Best Chase Credit Cards
Chase Bank offers several different credit cards with a variety of rewards programs. Whether you’re looking for a travel-focused card or a cash back card, Chase likely has a credit card designed to meet your needs.
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Chase Bank is one of the most popular card issuers and offers a variety of cash back, travel, and other rewards credit cards. However, most people familiar with Chase credit cards know the company because of its focus on premium travel rewards cards and flexible travel redemption. Those who love to take to the skies for vacation, work travel, or a combination of the two will have their pick of the best Chase credit cards offering travel perks.
However, Chase cards aren’t restricted to travelers alone. In fact, they’re becoming increasingly popular among all card users because of the generous Chase Ultimate Rewards program which can not only be redeemed for travel, but also for cash back, gift cards, and purchases with Amazon or Apple.
With so many Chase cards on offer, figuring out which is the best Chase credit card for you may be overwhelming – but we can help. We’ve identified the best Chase credit cards for cash back, travel, and business based on rewards, cardholder perks, and potential downsides.
Here are our picks for the best Chase credit card offers of 2019:
Best Chase Travel Credit Cards
Here are a few of the best Chase credit card offers for travelers.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Annual Fee: $450
- APR: 19.24% – 24.24% variable APR
- Benefits: Earn 3x points on travel (after using the full travel credit) and dining
- Category: Rewards Credit Card
Highlights
- Sign-Up Bonus: New members earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months
- Rewards Rate: Earn three times the points on travel purchases, three times the points at restaurants, and one point for every dollar spent on all other purchases
- APR: No introductory APR, 19.24% to 26.24% variable APR on purchases
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $450
- Recommended Credit Score: Excellent
Benefits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card is one of the best Chase credit cards available because of its high sign-up bonus and impressive travel rewards for cardmembers. Cardmembers who spend at least $4,000 within the first three months can earn 50,000 bonus points. Cardmembers also receive a $300 travel credit each year that can be used for travel-related purchases.
This Chase credit card also offers three times the points on all travel-related purchases and all dining around the world. Cardmembers earn one point for every dollar spent on all other purchases as well. That makes it one of the more generous of the Chase rewards cards.
The biggest perk is that cardmembers get 50% more buying power when they redeem points through the Ultimate Rewards Program. For those who spend enough to cover the annual fee, this card can generate a serious amount of points that can be used for travel, cash back, or a combination of the two.
Downsides
One of the biggest downsides to this Chase credit card is the annual fee. Coming in at a significant $450 each year, the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card is not for those light on cash. Cardmembers have to spend enough with the Chase credit card to overcome that fee every year.
Additionally, this card has an additional fee of $75 for each authorized user added to the account. Although there are no foreign transaction fees, these other charges can add up. Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card members also have no access to 0% promotional APRs for balance transfers or purchases, even as a new cardmember.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 18.24% – 25.24% variable APR
- Benefits: Earn 2x points on travel and dining
- Category: Rewards Credit Card
Highlights
- Sign-Up Bonus: New members can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months
- Rewards Rate: Earn double points on travel and dining purchases and one point for every dollar spent on all other purchases
- APR: 18.24% to 25.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $95
- Recommended Credit Score: Excellent
Benefits
The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is another travel-focused rewards credit card that offers several benefits to cardmembers. First, a 60,000 point signup bonus is available for new cardmembers who make at least $4,000 in purchases within the first three months.
This Chase credit card also ranks as one of the best because of its unlimited rewards potential for all purchases. Cardmembers earn double points on travel and dining, as well as one point for all other spending. The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card also offers a one-to-one point transfer for other travel loyalty programs, and the card charges no foreign transaction fees.
Downsides
There are a few downsides to the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, including the $95 annual fee. However, cardmembers can easily offset this charge by spending enough to generate rewards throughout the year. Cardmembers also do not have access to a promotional balance transfer or intro APR on purchases, making this card a less attractive choice for those who plan to pay off a balance over time. This Chase credit card also has a lower rewards rate than the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Best Chase Cards for Cash Back
Some of the best Chase credit cards don’t involve travel-specific rewards. Instead, the credit card issuer also provides options for those who want a simple cash back rewards credit card. Here are the best Chase credit cards for that purpose.
Chase Freedom Card
Chase Freedom
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% for first 15 months on purchases & balance transfers; 17.24% – 25.99% variable APR after that
- Benefits: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories and unlimited 1% cash back on everyday purchases
- Category: Rewards Credit Card
Highlights
- Sign-Up Bonus: New cardmembers can get a $150 cash back bonus after spending $500 in the first three months
- Rewards Rate: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories and 1% cash back on all other purchases
- APR: 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, a variable APR of 17.24% to 25.99% after the promotional period ends
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $0
- Recommended Credit Score: Fair to Good
Benefits
The Chase Freedom credit card is a simple cash-back credit card offering extra rewards in bonus categories. Cardmembers can earn 5% on specific types of spending each quarter, up to $1,500 in combined purchases. All other purchases earn 1% cash back without any limitations. This rewards program can be beneficial for cardmembers who spend strategically in bonus categories each quarter.
This Chase credit card also offers flexibility in rewards redemption, as there is no minimum cash back required to redeem. The card also offers contactless payment, and charges no annual fee.
Downsides
The biggest downside to the Chase Freedom card is the restrictions placed on bonus rewards. Each quarter, the categories change, and cardmembers must activate their 5% cash back categories to earn the extra points for that timeframe. The spending limit of $1,500 per quarter on bonus categories can also mean reduced rewards potential, especially compared to flat-rate rewards credit cards. Although there is no annual fee for the card, the limits on cash back rewards means the card provides less value for big spenders.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% for first 15 months on purchases & balance transfers; 17.24% – 25.99% variable APR after that
- Benefits: Earn 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases
- Category: Rewards Credit Card
Highlights
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 3% cash back on purchases up to $20,000 in your first year
- Rewards Rate: Earn 3% cash back on up to $20,000 in purchases in the first year and earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
- APR: 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; variable APR of 17.24% to 25.99% afterward
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: No annual fee
- Recommended Credit Score: Good to excellent
Benefits
The Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card is another cash back card from Chase, but this one offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases. New cardmembers also get a bonus of 3% cash back on all spending in the first year, up to $20,000 in purchases. This Chase credit card also does not put a time limit on redeeming cash back rewards and points do not expire. Cardmembers also pay no annual fee, and they have access to contactless payment with the card. There are also no categories to manage each to maximize cash back back rewards.
Downsides
The Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card offers a sign-up bonus of sorts, but it’s not as generous as other sign-up bonuses because it requires cardmembers to spend $20,000. That’s a lot of spending for a marginal cash back reward. Also, the 1.5% cash back reward on all other spending is lower than some other cash back credit cards, offering less value for those who plan to do a lot of spending.
Best Chase Cards for Businesses
In addition to travel rewards credit cards and cash back card options, Chase credit cards are also available for business owners. Chase business credit cards can provide qualified business owners with the ability to generate travel or cash back rewards from everyday business spending. Here are a few options for the best Chase credit cards for business.
Chase Ink Business Cash Card
Chase Ink Business Cash Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% intro for 12 months on purchases; 15.49% – 21.49% variable APR after that
- Benefits: Earn cash back on everyday purchases
- Category: Business Credit Card
Highlights
- Sign-Up Bonus: New members can get $500 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 in the first three months
- Rewards Rate: Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent at office supply stores or on Internet, cable and phone services each year; 2% cash back up to $25,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases
- APR: 0% purchase APR for 12 months after account opening; variable APR of 15.49% to 21.49% after that
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $0
- Recommended Credit Score: Good to excellent
Benefits
The Chase Ink Cash Business credit card is a great option for small business owners who spend in certain categories. The credit card provides 5% cash back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and on Internet, cable, and phone service providers, each year. Cardmembers also earn 2% cash back on up to $25,000 in spending at gas stations and restaurants each year as well as 1% on all other purchases. For those who spend heavily in the specific categories, cash back rewards can add up.
New cardmembers also receive a sign-up bonus of $500 after spending $3,000 in the first three months after opening an account. Cash back rewards are easy to redeem for gift cards, cash back, or Ultimate Rewards options through Chase. There is also no annual fee, making this a cost-efficient card for small businesses.
Downsides
Although there is no annual fee for this Chase credit card, small business owners are limited to earning the higher cash back rate only in certain categories. And, both the 2% and 5% cash back is only available on up to $25,000 in spending in a year so business owners who spend over these amounts may want to look for a flat-rate cash back card instead. There’s also no balance transfer option for new cardmembers.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 18.24% – 23.24% variable APR
- Benefits: Earn 3x points on the first $150,000 spent when you spend in select categories
- Category: Business Credit Card
Highlights
- Sign-Up Bonus: New members receive 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months
- Rewards Rate: Earn triple points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases on travel, shipping, Internet, cable, and phone service providers, and web-based advertising. Earn one point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- APR: No introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers, 18.24% to 23.24% variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $95
- Recommended Credit Score: Excellent
Benefits
The Chase Ink Preferred Business credit card is one of the best Chase credit cards for business owners because of the impressive sign-up bonus offered to new cardmembers. The bonus of 80,000 is available after spending at least $5,000 in the first three months.
Cardmembers with this Chase credit card also earn additional rewards when spending in certain categories, up to the annual spending limit of $150,000. This can be beneficial for business owners who spend heavily on shipping, travel, service providers, and social media or web-based advertising.
Downsides
Although the Chase Ink Preferred Business card has several benefits, small business owners need to spend a significant amount to earn the initial sign-up bonus. Additionally, the bonus is the most beneficial when redeemed for Ultimate Rewards Program benefits, not cash back. Cardmembers also pay an annual fee of $95, and there is no option for promotional purchase or balance transfer APRs. Small business owners may also find the spending categories too restrictive for the higher cash back rates, making another, more flexible card the best credit card in the end.
