Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire

Compare Rewards, Interest Rates, Fees, and Benefits


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Chase Sapphire Preferred is a high-earning rewards card for those with excellent credit. How does it compare to Chase Freedom Unlimited, a cash back card? Read our comparison chart below.

Keep in mind, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee, while the Chase Freedom Unlimited has a $0 annual fee.

 
Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire
Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire
 
Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire
Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire
 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

 

Credit Card Summary

 
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.

See Current Offer

  • Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% 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!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.99% - 26.74%.
  • 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, real-time alerts, and more.

See Current Offer

 

Credit Card Interest Rates & Fees

Introductory APR for PurchasesN/A 0% introductory APR for 15 months
Introductory APR for Balance TransfersN/A 0% introductory APR for 15 months
Purchase APR18.99% to 25.99% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors 17.99% to 26.74% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors
Balance Transfers APR18.99% to 25.99% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors 17.99% to 26.74% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors
Foreign Transaction Fee$0 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Annual Fee$95 annual fee $0 annual fee
 

Credit Card Rewards & Benefits

Introductory Bonus Cash Back  Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Introductory Bonus OfferEarn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.  
Cash Back Rewards  Enjoy 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
Travel Rewards5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases  
Airline Rewards1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs  
Bonus Hotel Rewards$50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit  
Hotel Rewards1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs  
Point Rewards5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases. Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.  
Dining Rewards3X points on dining Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
Airline Transfer PartnersChase airline transfer partners include United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, British Airways, Air Canada, Air France, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Iberia, Emirates, and Aer Lingus.  
 Go to issuer's official application, terms, and details Go to issuer's official application, terms, and details
 

CreditDonkey® Credit Card Reviews

 
Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire
Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire
Pros & ConsPros:
  • Generous bonus points
  • Flexible travel rewards
  • Travel, purchase and security protection
  • $0 Foreign Transaction Fee
Cons:
  • $95 annual fee
  • No intro APR
Pros:
  • Intro Cash Back Offer
  • Intro APR
  • No annual fee
Cons:
  • Foreign transaction fee
Bottom LineHigh-earning rewards card for those with excellent credit... Read full review Great cash back credit card for everyday purchases... Read full review
 
Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire
Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire

See issuer's website for details including terms and conditions. While reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate and updated information, the information shown on this site may vary, be out of date, or not applicable to you. All information is provided without warranty. When you click on the Apply Now button, you can review the terms and conditions on the issuer's website.

Blank fields may indicate the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the issuer's website for details.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by Chase. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase.


Articles on Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card


Articles on Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire

Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire

Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Score

Chase Freedom Unlimited usually requires a good credit score (680+). But this is not the only deciding factor. Find out how to improve your odds.

Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire

Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Limit

Many Chase Freedom Unlimited users receive a credit limit of $1,000 - $3,000. Find out how Chase determines your credit limit and how to get an increase.



Compare Chase Sapphire Preferred to:

Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Intro APR (Purchases) Intro APR (Balance Transfer) Regular APR
N/A N/A

19.99% - 26.99% Variable

Annual Fee

$550

Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire

American Express® Gold Card

Terms Apply | Read Review |

See Rates & Fees

Intro APR (Purchases) Intro APR (Balance Transfer) Regular APR
N/A N/A

19.74% - 26.74% Variable

Annual Fee

$250

Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Terms Apply | Read Review |

See Rates & Fees

Intro APR (Purchases) Intro APR (Balance Transfer) Regular APR
N/A N/A See Pay Over Time APR
Annual Fee

$695


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Difference between chase freedom and chase sapphire

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What is the difference between Chase Freedom and Chase Sapphire?

Chase Freedom Unlimited is better for everyday use and intro APRs. But Chase Sapphire Preferred is the clear choice for travel rewards and a big initial bonus. Sapphire Preferred also has a $0 foreign transaction fee, while Freedom Unlimited charges 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

When should I use Chase Sapphire vs freedom?

You should use the Sapphire Reserve when booking travel, since you'll earn more points and gain valuable trip coverage. All other spending should go on the Chase Freedom Unlimited. The card offers elevated bonuses on common spending categories.

Can you convert Chase Freedom to Sapphire?

Yes, you can typically upgrade a Chase Freedom card to another card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. However, you must still be approved for the card to which you want to upgrade. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has higher credit score and income requirements. An upgrade approval is not guaranteed.

Is it worth getting a Chase Sapphire card?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will be a match if you want a card that offers versatile travel rewards and that doesn't cost much per year. It's loaded with great travel perks, includes a hotel credit and anniversary points bonus, and offers high earning rates in a few new categories.