Best Chase credit cards for 2021

A guide to Chase credit cards

If you want a credit card with superior rewards, excellent cash back or a generous sign-up bonus, Chase provides all that and more. The full-service national bank offers a variety of features and benefits across almost two dozen credit cards – and a few of them are among the best on the market.

Best Chase credit cards compared

Editor’s picks: Chase credit card details

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for overall flexible travel rewards

Why we picked it: 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. Plus, its 5X points on travel purchased through the Chase portal, 3X points on dining and 2X points on other travel purchases and 1X points on all other purchases give you ample opportunity to stack rewards points in the portal.

Pros: As a sign-up bonus, you can earn 60,000 points after a $4,000 spend within the first three months from opening an account – which translates into $750 toward travel when using Chase Ultimate Rewards. This card also has no points limits, expiration dates or blackout dates.

Cons: Despite being a top travel card, this option misses on some luxury travel perks, such as granting access to airport lounges. It also comes with a $95 annual fee.

Who should apply? If you’re a spender who’s determined to earn trips and other travel rewards with your card, this is a great option thanks to it’s rewards structure and generous sign-up bonus.

Who should skip? Although it’s a great travel card, those who want a luxurious experience with exclusive perks will want to explore other options.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for flat-rate cash back

Why we picked it: This card gives significant cash back across multiple categories: Earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases on up to $12,000 in the first year (not including Target® or Walmart®), 5% cash back on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5% back on Lyft purchases (through March 2022), 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. The Chase Freedom Unlimited also offers no annual fee and has a nice sign-up bonus of $200 after a $500 spend within the first three months from opening an account.

Pros: Your cash back is unlimited and will never expire, so you won’t have to worry about using rewards within a certain time period. Additionally, you can use your cash back towards gift cards, travel or Amazon.com purchases, and even have the option of transferring points to combine with other cards in Ultimate Rewards.

Cons: Although it can reward your travel purchases, this card comes with a foreign transaction fee.

Who should apply? People who spend across several categories can benefit from this card’s widespread cash back offerings. If you’re looking for a simple card with no annual fee that can add some cash to your wallet, this is a great choice.

Who should skip? If, for example, your spending is focused in one area such as gas or travel bookings, you’ll likely see greater benefit from a more honed-in card.

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Best for flat-rate business rewards

Why we picked it: This card offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases made for your business, and as a welcome bonus, earn $750 back after a $7,500 spend within the first three months from opening an account. To top it off, there’s no annual fee.

Pros: Your rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, travel rewards, cash deposits and more. Also, they can be transferred in the Ultimate Rewards portal, where rewards can receive a significant boost in value. Rewards are non-expiring and uncapped.

Cons: Though it earns flat-rate cash back, there are no bonus categories offering better rates. This card also features a 3% foreign transaction fee.

Who should apply? Small business owners looking for an affordable card to help expand should look to the Ink Business Unlimited.

Who should skip? If your business expenses tend to fall in a specific category or two, it’s worth the time to evaluate other business credit cards and see if you can capitalize on bonus reward rates.

Read our Ink Business Unlimited review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best for flexible cash back

Why we picked it: Freedom Flex cardholders will have access to 5% cash back on grocery store purchases on up to $12,000 spent in the first year (not including Target® or Walmart®), 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories each quarter (on up to $1,500), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 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% – 24.74%, variable) – all without an annual fee.

Pros: Similar to the Chase Freedom Unlimited, this card enhances its multitude of cash back offerings with 5% cash back on all Lyft purchases through March 2022. Also, its $200 sign-up bonus after spending $500 in your first three months will help get you started on the right foot.

Cons: The 5% cash back rates on rotating categories are capped at a $1,500 limit each quarter (then 1%). Also, remembering to activate the rotating bonus categories can be a tedious (yet essential) task.

Who should apply? Active cardholders who want to take advantage of bonus rewards and those looking for an intro APR offer are best suited for this card. It takes a little extra work to reap the full benefits of Chase’s rotating categories schedule, but the right cardholders make it worthwhile.

Who should skip? Someone looking for widespread rewards without the extra tasks and calculated spending recommended for a rotating categories card would be better suited for the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

Read our Chase Freedom Flex review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for travel

Why we picked it: As a strong way to start, new cardholders can earn 50,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months from opening an account. Although it does come with a steep annual fee ($550), it makes up for it by giving points a 50% boost in value toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards and a plethora of luxury perks.

Pros: This card comes with 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through the Chase portal, 5X points on air travel purchased through the Chase portal, 3X points on other travel and dining purchases and 1X points elsewhere (the 10X, 5X and 3X travel rewards rate only applies after you earn your $300 travel credit), plus 1X points elsewhere. These rewards are unlimited and won’t expire, and there are no blackout dates or expiration dates when redeeming travel. The Sapphire Reserve also rewards cardholders annually through a $300 travel credit, a Priority Pass Select membership and up to a $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Cons: In addition to the high annual fee, this card doesn’t come with an introductory APR offer.

Who should apply? Travelers looking for a more luxurious experience on their rewards-earned trips should look into the Sapphire Reserve. If this card fits your lifestyle, the strong rewards, bonuses and travel perks make the price tag worth it.

Who should skip? Unless you’re a committed traveler ready to use your card for big savings, this isn’t a great choice.

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier® Credit Card: Best for Southwest travel

Why we picked it: Chase and Southwest have paired to provide a couple welcome bonuses as well as ways to earn consistent rewards. In addition to long-term 3X points earned on Southwest purchases, cardholders can earn up to 100,000 bonus points (earn 50,000 points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus an additional 50,000 points after spending $12,000 total on purchases in the first twelve months).

Pros: With this option there are no foreign transaction fees, blackout dates or points expiration. Plus, your first two bags fly free with Southwest. Another generous bonus, cardholders are eligible to receive 6,000 points after every cardmember anniversary.

Cons: Your rewards tickets can’t be used on layover flights and there are limited options for booking international travel. The card also features a $99 annual fee.

Who should apply? Loyal Southwest travelers who want to get away from traditional travel options to an airline card are a good fit here. This card makes traveling easier and more affordable if you’re able to commit to the airline, but those who want more flexibility should look elsewhere.

Who should skip? If you’re a frequent traveler but your allegiance lies with another flight provider, you should look to other airline credit cards.

Read our Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Best for Southwest benefits

Why we picked it: Much like the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier, this card also offers the solid sign-up bonus of up to 100,000 points (earn 50,000 points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus an additional 50,000 points after spending $12,000 total on purchases in the first twelve months). Cardholders also receive 3X points on Southwest purchases and 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, plus 7,500 points each account anniversary.

Pros: On top of several bonuses and ways to earn, this card offers unlimited rewards seats, an annual $75 Southwest travel credit, four Upgraded Boardings per year (when available) and no fees for changing or booking flights. And to give some added flexibility, Southwest allows you to book one-way tickets with your rewards.

Cons: Like some other airline options, you can’t book flights with layovers when redeeming rewards and you’ll be limited to only Southwest tickets. The card also comes with an annual fee of $149.

Who should apply? If you often fly with Southwest, this is a great addition to your wallet. Not only does it make the travel experience easier, there’s significant savings to be had even with the annual fee.

Who should skip? Unless you’re a committed Southwest flyer, the annual fee here isn’t justifiable.

Read our Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Best for Southwest with a low annual fee

Why we picked it: With an annual fee of just $69, this card still offers the solid sign-up bonus of up to 100,000 points (earn 50,000 points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus an additional 50,000 points after spending $12,000 total on purchases in the first twelve months).

Pros: Cardholders will be rewarded for their loyalty with a 3,000 point bonus each account anniversary. To get rewarded on your spending, the card features 2X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on purchases with the airline’s hotel and car rental partners and 1X points on other purchases. Keeping up with the other Southwest options, this card offers no blackout dates, change fees or booking fees.

Cons: Southwest’s flight network is more limited than other major airlines and there isn’t much flexibility in rewards redemption.

Who should apply? If you’re interested in an affordable airline card and like to travel with Southwest, this is a solid option. It may not have all that’s offered by the other Southwest Rapid Rewards cards, but it provides similar value in several ways.

Who should skip? A traveler who looks for best prices and has no consistency with the airline they use would be better off with a general travel rewards card.

Read our Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

United℠ Explorer Card: Best for United Miles

Why we picked it: This United card is packed with rewards and benefits: Earn 2X miles at restaurants and hotel stays, 2X miles on United purchases and 1X miles elsewhere, plus earn 25% back as a statement credit on United in-flight purchases. Other notable perks include priority boarding, access to the United Club with two one-time passes each anniversary year, up to a $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and your first checked bag is free.

Pros: This card comes with a sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months. You can use your miles to redeem for United flights, car rentals, hotel stays and more. Also, matching Southwest’s standard, your miles are uncapped and there are no blackout dates.

Cons: If you want to book a flight in the near future or need to make a change, it’ll cost you. There’s a $75 fee if you book your flight less than 21 days in advance and high fees for changing awarded flights. There’s also a $95 annual fee, but luckily it’s waived in the first year.

Who should apply? Those who often fly with United could take advantage of the myriad of perks and possibilities offered by this card.

Who should skip? If you aren’t a frequent traveler or don’t see a future as a United loyalist, you can find better options.

Read our United Explorer card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Best for Marriott Rewards

Why we picked it: If you often stay with the world’s largest hotel network, you may want to check in with this card. It offers 3X points on purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties, 2X points on travel purchases and 1X points on all other purchases. This travel accessory also rewards you immediately: you can earn 30,000 points after spending $1,000 in your first three months.

Pros: This no annual fee card not only gives consumers a chance to redeem points for a variety of hotel rewards, it provides a fast track to Marriott Silver Elite status. Plus, points can be combined with cash to pay for hotel stays, so earnings won’t sit idly and you won’t have to worry about meeting a minimum before redeeming. Additionally, Marriott offers hotel destinations all over the world – which can be explored thanks to the card’s 40+ airline partners.

Cons: The rewards offered by the card aren’t as valuable as some other travel card options. Additionally, you might run into some booking problems if you’re looking to book stays during busy times of the year and if you frequent other hotels outside of Marriott, a generic travel card could be a more useful addition to your wallet.

Who should apply ?If you tend to stay with Marriott, this could add a lot of value to your travels. There’s no annual fee and a slew of hotel perks.

Who should skip? Being a card designed for frequent Marriott guests, it won’t provide much value to you if you don’t often stay with the hotel chain.

Read our Marriott Bonvoy Bold review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

British Airways Visa Signature® Card: Best for British Airways fans

Why we picked it: If you’ll fly regularly on British Airways, this card is a great option. You’ll earn 5 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Level within your first 12 months (then 3 Avios) and the sign-up bonus is 100,000 Avios for spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months.

Pros: To continue the travel perks, this card generously rewards hotel accommodations when you purchase directly through the hotel. Also, points don’t expire and there’s excellent redemption value on partner airlines and upgrades on future flights.

Cons: Flight availability can be very limited at times and long-distance flights can still be very expensive, even when redeeming points. The card also comes with a $95 annual fee, putting it about on par with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card.

Who should apply?  If you frequent British Airways or any of their partners, this card is a great option thanks to its transfer flexibility and available rewards.

Who should skip? Homebodies should look elsewhere along with anyone else who isn’t on the hunt to get rewarded on their travel spending.

Read our British Airways Visa Signature review.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best for no annual fee business card

Why we picked it: Like the Ink Business Unlimited, you can connect this no annual fee card with the premier Ultimate Rewards cards to enjoy a boost in rewards toward travel in the future. Also, as a sign-up bonus, you can earn $750 back after a $7,500 spend within the first three months from opening an account.

Pros: You’ll earn 5% cash back on internet, cable, phone services and office supply stores, 2% back at gas stations and restaurants and 1% back on all other purchases. 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. Your rewards won’t expire and this card comes with a fairly low APR at 13.24% to 19.24% (variable).

Cons: There’s a $25,000 annual limit on bonus categories, so if your purchases exceed that amount in the 5% or 2% categories in a year, the earnings rate will reduce to 1%. There’s also a $2,000 minimum to redeem rewards.

Who should apply? Thanks to a strong sign-up bonus and common rewards categories, this is a great no annual fee option to help small businesses.

Who should skip? Businesses with large budgets that will easily exceed the $25,000 cap on bonus-rate spending should look to see what they can earn with a less limiting card.

Read our Ink Business Cash review.

World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best for Hyatt Rewards

Why we picked it: Frequent travelers will want to take a look at this high-earning hotel card. If you’re a World of Hyatt member, you’ll get rewarded up to 9X points on Hyatt hotel purchases, 2X points on restaurants, eligible airfare purchased directly from airlines, local transit and fitness club memberships and 1X points elsewhere. Hyatt also opens their doors to welcome you with 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Additionally, you can earn up to 30,000 more bonus points with 2 points per $1 spent on purchases that would normally earn 1 point (up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening).

Pros: Cardholders will be eligible for a free night (at a Hyatt category 1-4 hotel) each year, and as a promotional offer, can earn a second night’s stay after spending over $15,000 in the year. Your Hyatt rewards points carry solid value and can transfer to the Ultimate Rewards portal at a 1:1 rate. Also, there’s no blackout dates for booking hotels and points don’t expire.

Cons: The card comes with an annual fee of $95, which can be negated thanks to the promotional offers and available rewards. Also, cardholders will have to be sure about what they want to earn – there’s limited redemption options outside of hotel stays.

Who should apply? Hyatt members could squeeze some serious value out of this card, and its impactful rewards make it a great card for pairing. Cash back card carriers might want to look to pair their Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Freedom Flex with one of the top hotel cards.

Who should skip? Travelers who don’t have any loyalty when it comes to the hotel they book with should look to a more well-rounded travel rewards card.

Read our World of Hyatt credit card review.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best for overall business rewards value

Why we picked it: 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 three months and earn 3X points on the first $150,000 spent each year on combined purchases on travel and select business categories.

Pros: The select business categories earning 3X should cover a lot of your expenses: shipping, internet, cable, phone services and advertising purchases all apply. This card offers a 25% travel boost on Chase Ultimate Rewards, the ability to transfer points and several redemption categories. The card also features travel and purchase protection.

Cons: There may be a delay if you try to transfer points, so redeeming points may take some planning ahead. Also, the card comes with an annual fee of $95.

Who should apply? Small business owners looking to earn rewards points rather than cash back should consider this card. Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal and heightened rewards in common categories can provide serious value to business expenses.

Who should skip? Startups and small businesses that have a tight budget preventing them from hitting the sign-up bonus requirement should look to another business credit card.

Read our Ink Business Preferred review.

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card: Best for IHG Rewards

Why we picked it: Thanks to a large sign-up bonus, hotel rewards and annual bonuses, this card is a great option for vacationers and business travelers. As a strong yearly promotion, cardholders will receive 10,000 bonus points each year they spend $20,000 and make one additional purchase, plus a rewards night when you redeem points for a stay of four consecutive nights or more. Additionally, this card earns you up to 25X points total on IHG purchases, 2X points at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants, and 1X points on all other purchases.

Pros: With this card’s welcome offer you have the opportunity to earn 150,000 points after spending $3,000 in your first three months from opening an account. The card also comes with credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck to make your travels as painless and stress-free as possible. Finally, this card’s points don’t expire and there’s no blackout dates.

Cons: There are more lucrative rewards structures (such as the World of Hyatt card) when it comes to earning hotel stays. Also, there’s an $89 annual fee ($0 the first year).

Who should apply? If you’re an IHG Rewards Club member, this card is a must for your travels. Frequent travelers looking for a large hotel network tied to their card might also want to consider this card.

Who should skip? Someone who tends to book their travels with a variety of different hotels or with one particular airline should look for a more generic travel option or airline card.

Read our IHG Rewards Club Premier credit card review.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Best for annual free night award

Why we picked it :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 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2X points on all other purchases.

Pros: You can earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first three months, plus earn 10X total points on eligible purchases in select categories. Points will stick around as long as you keep your account active, and you can combine them with cash to book stays at some properties as you fast track your way to Marriott Silver Elite status. This card also features an expansive transfer network, allowing you to transfer points to over 40 airline partners.

Cons: On top of the annual fee, room availability can be low during busy times of the year. Also, your anniversary free night award is only eligible on standard rooms valued at 35,000 points or less.

Who should apply? If Marriott is your hotel of choice, this card can take your capabilities to a new level. Although there is an annual cost, typical travelers can easily out-earn the fee with hotel perks, rewards points and bonus offers.

Who should skip? Fee-averse travelers or those who don’t plan on spending enough to justify the $95 annual price should look elsewhere.

Read our Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card review.

What is Chase?

JPMorgan Chase Bank & Co., or Chase Bank, is a national bank and credit card issuer. It partners primarily with two networks, Visa and Mastercard, which process charges made at retailers. 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, cash back and travel products.

Chase credit cards can be used internationally in most locations. 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.

Where is Chase accepted?

Whether you are traveling domestically or abroad, you can shop with confidence knowing that your Chase credit card is on the Visa or Mastercard network, which means you can use the card at millions of merchants both nationwide and internationally. These networks offer broader global acceptance than American Express and Discover and your card may come with an EMV chip that offers payment security while overseas. Plus, some Chase cards will not charge foreign transaction fees.

How to choose a Chase credit card

Evaluating your lifestyle and finances is essential as you navigate what credit card to apply for. To ease the process, a tool like CardMatch can help you identify the realistic cards in your pool based on your credit profile. It’s ultimately on you to determine what your best choice is, but we can send certain shoppers in the right direction.

Who should get a Chase card

• Rewards chasers: Many of Chase’s cards come with top-of-the-line rewards programs, featuring heightened earnings on travel, dining, supermarket purchases and various other categories. If you’re looking for high-end rewards across multiple categories and worthwhile sign-up bonuses, Chase has several answers. While the individual offers are nothing to scoff at, the best way a savvy cardholder can capitalize on a Chase card is by pairing more than one. In finding complementary rewards cards, you can take your earnings capability to a whole new level and have a chance at taking advantage of multiple lucrative sign-up bonuses. Also, with the boosts available through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, calculated cardholders can squeeze even more value out of their rewards card(s).
• Travelers: The Ultimate Rewards portal is a major reason Chase has some of the best travel cards on the market. When using points for travel in the portal, you can receive as much as 50% extra points-value with a card like the Sapphire Reserve. In addition to boosting the impact of your points, the Ultimate Rewards program also serves as the connection to the long list of Chase’s airline and hotel partners, allowing you to transfer points and book travel through a wide variety of options. Also, several Chase cards offer great rewards rates on travel purchases – just another reason why travelers might want to add one of their options to their itinerary.
• Airline and hotel loyalists: Through partnerships with companies like Southwest, Marriott, United, Hyatt, British Airways and others, Chase offers a selection of airline and hotel cards that can get loyal customers rewarded. If you’re a traveler that is consistent with where you stay or how you get there, it might benefit you more to look at one of Chase’s more specified options rather than a general travel card. It may come with an annual fee, but frequent guests of Chase’s partners can take advantage of room and flight upgrades, free night’s stays, huge rewards rates and a variety of other benefits.

Who should skip a Chase card

• Credit builders: Although Chase has a variety of credit cards for many types of cardholders, someone trying to recover their credit score or credit newcomers will have to look elsewhere. With so many high-end rewards cards, Chase’s options typically require high credit scores. Those wanting to open a credit card account with Chase may have to start elsewhere on their journey, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a real possibility for the future. Secured cards and cards for limited credit history can be great tools to help build your credit score.
• Debt consolidators: If you’re looking to open a credit card to gather outstanding balances and pay down your debt, a balance transfer credit card can be a wonderful route. Although many Chase cards feature 0% intro APR offers on purchases, they don’t extend the same offers to balance transfers.
• Road trippers: If, for example, you drive for work, often travel on the road or spend a large portion of your money on gas for any reason, you might want to look elsewhere. While Chase has answers for nearly any type of rewards-hunter, someone who seems to be constantly fueling up might have better luck with one of the top gas credit cards.

What credit score is needed for Chase credit cards?

Chase’s credit cards typically require a good to excellent score (670 or above) to be approved. With personal and business options providing top-notch rewards, travel benefits and generous welcome offers, getting a Chase card can be unfortunately exclusive.

If you have a suboptimal score, improving your credit before applying for a Chase card is probably the best route to take. However, there are certain circumstances where they may approve you for a card with a sub-670 credit score. Chase will review your full credit history and annual income before coming to a decision.

What are the benefits of having a Chase credit card?

Chase gives you numerous reasons to consider one of their cards, from juicy welcome offers, 0% APR opportunities, high-rate cash back rewards, a worthwhile travel program and more. When carrying a Chase card, you can expect the following as a baseline to your benefits:

• Travel insurance: Many Chase cards feature insurance for things like flight cancellations, rental car collision damage, emergency care when abroad and more. These perks add a sense of security to any business trip or vacation.
• Travel upgrades: With a Chase card, you might be eligible for flight upgrades, complimentary in-flight meals and breakfast at your hotels, free checked bags and annual statement credits for travel. These offers will help aid some of the stresses that come with traveling.
• Transfer partners: Chase lets you connect with several renowned travel loyalty programs. You can use the rewards portal to transfer points at a 1:1 or better rate to JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott, Hyatt and more.
• No annual fees: While some Chase cards do require an annual fee, there are several options that can get you a convenient way to spend, worthwhile rewards, a plethora of benefits and more – all for no annual fee.
• Exclusive opportunities: You’ll have to keep an eye out for particular offers and partners, but a Chase card can often be a ticket into a highly sought-after vacation spot, event, restaurant or club.
• Pay Yourself Back: Chase began offering the Pay Yourself Back feature in early 2020, which allows cardholders to redeem their rewards on past purchases with better value (typically boosted from 25 to 50 percent). The feature is available with the Sapphire series and other select Chase cards until March 21, 2022.
• Access to your FICO score: Chase Credit Journey is a useful perk for keeping track of your financial progress, you’ll be able to monitor your credit score any time and it won’t impact your credit.
• Theft and damage: Chase cards will often give protection against damage and theft, meaning if you buy an expensive item (TV, laptop, etc.) but don’t get insurance with the retailer, you may be eligible for reimbursement through your card if something goes wrong. There are rules with eligibility requirements and how to file a claim, but these protections could result in huge savings.
• Automotive: Chase offers 24/7 access to a variety of roadside assistance services while traveling in the U.S. and Canada for a flat fee, plus primary auto rental collision damage waivers.
• Price protection: With this perk, you can typically get reimbursed for the difference between what you paid for an item and the new (lower) price that it’s currently selling for.
• Return protection: This benefit is useful when you’ve bought something and its return window has closed or the store you bought it from doesn’t allow returns. There may be limitations with what you can do, but it may save you when you have to take something back.
• Fraud protection: Your Chase card will be protected from unauthorized charges. Chase will help keep watch for unusual transactions and reporting suspicious and/or unauthorized activity should keep any unwanted charges off of your account.

What is the Chase Ultimate Rewards program?

Chase cards feature things like rental car insurance, select complimentary hotel upgrades, purchase coverage and more, but the most notable extra that comes along with Chase credit cards is access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Within the portal, there are a number of ways to use your points when you’re ready to take advantage of your well-earned rewards:

Redemption options

• Travel partner transfers: Move your points to any of Chase’s airline or hotel partners at 1:1 value with select cards.
• Boosted rewards: It depends on your card(s), but you can get 25% or 50% more value out of your points when redeeming for travel in the portal. Chase’s high rewards rates and supercharged value allows for some of the most powerful travel cards on the market.
• Shop Through Chase: A way for cardholders to spend with select partners, you can use your points with stores like Nike, Apple, Walgreens, Home Depot and more. Some offers may be limited time, but you can earn as high as 10 points per dollar or take advantage of a 30% discount with this feature.
• Chase Dining: You can use your points towards takeout, reservations and exclusive culinary experiences that wouldn’t otherwise be available.
• Chase Experiences: Concert-goers, sports fans and adventurers may love the doors Chase opens here. You’ll find a wide variety of entertainment options and exclusive experiences made available to you in the Ultimate Rewards portal.

Your capabilities in Chase Ultimate Rewards will vary depending on your card, but rewards chasers and travel-happy cardholders have a lot of opportunity to capitalize on thanks to the portal.

Is a Chase credit card worth it?

Simply put, yes. Chase is one of the most well-respected credit card providers in the world, and their selection of cards prove to be some of the most valuable every year. There are circumstances where a card-and-cardholder can be mismatched, but if your credit score allows it and you find one tailored to your interests, a Chase credit card will add some convenience and benefit to your life.

There are choices for small business owners, family shoppers, frequent flyers, hotel regulars and more. If you’re able to recognize the kind of spender you are and align yourself with the right card, you’ll have no problem getting value out of one of Chase’s options. Even if you’ve elected for one of their cards that charges an annual fee, making it worth the price tag can be simple with a few tips.

Start with the sign-up bonus. Chase gives some of the best welcome bonuses on the market, so be sure to look for cards with terms within your budget and hit the spending requirement to get some early rewards. On top of the initial earnings, be sure to use your card when spending in its specialized rewards categories. Regularly capitalizing on the high rates will save you a little extra as you spend and lead to bigger rewards. Finally, as a general rule for making any credit card worth it: Don’t overspend and pay on time. Making your payments in a sufficient, timely manner is the primary focus of the most competent credit card users.

How we picked the best Chase credit cards

Research Methodology: We analyzed Chase’s suite of credit cards to identify their top credit cards currently on the market. The major factors we considered were:

• Base rewards program: Does the card provide ways to earn worthwhile rewards? Thanks to Chase Ultimate Rewards, most Chase cards have strong rewards structures. We sought out the best ones to capitalize on.
• Available bonuses: Many Chase cards feature welcome bonuses and other promotional offers, giving out bundles of points, cash back or a free night at a hotel. Finding bonuses that are worth the spending and effort helped narrow down our top options.
• Rewards flexibility: With so many hotel, airline and travel choices available, we looked to find cards that give you worthwhile redemption and transfer options when it comes to redeeming rewards. Although some of the cards here have an obvious partner, you might be surprised at what you’re capable of doing with your points.
• Other rates and fees: We also looked at whether the card carried reasonable APRs, has an introductory APR offer and whether it comes with an annual fee. If a card is pricey in these departments, other important factors should make up for the costs.

Additional information on Chase credit cards

For more information on all things Chase credit cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• Chase Offers program guide
• How to transfer a balance to a Chase credit card
• Guide to the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal
• How to get preapproved for a Chase card

About the Author

Joey Robinson

Joey Robinson worked at a “Big Four” (Ernst & Young) accounting firm before exploring the world of credit cards. After learning proper professional and financial practices through federal audits, he moved on to his second job, where he was introduced to CreditCards.com/Bankrate as a data analyst. As time passed, his interests drifted away from data analysis and into the communication of credit card essentials. Over the past two years, he’s shared his expertise and has brought understanding to complex topics as a writer and editor for sites like CreditCards.com, Bankrate.com and NextAdvisor. His advice on avoiding common credit card fees, top balance transfer tactics and more financial tips have been featured on MSN Money and other various news publications.

About the Editor

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Reviewer

Nouri Zarrugh

Nouri Zarrugh is a staff editor at CreditCards.com, focusing on credit card reviews, product news and recommendations. Also a fiction writer, he won the Keene Prize for Literature and holds an MFA in creative writing from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin.