Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Blue Cash Preferred Card from AMEX 2024

If you’re looking for a new cash-back credit card, card_name and card_name are worth considering. Both can help you rake in a hefty sum of cash-back rewards each year at a low cost.

card_name carries no annual fee. card_name costs nothing for the first year, then $95 per annum (Rates & Fees)—still a small price to pay for all the card offers.

How the cards stack up

Amex Blue Cash Preferred is our top pick, but Chase Freedom Unlimited isn’t too far behind. Here’s why:

Welcome bonus

With the card_name, You can bonus_miles_full.

The card_name is more generous, though only if you spend more money. Purchases of at least $3,000 are required in the first six months to get the $250 welcome bonus. That should be feasible for many customers, making the bonus offered by card_name the better deal.

Welcome bonus winner: card_name

Rewards

The winner here depends on whether the card will be used for everyday purchases or travel.

Here’s how the reward program breaks down for card_name:

• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

card_name offers the following:

• 6% cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
• 6% cash back on select streaming service subscriptions
• 3% cash back on gas station and transportation-related purchases, including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, and buses
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Terms Apply

It’s worth noting that rewards earned with card_name never expire, and there are no cash-back minimums for redemption.

Furthermore, the 6% reward offered by card_name is capped at $6,000 annually. Once you’ve reached the spending limit, the cash-back reward drops to 1%.

Rewards winner: Tie

Annual fee

card_name comes out on top with annual_fees annual fee. With card_name, there’s a annual_fees (Rates & Fees).

Annual fee winner: card_name

APR

The APR ranges are relatively close on both cards. card_name comes with a reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR. card_name’s APR ranges between reg_apr,reg_apr_type (Rates & Fees).

Overall, card_name is the better choice. It has a lower maximum APR and offers a slightly longer interest-free period on purchases and balance transfers.

APR winner: card_name

Foreign transaction fee

Purchases on card_name are subject to a foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fee (Rates & Fees). It comes in slightly higher at foreign_transaction_fee for card_name, making card_name the top pick in this category.

Foreign transaction fee winner: card_name

Additional perks

Both cards feature impressive benefits considering the annual fee.

card_name’s additional perks include::

• An annual referral bonus of $100 for each friend who gets any participating Chase Freedom credit card.
• Purchase and extended warranty protections
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Auto rental coverage
• Emergency travel assistance
• Instacart, DoorDash, and Lyft discounts and incentives
• Free credit score updates with Chase Credit Journey

With card_name, cardholders enjoy the following:

• Travel and purchase protections

• $7 monthly statement credit for The Disney Bundle

• Return protection

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

• Exclusive access to entertainment experiences

• Auto rental coverage

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

• Emergency travel assistance

The presence of a few more key extras, including Chase Credit Journey and the annual referral bonus, puts card_name on top in this category.

Additional perks winner: card_name

Which card earns the most

Here’s what you earn when you spend $800 in each category:

card_name has the highest earning potential for everyday spending. Cardholders who regularly use the card for grocery and gasoline purchases or transportation are heavily rewarded.

However, if you travel often, card_name could be the better option. You’ll earn a generous 5% on travel arrangements booked through the cardholder’s reward platform, compared to the measly 1% offered by card_name.

Our recommendations

Why we recommend card_name

card_name offers a generous $250 cash-back welcome bonus. Plus, you’ll earn more for common purchases, such as spending at the supermarket, at the gas station, or for transportation and have access to an assortment of perks without paying an annual fee for the first year (Rates & Fees).

Why you would still opt for card_name

card_name is worth considering for its easily accessible welcome cash-back bonus and travel rewards. It also appeals to people who dine out a lot or spend a lot of money at drugstores and people who want to consolidate debt—the card offers an interest-free introductory period of 15 months on balance transfers.

This card also has card_name beat on annual fees, extra benefits, and cash back on everyday purchases that don’t fit into the bonus spending categories.

The bottom line

Both cards are a good fit for cash-back rewards, but the one that’s best for you depends on how you spend. Assess your spending patterns to determine if you’ll gain more value from card_name or card_name.

For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When should I use card_name vs. card_name?

card_name lets you maximize your earnings with travel accommodations booked through the rewards portal, dining purchases, and drugstore purchases. But you can earn more on grocery purchases, public transportation, gas station purchases, and select streaming-service subscriptions with the card_name.

Is it worth upgrading to the card_name?

It depends on your spending. The card_name does come with a annual_fees (Rates & Fees), so the bulk of your spending should be in the bonus categories to make the card worthwhile.

Is card_name hard to get?

card_name caters to consumers with good or excellent credit. A credit score of at least 700 is preferred, and the APR you’ll pay once the introductory interest-free period ends is determined by this number.

Which alternative credit cards are there for everyday purchases?

There are several options to choose from. One of the better picks include card_name.