If you’re on the hunt for a credit card with great cash back rewards, look no further than the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Citi Double Cash cards. Both cards have no annual fee and offer attractive introductory APR offers. However, when it comes to earning potential, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card takes the lead. Not only that, it also comes with a generous welcome bonus that the Citi Double Cash card lacks.
How the cards stack up
Let’s take a quick look at what each card has to offer:
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | Citi Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer | |
|---|---|---|
| Cash back rewards | Earn 5% on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards | Earn 2% cash back on all purchases |
| Earn 3% on drugstore and dining purchases | ||
| Earn 1.5% on all other purchases | ||
| Welcome bonus | Offers a generous welcome bonus | No new cardholder incentive |
| Additional perks | Annual referral bonus, trip interruption/cancellation insurance | Exclusive access to entertainment experiences |
| Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart incentives |
Welcome bonus
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers a welcome bonus that the Citi Double Cash card does not provide. With the Chase Freedom Unlimited card, you can earn bonus miles_full upon signing up.
Welcome bonus winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Rewards
While the Citi Double Cash card keeps it simple with a flat-rate rewards system, offering bonus_miles, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card allows you to earn even more through its rewards program. Although it offers just 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases, you can earn 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 5% on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Rewards winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Annual fee
Neither card charges an annual fee.
Annual fee winner: Tie.
APR
The Citi Double Cash card features a longer promotional APR period, but it only applies to balance transfers. On the other hand, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers an intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration. However, a foreign_transaction_fee fee applies to each balance transfer, making the Chase Freedom Unlimited card a better deal for purchases.
APR winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Foreign transaction fee
Both cards charge a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Foreign transaction fee winner: Tie.
Additional perks
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers a host of added perks, including an annual referral bonus, trip interruption and cancellation insurance, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart incentives, and more. The Citi Double Cash card, on the other hand, offers exclusive access to entertainment experiences and standard fraud protection.
Additional perks winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Which card earns the most?
The answer to this question depends on your spending patterns. Below is a breakdown of how much you’d earn if you spent $750 in each category:
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | |
|---|---|
Generally speaking, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card allows you to earn more cash back due to its bonus categories. Additionally, the table takes into account the 1% cash back earned after the purchase is repaid, making the Chase Freedom Unlimited card a more rewarding choice. It’s important to note that the table does not include earnings for travel booked through Chase Rewards, which would further increase your cash back rewards.
Our recommendations
Why we recommend Chase Freedom Unlimited
If you travel or dine out frequently, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card is the better option for you. Its welcome bonus, generous rewards program, and additional perks make it the obvious choice for maximizing your cash back rewards.
Why you would still opt for Citi Double Cash
If you prefer a card with a simple rewards program, the Citi Double Cash card could be a good fit. You’ll earn 2% cash back on all purchases, eliminating the need to make purchases in specific categories to maximize earnings. It’s also ideal for consolidating debt, offering a slightly longer promotional interest period compared to the Chase Freedom Unlimited card.
Bonus categories vs. flat rate
Both the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Citi Double Cash cards are top contenders in the cash back rewards category. The best choice for you depends on your spending habits. However, with its bonus categories and welcome cash back offer, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card is more appealing. That being said, the Citi Double Cash card is a great option if you prefer a flat-rate earning system or plan to do a balance transfer.
Ultimately, both cards are excellent choices, and with no annual fee, you can’t go wrong with either one.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is the Citi Double Cash card hard to get?
The Citi Double Cash card generally requires a good or excellent credit score of 700 or higher. You’ll also need to demonstrate a sizable amount of steady income.
What is the max credit limit on the Chase Freedom Unlimited card?
While some cardholders have reported credit limits of up to $14,000, Chase does not disclose minimum and maximum credit limits for the Chase Freedom Unlimited card.
APR is current as of April 13, 2023. APR is variable and subject to change. Please check with your credit card provider for the latest APR information.
Note: The information presented here is produced independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, visit our About page.