjoy those cards’ bonuses through the portal.
Pros
- Rewards don’t expire for the life of the account
- Variety of redemption options, including statement credits, deposit into checking or savings, travel, gift cards, Amazon.com purchases, and experiences
- No limit on the rewards you can earn
Cons
- No bonus categories
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Why it’s the best Chase card for earning a big intro bonus
This exclusive travel card may have a high annual fee ($550), but its high rewards value justifies it for those who are already thinking ahead to frequent future travel (earn 50% more when redeeming for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal). Also, through 4/20/21, earn 50% through Chase Ultimate Rewards when redeemed for grocery, dining, home improvement and contributions to select charities. And from 11/1/20-4/30/21, earn 3X points on grocery store purchases (up to $1,000 a month). Earn 50,000 points after a $4,000 spend within the first 3 months, then earn a $300 travel credit each year and 3X points toward travel and dining after that. With the sign-up bonus, earn 50% more value when you redeem points toward qualifying categories with the Ultimate Rewards portal. So, your 50,000 sign-up points are worth $750.
Pros
- No blackout dates or expiration dates
- Combine points from other Chase cards
- No limit to how many points you could earn
Cons
- Lower rewards value for merchandise
- High annual fee of $550
Why it’s the best Chase card for overall business rewards value
Chase’s premier Ink Business card, the Ink Business Preferred will reward you with the same 25% boost toward travel redemptions made in the Ultimate Rewards portal that the Sapphire Preferred offers. Earn 100,000 points after a $15,000 spend within the first 3 months and earn 3X points on the first $150,000 spent each year on combined purchases on travel (which may not be as attainable now, but is a great perk to keep in mind for future travel) and select business categories.
Pros
- Cellphone, travel and purchase protection
- Many redemption categories
- Transfer points to other Ultimate Rewards cards
Cons
- No introductory APR period
- Annual fee of $95 not waived the first year
Why it’s the best Chase card for no annual fee business card
Like the Ink Business Unlimited, you can connect this card with the premier Ultimate Rewards cards to enjoy a boost in rewards toward travel in the future. As a sign-up bonus, you can earn $750 back after a $7,500 spend within the first 3 months. Additionally, earn 5% back on the first $25,000 spent on office supplies, as well as internet, cable and phone services each anniversary year; and earn 2% back on the first $25,000 spent each anniversary year at gas stations and restaurants. If your employees are working from home, this cash back reward could be a great incentive for making sure your employees have the materials they need to keep your business successful.
Pros
- Rewards don’t expire for the life of the account
- Transfer points to qualifying Ultimate Rewards cards
- No annual fee
Cons
- $25,000 combined purchase limit on bonus categories
- Lower rewards structure outside of the bonus categories
Why it’s the best Chase card for British Airways fans
If you’ll fly regularly on British Airways, this card is a great option. You’ll earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Level and the sign-up bonus is up to 100,000 Avios – 50,000 for spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account and 50,000 bonus Avios for spending $20,000 within the first year of opening your account. If you’re thinking ahead to future flights and prefer British Airways, this certainly is a card to keep in mind.
Pros
- The points won’t expire for the life of the account
- Excellent redemption value on partner airlines and upgrades on future flights with British Airways
Cons
- Limited rewards seats on future flights (sometimes very limited)
- Huge spend required to earn companion ticket
Why it’s the best Chase card for United Miles
This card is packed with rewards and benefits: Earn 2X miles at restaurants and hotel stays as well as United purchases, and 25% back on in-flight purchases. You can store these miles up for future use, but in the meantime, this is a great way to earn miles for supporting the local restaurants in your area. Also, experience priority boarding and access to the United Club with 2 one-time passes each anniversary year; get up to $100 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck; and your first bag is free. These perks can add a lot of value to your future travel plans. Plus, the $95 annual fee is waived the first year.
Pros
- Use miles for airfare on United, car rentals, hotel stays, merchandise, donation or annual fee reimbursement
- No limit on the amount of miles you can collect
- No blackout dates
Cons
- High fees for awards changes
- Saver Awards are capacity-controlled
Why it’s the best Chase card from Southwest with a low annual fee
This card offers a solid sign-up bonus of 40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. The cards also rewards your loyalty by giving you 3,000 points every year after your account anniversary. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is perfect for frequent flyers planning their future trips on Southwest airlines. The $69 annual fee is another great perk, and is low compared to other cards in the travel category.
Pros
- Unlimited rewards seats
- No change fees or booking fees
- One-way rewards tickets permitted
Cons
- No stopovers permitted on rewards tickets
- Limited options for future international travel
- You can only book rewards flights on Southwest, since Southwest doesn’t have airline partners
Why it’s the best Chase card for Southwest benefits
This card also offers the solid sign-up bonus of 40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, a way to kickstart your points-earning. Cardholders also will receive 2X points on Southwest and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, plus 7,500 points each account anniversary. With a $149 annual fee and multiple ways to earn, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a great option for those who frequent Southwest Airlines.
Pros
- Unlimited rewards seats
- $75 annual Southwest travel credit
- No change fees or booking fees
- One-way rewards tickets permitted
Cons
- No stopovers permitted on rewards tickets
- Limited options for future international travel
- Rewards flights can only be booked on Southwest
Why it’s the best Chase card for flexible cash back
In addition to a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months, this card offers a variety of ways to earn. Cardholders will have access to 5% cash back on grocery store purchases excluding Target® and Walmart® in their first year (up to $12,000 spend), 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories each quarter, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back at drugstores and restaurants and 1% back on all other purchases. You’ll also be greeted with a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 14.99% – 23.74%, variable) – all without an annual fee.
Pros
- Redeem points for cash, travel, gift cards or merchandise
- Rewards don’t expire
- Cellphone protection
Cons
- $1,500 quarterly limit on 5% cash back
- Categories must be activated by a deadline each quarter
Why it’s the best Chase card for Southwest travel
Similar to other Southwest options, this card provides a welcome bonus as well as ways to earn consistent rewards. Cardholders can earn 40,000 points after spending $1,000 in their first 3 months and are eligible to receive 6,000 points after every cardmember anniversary. It does come with a $99 annual fee, but accessible bonuses and 2X miles on Southwest and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases as well as other perks can negate the cost.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- First 2 checked bags free
- Points don’t expire/no blackout dates
Cons
- No stopovers permitted with rewards tickets
- Limited options for booking travel and international flights
Why it’s the best Chase card for Marriott Rewards
An awesome travel accessory, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold opens up new opportunities for your hotel stays. Marriott offers the largest hotel network in the world, so there will be no shortage of places to stay (and earn!). Cardholders will earn 3X points at Marriott Bonvoy properties, 2X points on travel purchases and 1X points on other purchases. And as a nice greeting as you walk in the door, you can earn 30,000 points after spending $1,000 in your first 3 months.
Pros
- Fast track to silver elite status with Marriott
- No annual fee
- Transfer points to 40+ airline partners
Cons
- The overall rate for earning points is low
- Availability can be scarce during busy periods
- Redemption options outside of hotel stays aren’t worthwhile
Why it’s the best Chase card for Hyatt Rewards
Frequent travelers will want to take a look at this high-earning hotel card. Featuring 9X points on Hyatt hotel purchases, 2X points on restaurants, eligible airfare, local transit and fitness club memberships and 1X points elsewhere, this card provides a slew of different ways to earn. Hyatt also offers a few bonuses you can qualify for: Earn 25,000 points if you spend $3,000 in your first 3 months, plus another 25,000 points if your spending reaches $6,000 in your first 6 months. Additionally, you’ll receive an annual free night and the chance to earn an additional free night’s stay each year you spend $15,000.
Pros
- Excellent rewards value
- No blackout dates and points don’t expire
- Transfer points to Chase Ultimate Rewards at 1:1 rate
Cons
- Redemption options outside of hotel stays aren’t worthwhile
- Annual fee of $95
Why it’s the best Chase card for IHG Rewards
Thanks to a large sign-up bonus, hotel rewards and annual bonuses, this card is a great option for vacationers and business travelers. Cardholders will receive 10,000 bonus points each year they spend $20,000 and make 1 additional purchase, plus a rewards night. Additionally, this card earns you 25X points total on IHG purchases, 2X points at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants, and 1X points on all other purchases. As a welcome offer, you also have the chance to earn 140,000 points after spending $3,000 in your first 3 months.
Pros
- Pay with points plus cash at any IHG hotel
- No blackout dates and points don’t expire
Cons
- Redemption options outside of hotel stays aren’t worthwhile
- Annual fee of $89 (waived the first year)
- Generally expensive rewards chart that has seen diminishing value
Why it’s the best Chase card for annual free night award
Cardholders will receive a free night stay each anniversary. The comped night surely helps make up for the $95 annual fee, but let’s not forget about the contribution from earning 6X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2X points on all other purchases.
Pros
- Fast track to silver elite status with Marriott
- Points don’t expire as long as card is active every 24 months
- Transfer points to 40+ airline partners
Cons
- Availability can be scarce during busy periods
- Free night certificate is only eligible for standard rooms valued up to 35,000 points
Compare the top Chase credit card offers:
| Card Name | Best For | Annual Fee | Review Score |
|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Best overall offer | $95 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Flat-rate cash back | $0 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | Flat-rate business rewards | $0 | 3.5 / 5 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Travel | $550 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | Overall business rewards value | $95 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | No annual fee business card | $0 | 3.3 / 5 |
| British Airways Visa Signature® Card | Sign-up bonus | $95 | 3.9 / 5 |
| UnitedSM Explorer Card | United miles | $95, waived first year | 3.7 / 5 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | Southwest card with a low annual fee | $69 | 3.7 / 5 |
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve are two of the best travel credit cards on the market. If you’re looking for a premium travel card, you may be wondering which is better for you. Below are some of the key similarities and differences between the CSP and CSR.
| Rewards & Benefits | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|
| Sign-up Bonus | 60k pts, $4,000/3-mth spend | 50k pts, $4,000/3-mth spend |
| Ongoing rewards | 2X pts worldwide travel, dining | 3X pts worldwide travel*, dining |
| Annual fee | $95 | $550 |
| Travel redemption, Ultimate Rewards | 25% more | 50% more |
| Foreign transaction fee | None | None |
| Annual credit | None | $300 for travel purchases |
| Global Entry/TSA Pre-Check credit | None | Up to $100 application fee credit |
| Airport lounge access | None | Yes |
| Rental Car privileges | Yes | Yes |
| Select complimentary hotel upgrades | Yes | Yes |
| Travel & purchase coverage | Yes | Yes |
*3x pts on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit
What is Chase?
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., or Chase Bank, is a national bank and credit card issuer. That means the company grants cards to qualifying consumers. It partners with two networks, which process charges made at retailers. The primary networks are Visa and Mastercard. Most Chase credit cards are Visa cards, except the IHG Rewards Club Premier, which is a Mastercard.
Chase credit cards are best known for their generous sign-up bonuses and boosted redemption travel rewards. In some cases, such as the Sapphire and Freedom cards, products can be partnered to fully use the Ultimate Rewards portal. A good to excellent credit score is typically needed for this brand, with its portfolio of business, cashback, travel and balance transfer products.
Chase credit cards can be used internationally in most locations. Along with rewards that come with travel and dining in the U.S., some Chase cards reward you for foreign travel. Also, in the case of such cards as the Sapphire products, there is no foreign transaction fee, which applies to both foreign travel and foreign purchases.
How many Chase credit cards can I have?
While in theory there is no limit to the number of Chase cards you can hold, the Chase 5/24 rule requires that you not open more than 5 cards of all issuers in a 24-month period in order to be approved for a Chase credit card:
- IHG Rewards Club Premier Card
- Disney Rewards Visa
- Ritz-Carlton Rewards
- Marriott Rewards Premier Business
How to earn and use Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase products are among the best in the credit card business, whether you are looking at business cards or personal cards. That’s because the redemption rewards can be superior, depending on the card you use. Also, sign-up bonuses are lucrative, benefits are excellent and ongoing rewards are rich.
What kind of points do I earn with Chase?
Chase Ultimate Rewards. These are the points that you earn by spending on certain categories with your Chase credit card. Read below for information on redeeming your Chase Ultimate Rewards.
What can I use Chase Ultimate Rewards for?
You can redeem your Chase points for a number of rewards, including travel, gift cards, Amazon.com purchases, Chase Pay purchases and more. However, all points aren’t equal. For example, with the Chase Sapphire cards and the Ink Business Preferred, you can get $0.0125-$0.015 more on travel redemptions through Chase Ultimate Rewards, while points used on Amazon purchases only redeem at $0.008.
What counts as dining and travel to Chase?
Chase counts travel as such purchases from airlines, hotels, rental car agencies, timeshares, campgrounds, parking lots and garages, toll bridges and highways, taxis, and trains. Dining is considered everything from fast dining to fine dining, but it may not include such merchants as casinos or stadiums. If your Chase card offers rewards for dining, it’s the perfect time to support the local restaurants offering curbside or delivery in your area while also racking in those benefits.
What airlines can I use with my Chase Ultimate Rewards?
- Aer Lingus
- Air France/KLM
- British Airways
- Iberia Plus
- Korean Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
What hotel partners can I use with my Chase Ultimate Rewards?
- IHG
- Hyatt
- Marriott
- Ritz-Carlton
Additional Chase benefits outside of cash back/rewards
Chase credit cards offer a variety of benefits in addition to the rewards you earn. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers primary coverage when you use it for car rentals, providing reimbursement for damage due to collision or theft. The benefits vary from card to card and include the following:
- Chase Pay
- Access to airport lounges
- No foreign transaction fees
- Visa Infinite concierge
- Car rental privileges
- Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check fee credit
- Annual credit
- No annual fee or waived fee first year
- Extended warranty
- Fraud protection
- Purchase protection
- Return protection
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Primary auto rental collision damage waiver
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Emergency evacuation and transportation
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Chase credit card?
As it is with all credit cards, the best card will depend on how it fits the consumer. That being said, the best overall card Chase offers for the average consumer is the Chase Sapphire Preferred. A great option for most, it brings well-rounded rewards, low cost of cardholding and a lucrative sign-up bonus anyone could appreciate.
If your definition of “best” means the one that can bring the most value, however, then the top Chase card is the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The $550 annual fee isn’t for everyone, but calculated cardholders can enjoy its earning power, a generous rewards system and a long list of luxury perks.
Is it hard to get a Chase credit card?
If you’re still working on establishing your credit score, it could be. Chase cards typically require good to excellent credit scores to be approved, so it’s recommended you have a score around 670 or better before applying. It’s not all about credit score, however; Chase will also take a look at any recent credit accounts you’ve opened and your annual income before giving a yes/no.
While Chase doesn’t offer secured credit cards or cards for bad credit, sometimes applying for one can be the fastest route to a Chase credit card. Using a credit card to build your credit score is a great way to start the journey toward a card that brings rewards.
Laura is an editor and writer at CreditCards.com. She has written extensively on all things credit cards and works to bring you the most up-to-date analysis and advice. Laura’s work has been cited in such publications as the New York Times and Associated Press. You can reach her by e-mail at laura.mohammad@creditcards.com and on Twitter @creditcards_lm.
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