The diverse wallet of travel rewards credit cards can be divided into two main groups: There are all-stars, cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® that turn heads with massive welcome bonuses, luxury perks and big bonus category multipliers. Then you have the utility players, cards that do the heavy lifting but never get the credit they deserve. Finally, while earning 3 points per dollar on travel and dining with Sapphire Reserve is nice, the average person makes a fair share of purchases in non-bonus categories.
When it comes to cards that are good for everyday spending, few can compare to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. This is one of the most underrated credit cards on the market and one that I use frequently. Today, we’ll look at the best cards to pair with Chase Freedom Unlimited. Because while it complements the rest of my wallet beautifully, it’s not necessarily a shining star on its own.
You’ll find that the first few cards on this list, other Chase cards, are essential to unlocking the full potential of Chase Freedom Unlimited. This is because Freedom Unlimited earns cash-back points worth 1 cent each, but if you have any Chase Ultimate Rewards points-earning card (which usually carries an annual fee), you collect your points from Freedom Unlimited. Can and can change it. Transferable points that you can redeem with Chase’s airline and hotel partners — more than double their value to 2.05 cents, based on TPG’s July 2024 valuation.
Here’s what you need to know.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $550
Why they pair well: There aren’t many cards that the Sapphire Reserve doesn’t pair well with, but when you pair it with the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you get Chase the Trifecta. Sapphire Reserve brings top-notch travel benefits to the table, including Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, 3 points per dollar on travel (excluding $300 travel credit) and dining and a host of other benefits. Registration is required for select benefits.
The $550 annual fee is mostly offset by a $300 annual travel credit, and you’ll get a 50% bonus when you redeem points directly through the Chase portal (giving you 1.5 cents per point). Most importantly, CSR allows you to convert your cash-back points from Freedom Unlimited into transferable Ultimate Rewards points.
Apply at: Chase Sapphire Reserve
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Inc Business Preferred Credit Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn 120,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $95
Why they pair well: If you’re a business owner and aren’t quite sold on the Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® credit card can be a great option that lets you transfer points from your Chase Freedom Unlimited to airline and hotel partners. The card has a manageable annual fee of $95 and earns 3 points per dollar on your first $150,000 in combined spending in the following categories:
- Travel including airfare, hotels, rental cars, train tickets and taxis
- Buy shipping
- Internet, cable and phone services
- Buy ads through social media sites and search engines
You’ll also get a 25% bonus when you redeem points directly through the Chase portal (making you 1.25 cents per point), which can be a good option for last-minute trips when you can’t find award space.
Apply here: Inc Business Preferred Credit Card
Platinum Card from American Express
Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Annual Fee: $695 (see rates and fees)
Why they pair well: Assuming you already have a Chase points-earning card like the Sapphire or Ink Preferred, it’s worth looking at how best to diversify your points earnings. Since the Chase Freedom Unlimited is great for everyday, non-bonus spending, you’ll want a card with strong bonus categories to complement it. The Platinum Card® from American Express is a great choice because it offers 5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline and airfare and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
The $695 annual fee is decidedly on the high side, but it’s counterbalanced by a number of valuable statement credits and benefits. The Platinum Card also comes with the most comprehensive airport lounge benefits, including Priority Pass Select membership, access to the Amex Centurion Lounge, and access to Delta Sky Clubs when you’re flying Delta. You’ll also enjoy complimentary Marriott and Hilton Gold elite status, as well as a number of other travel benefits. Registration is required for select benefits.
Apply here: Amex Platinum
American Express Gold Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Plus, get 20% back statement credit, up to $100 back, on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide in the first six months. Offer ends on November 6.
Annual Fee: $325 (see rates and fees)
Why they pair well: Following the theme of diversifying your earnings, the American Express® Gold Card is a great choice to add to your wallet as long as you already have a Chase Sapphire or Inc Preferred (to transfer your Freedom Unlimited points to). The card has fantastic earning rates on dining and grocery purchases and statement credits that cover its annual fee, making it a TPG staff favorite.
Apply here: Amex Gold
Bottom line
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is definitely a card worth having, but since it’s technically billed as a cash-back card, it shouldn’t be the only card in your wallet.
Instead, if you pair it with the right Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning cards and find other cards with complementary bonus categories, you can build a solid earning strategy around Chase Freedom Unlimited to unlock a powerful point-earning structure.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Credit Card Combinations
For Amex Platinum rates and fees, click here.
For Amex Gold rates and fees, click here.