13 best Chase credit cards in September 2024
Published 5:08 PM EDT, Fri February 2, 2024
Chase offers a wide selection of rewards credit cards, but only one of them will be the best Chase credit card for you. If you have strong credit and spend a lot on travel, you’ll evaluate different options than if you’re working to build a credit score. And if you’re a small business owner, you may need the best Chase business credit card. Read on to learn more about Chase’s credit card offerings and identify the best card for you.
Our team of experts reviewed over?three dozen Chase?cards, evaluating factors such as rewards value and annual fees. Using a data-based approach, we narrowed down the list to the top 13 credit cards that scored highly based on our weightings.?Read our full methodology below.
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Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card: Best Chase credit card
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Chase Sapphire Reserve?: Best card for upscale travel benefits and protections
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Chase Freedom Unlimited?: Best card for general spending
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Chase Freedom Flex?: *
The information for the Chase Freedom Flex? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Chase Freedom Rise?: *
The information for the Chase Freedom Rise? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Ink Business Preferred? Credit Card: Best business credit card
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Ink Business Cash? Credit Card: Best no-annual-fee business credit card
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card: *
The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: *
The information for the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: *
The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Southwest? Rapid Rewards? Premier Business Credit Card: Best airline business credit card
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United Gateway? Card: Best no-annual-fee airline credit card
We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Offer placements, which impacts how and where their offer is displayed.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Our picks at a glance
Annual fee | Welcome bonus | Best for | Top rewards rate | |
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Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card
| $95
| 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
| Chase
| 5 points per dollar on eligible travel booked with Chase Travel?
|
Chase Sapphire Reserve?
| $550
| 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
| Upscale travel benefits and protection
| 10 points per dollar on eligible hotel and car rental spending with Chase Travel?
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Chase Freedom Unlimited?
| $0
| Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent in the first year, worth up to $300 cash back
| General spending
| 5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel?
|
Chase Freedom Flex? * The information for the Chase Freedom Flex? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. | $0
| $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening
| Rotating bonus categories
| 5% back in quarterly bonus categories and on travel booked through Chase Travel?
|
Chase Freedom Rise? * The information for the Chase Freedom Rise? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. | $0
| $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of account opening
| Building credit
| 1.5% cash back on all purchases
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Ink Business Preferred? Credit Card
| $95
| 90,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
| Business
| 3 points on your first $150,000 spent on travel and select business expenses each account anniversary year
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Ink Business Cash? Credit Card
| $0
| $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
| No-annual-fee business
| 5% cash back on your first $25,000 spent in combined purchases in select business categories each each account anniversary year
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card * The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. | $95
| three free night awards after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
| Hotels
| 6 points per dollar on spending at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
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IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card * The information for the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. | $0
| 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
| No-annual-fee card for hotels
| 5 points per dollar on spending at IHG Hotels & Resorts
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IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card * The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. | $99
| 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| Hotel business spending
| 10 points per dollar at IHG Hotels & Resorts
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Aeroplan? Credit Card
| $95
| Earn 70,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| Airline spending
| 3 points per dollar on Air Canada purchases and on groceries and restaurant dining
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Southwest? Rapid Rewards? Premier Business Credit Card
| $99
| 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
| Airline business spending
| 3 points per dollar on Southwest Airlines purchases
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United Gateway? Card
| $0
| 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases
| Airline spending with no annual fee
| 2 miles per dollar on United purchases and local transit and commuting and at gas stations
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Types of Chase credit cards
Chase’s credit cards fit into three main categories.
- Chase Travel cards. Chase Travel? is the issuer’s rewards program, and points function like a currency. You can use your points to book travel and experiences, cover eligible spending, or purchase gift cards. Eligible cards also permit 1-to-1 transfers to partner airline and hotel loyalty programs. You can even transfer points between certain Chase cards to maximize the value of your points (for example, a point earned on your Chase Freedom Unlimited is worth 1 cent when redeemed for cash back. If you transfer it to your Sapphire Preferred account, it’s worth 1.25 cents if redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel? program.)
- Co-branded cards. Chase partners with United Airlines, Amazon, Disney and other brands to offer cards that earn rewards tailored for customers of each company.
- Business cards. Chase offers co-branded business credit cards and business credit cards that earn Chase Travel?.
The pros and cons of Chase credit cards
Pros
- Range of personal and business card options: Chase offers no-annual-fee cards, mid-range rewards cards and luxury travel cards. Regardless of your spending habits, you can likely find a Chase card with rewards to match.
- Chase Travel? perks: Cards that earn Chase Travel? come with a variety of redemption options. You can book travel, get cash back, cover eligible purchases and more. Eligible cards also allow users to transfer points to one of Chase’s travel partners.
Cons
- Not good for credit beginners: Chase doesn’t offer any secured or student credit cards to new applicants. The Chase Freedom Rise? * The information for the Chase Freedom Rise? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is the only option marketed toward consumers who are new to credit.
- Possible rewards restrictions: Some cards cap or restrict earnings in top bonus categories. For example, you’ll only earn 5% back on travel with Chase Freedom Unlimited if you book through Chase Travel?, which can be inconvenient.
- 5/24 application restriction: Chase has an unwritten policy that often stops consumers who have opened five or more credit cards from any bank in the past 24 months from getting approved for Chase cards.
Key factors for choosing a Chase credit card
When choosing a Chase credit card, consider five key questions:
- Are you willing to pay an annual fee? Chase offers no-annual-fee rewards cards, such as Chase Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex, as well as higher-end cards that charge annual fees, such as the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve. The more expensive cards often offer better rewards and benefits, so do the math to see if the charge is worth it.
- Are you equipped to work with travel loyalty programs? With some Chase credit cards, you’ll have the option to transfer Chase Travel? points to airline and hotel loyalty programs. With a co-branded card like the Aeroplan? Credit Card, you’ll be working with a loyalty program to begin with. While these cards have more potential value than a more straightforward option like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you’ll need to invest time to get the most out of your points or miles.
- Can you unlock the welcome bonus? Almost all of the best Chase cards offer a welcome bonus that you can unlock by spending a certain amount in your first months with the card. When evaluating a card, check whether the spending requirement will fit within your regular budget. Never overspend simply to get a welcome bonus.
- What card benefits will you use? Possible perks of your Chase card include a 0% introductory APR, statement credits to cover eligible travel spending and free nights at eligible hotels. Consider which credit card benefits matter most to you before you choose a Chase card.
- Do you already have a Chase card? Cards that earn Chase Travel? may allow cardholders to consolidate points from their Chase cards and the Chase cards of others in their households. If you already have the Freedom Flex, for example, you may be especially interested in the Sapphire Preferred because pooling your points into your Sapphire Preferred account will increase their potential value.
How to apply for a Chase credit card
It’s possible to apply for a Chase credit card online or in person at a bank branch. Chase doesn’t currently offer credit card preapproval, so it won’t provide insight on your approval odds before you officially apply. When you apply for a credit card, be prepared to provide personal and financial information.
Understanding the Chase 5/24 rule
Chase’s 5/24 rule is an unwritten policy that bars consumers who have opened at least five credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months from approval for Chase cards. Most business cards won’t contribute to the count.
Gaining a better credit limit with Chase
Chase allows cardholders to request credit limit increases through their online accounts. Chase says requesting a higher credit limit won’t affect your credit score. You may need to provide your gross annual income and monthly housing payment as part of your request.
In advertising the Chase Freedom Rise? * The information for the Chase Freedom Rise? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Chase says credit limit increases may be considered as few as six months after a cardholder opens an account. Consumers with the Chase Slate Edge? * The information for the Chase Slate Edge? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. receive an automatic credit limit review if they make all payments on time and spend at least $500 in their first six months with the card.
Methodology
Our money and data analytics teams evaluated all of the Chase credit cards currently available to new applicants. We then narrowed down our list of the best Chase cards by giving them a star rating out of five, based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:
Sign-up bonus value (25%)
Many Chase cards offer bonus rewards to consumers who spend a certain amount in their first months with the card. We calculated how much those bonuses are worth using points valuations from The Points Guy, and boosted cards that offer more value.
Rewards value (25%)
Many Chase credit cards earn rewards, but not all of their rewards have the same value. We used spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and estimates of rewards values from The Points Guy to determine which cards dole out the best rewards value.
Benefits (20%)
Cards that offer benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty and a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers received a boost.
Annual fee (20%)
Credit cards with no or low annual fees received a boost compared to cards that charge higher annual fees.
Foreign transaction fee (5%)
Cards with no foreign transaction fee received the largest advantage.
Annual credits/bonuses (5%)
Credit cards that come with credits and bonuses for spending in certain categories received a boost.
What didn’t make the cut
- Ink Business Premier? Credit Card: While this card offers 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and 2% back on other purchases, it charges a high annual fee and you can’t transfer rewards to airline and hotel partners.
- Ink Business Unlimited? Credit Card: Business owners who want to earn flat-rate rewards can get good use from this card, but there are no bonus categories for cash back.
- The World of Hyatt Credit Card * The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : Hyatt loyalists can get solid value from this card, but Hyatt’s relatively limited number of locations compared to other chains makes other co-branded hotel cards more appealing to average travelers.
- Chase Slate Edge? * The information for the Chase Slate Edge? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : This card comes with a long introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases, but it does not earn rewards.
- United? Explorer Card: United loyalists can get strong value from this card, but the Aeroplan? Credit Card beat it out in our ratings.
- Prime Visa * The information for the Prime Visa has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : Amazon and Whole Foods customers can get a lot out of this card, but you’ll need to pay for a Prime membership to take advantage.
- Instacart Mastercard? * The information for the Instacart Mastercard? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : You’ll earn solid rewards on groceries, but only if you use Instacart.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Consumers looking for the easiest Chase card to get approved for should consider the?Chase Freedom Rise, which is the only card that Chase markets to credit card beginners.
You can check the status of your Chase credit card application by calling 888-338-2586. Your credit card application decision (or a follow-up request) should come within two weeks of your application, according to Chase.
The rewards system on a Chase credit card may depend on the card. Some personal and business credit cards earn rewards through the issuer’s program (Chase Chase Travel?), while co-branded cards earn rewards with the relevant brand (such as United Airlines or Amazon). The Chase Slate Edge??does not offer any rewards.
All information about Chase Freedom Flex?, Chase Freedom Rise?, Chase Slate Edge?, IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, Instacart Mastercard?, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless? Credit Card, Prime Visa and The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines, hotel chain, or other commercial entity and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of such entities.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended and should not be understood to constitute financial, investment, insurance or legal advice. All individuals are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified financial professional before making any financial, insurance or investment decisions.
Note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed or may no longer be available.