Best Chase Credit Cards 2023
- Find out why Chase is one of the leading credit card companies
- Discover the benefits a Chase credit card can give you
- Learn how to apply for a Chase credit card
- Get advice from our credit experts
When you have good to excellent credit, there are plenty of credit cards to choose from. It’s important that you find a card with the best value for your personal and financial needs. Whether you need a solid travel card with a low intro APR offer or a rewards-earning card with cashback, Chase has a credit card to fit your lifestyle.
Our picks for the best Chase credit cards
Best Chase Credit Cards 2022
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Chase Freedom Unlimited
Best for Flat Cashback Rate
Why we like it
We like the Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card for its impressive welcome offer, abundant rewards program, no annual fee, and zero introductory interest rate. This card has a simple cashback rate that applies to any purchase, so you don’t have to worry about rotating categories that change each quarter. Instead, you can simply use Chase Freedom Unlimited at your leisure.
As a Chase Freedom Unlimited cardmember, you can earn one point for every dollar they spend on any purchase. Chase also offers sign-up bonuses, perks, and incentives—especially for newcomers. You can increase your rewards structure if you have a credit card that allows you to stack Chase Ultimate Rewards ® points by adding the Freedom Unlimited card. You can always transfer points between your Chase cards to maximize your point value.
With a high flat cashback rate, you can pair the Freedom Unlimited with another reward credit card that offers bonus categories where you do a lot of spending; this boosts your overall rewards rate.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a solid choice for anyone interested in an everyday rewards card with a long-running intro APR.
PROS
- 1.5% cashback flat rate for regular purchases
- Flexible redemption options
- $200 welcome offer
CONS
- No annual fee
- No intro APR on balance transfers
- 3% foreign transaction fee
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great card for many types of users. It has a simple rewards structure that’s easy to understand and doesn’t come with an annual fee. The welcome bonus makes it easy to rack up plenty of cashback in the first year to get you started.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Best for Travel Rewards
Why we like it
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the entire package. First, it offers an incredible sign-up bonus that you can use towards your next trip, and the rewards rates make daily purchases an investment. Additionally, Chase offers a ten percent anniversary bonus and a $50 hotel credit each year.
You are eligible for 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 90 days upon account opening. If you use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card on daily spending like groceries, gas, restaurants, and more—you can easily meet this spending requirement—plus, you get 3X points on online grocery purchases and restaurants.
As a traveler, cards with no foreign transaction fees can save you quite a bit. Other benefits include partnering with Lyft, DashPass, and Peloton and travel and purchase coverage.
You can easily transfer your points to Chase’s loyalty programs, including tier-qualifying hotel stays and participating airlines. including United-operated flights.
As a Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholder, you can also redeem your points through the Ultimate Rewards ® program for any number of valuable rewards. Another perk worth mentioning is their 10% bonus each account anniversary year.
PROS
- 10 percent anniversary bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- Excellent welcome bonus
CONS
- $95 annual fee
- No airport lounge access
- Keep track of bonus categories
If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is the perfect Chase card for you. It is designed around dining and travel reward points, and the sign-up bonus makes the $95 annual fee worthwhile.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred may not offer luxury travel perks like airport lounge access, the money you save easily counterbalances this. This card does require an excellent credit score.
Chase Ink Business Preferred
Best for Businesses
Why we like it
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card stands as one of the best Chase cards for entrepreneurs and small businesses. If you’re interested in flexible reward redemption options, being a member of Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program, and travel rewards, Ink Preferred might be the go-to business card for you.
Cardholders don’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees with the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.
The cashback rewards structure is simple to understand, and you can even purchase rewards points for business travel. In fact, redeeming your travel rewards through the Chase travel portal increases their value and can be applied towards cruise fares, airline tickets, hotel stays, tour excursions, and rental cars. You can choose from 1:1 point transfers or a 25% redemption bonus, whichever fits your needs.
Let’s not forget that the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card has one of the most welcoming sign-up bonuses with 100,000 bonus points if you spend $15,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Each account anniversary year, you can earn 3X points for every dollar you spend on combined purchases in the following categories:
- Shipping
- Travel
- Advertising
- Internet and phone services
You can redeem any points earned for gift cards, a statement credit, cash back, travel, etc. Plus, your points never expire.
PROS
- Earn bonus points for business and travel spending
- Simple rewards redemption
- Enticing sign-up bonus
CONS
- $95 annual fee
- Cap on rewards earning
- Few business-related benefits
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a popular business credit card with some of the better points-earning rates currently available. Since it earns Ultimate Rewards points, cardmembers have flexibility on how they choose to redeem their points.
Chase Freedom Flex
Best for Bonus Categories
Why we like it
The Chase Freedom Flex offers cardholders 5% cashback categories but keep in mind that you must activate these categories every quarter. The 5% is applicable for $1,500 in quarterly purchases, after which it will drop to 1 percent.
On top of the bonus categories, there are additional rewards categories which include:
- 5% cashback on travel when you book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
- 5% cashback on grocery store purchases
- 5% cashback at restaurants
- 5% cashback with Lyft
- 5% cashback on drugstore purchases
- 1 % cashback on all other purchases
You also get a $200 welcome offer if you spend $500 within 90 days of account opening. Plus, you can take advantage of the 0% APR interest on new purchases and balance transfers.
PROS
- No annual fee
- $200 welcome bonus
- 0% intro APR
CONS
- Must have a good credit score
- Complicated rewards
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Chase Freedom Flex is a versatile entry-level cash back rewards card with rotating categories, a great sign-up bonus, and no annual fee. Plus, you are eligible for a 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers within the first 15 months of opening the account.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Best for Luxury Travel
Why we like it
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a top-tier credit card for travel-related premium rewards. It comes with travel protections and insurance, which can be a valuable asset if your trip is disrupted or if you come across unplanned expenses during your journey.
These days, having trip insurance can make or break your day. Unexpected setbacks and events are part of the travel experience, but travel insurance can provide enough coverage to keep you going by saving you hundreds of dollars.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve allows you to earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on combined purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. That’s $750 you can put towards your next trip!
Like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the Reserve allows you to earn a 10% bonus each account anniversary year.
PROS
- Balance transfer option
- No foreign transaction fees
- $300 annual credit
CONS
- $550 annual fee
- High variable APR
- Must have a good credit score
Very few other travel credit cards offer as much earning potential and protections as the Chase Sapphire Reserve. This card is perfect for frequent travelers who like luxury travel rewards. This high-end travel card comes with a $550 annual fee and earns bonus points and other benefits, like a travel credit. This card requires an excellent credit score.
Compare the Best Chase Credit Cards
About Chase credit cards
Chase credit cards have a reputation for top-of-the-line rewards, sign-up bonuses, cash back rates, Chase Ultimate Rewards points, and more. They also offer valuable co-branded hotel, airline, and retail credit cards.
Chase is internationally renowned for offering some of the best credit cards around. They also offer an excellent rewards rate program known as Chase Ultimate Rewards, which has been integral for those looking for travel perks and benefits for daily spending and other purchases. It’s no wonder the program is called Ultimate Rewards, and you can benefit greatly once you start earning them.
Chase Ultimate Rewards also provides access to partner travel programs and points transfers.
You can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for:
- Cash
- Travel points
- Amazon purchases
- Apple product purchases
- Eligible delivery service
- Gift cards
- Qualifying special events
Benefits of choosing a Chase card
Choosing a Chase card comes with various special benefits and luxury perks, making them an excellent choice over other credit card companies.
One of the nice things about Chase credit card issuers is that they offer several different credit cards, any of which can suit your lifestyle, budget, and credit score. The sky is the limit, from high-value cash back rewards cards to points-earning travel credit cards and high-earning business cards.
When looking at Chase credit cards, pay attention to certain perks like travel insurance, purchase protection insurance, rental car insurance, co-branded hotel or airline cards, and any other factor that can help you decide which Chase card best fits your needs.
While rewards structure and benefits can vary depending on the card, there are overall benefits of choosing a Chase card, which include:
- Easy-to-earn points you can easily redeem: You can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for cash back, statement credits, and more. When you redeem points for travel purchased through the Chase travel portal, you can increase the value of your bonus points by half. You can also transfer points to hotel or airline partners for even more value.
- Sign-up bonuses: Chase cards are often generous with their welcome bonuses, which require newcomers to sign up and meet a minimum spending requirement within a limited time.
- Statement credits: Many Chase cards offer non-bonus statement credits that can be applied toward travel or food purchases.
- Travel protection and benefits: Chase cards often come with travel-related benefits that include trip interruption or cancellation insurance, car rental insurance, baggage insurance, etc. It’s impossible to predict when something will go wrong, but you can move around with peace of mind knowing that Chase has you covered during an emergency away from home.
- Purchase protection: Your Chase card can provide purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on qualifying items and other purchases.
Using your Chase card wisely can bestow you with Ultimate Rewards points, perks, rewards, and many other features.
One of the best moves you can make involves starting a relationship with Chase that can, over time, open doors of opportunity that can serve you throughout a lifetime.
What types of rewards do Chase cards offer?
Chase is a great addition to any wallet, especially considering the types of credit cards they can offer. From travel miles to cash back points to statement credit reimbursements and student cards—you should have no issues finding the perfect match that can help you earn travel miles or points based on your spending habits.
Rewards Rate Cards
Most Chase credit card issuers make it easy for you to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points through combined purchases. Most cards allow you to earn 1-3X points for every dollar you spend, typically at restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, gas stations, and travel. Chase typically offers flexible redemption options like statement credits, gift cards, and cash back. Some rewards cards also offer annual points each anniversary year.
Travel Cards
Cardholders who travel frequently may find immense value in travel-specific cards. Travel cards allow you to earn points for every dollar you spend on hotel stays and flights. The type of travel card you choose will determine the value per mile and point system. Many travel cards are also co-branded for additional value.
Co-branded travel cards
Grabbing a co-branded credit card for those who are loyal to a specific airline or hotel brand can expedite earnings in that individual program while giving you brand-specific benefits (such as free checked bags for some airline cards) or potentially helping you earn elite status faster. Cards like the United MileagePlus Explorer card can help you save money if you frequently travel with United Airlines.
Cash Back Cards
Imagine earning money—by spending money on everyday purchases. Every time you swipe your Chase card, you can earn points from daily spending and other purchases, and your Chase card may allow you to earn more points in qualifying rotating bonus categories. You can even use your cash back rewards as a statement credit applied towards your monthly balance. Balance Transfer Cards: These cards allow you to consolidate existing credit card debt and pay it off at a lower regular APR rate.
0% Interest APR Cards
Some Chase credit cards may offer 0% annual percentage rates for a limited time, often within the first 12-15 months of account opening. As a card member, you don’t have to pay interest on any purchases, so long as you keep up with the monthly minimum balance.
No Annual Fee Cards
A zero annual fee credit card does not charge members a yearly fee just to own it. Historically, cards with an annual fee often come with perks and rewards, but these days no annual fee cards often offer significant rewards like miles earned or cash back.
Choosing the right Chase card for you is a personal decision that depends on your finances, lifestyle, and spending habits. For example, if you need to travel for work, you could benefit from a travel or hotel card that can be used when booking flights or hotel rooms. If you only plan on using your card for daily spending, you can focus on racking up Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can later be redeemed for gift cards, statement credits, cash back, and other perks.
Who should get a Chase credit card
Travelers
Those who like to travel may be interested in earning enough bonus points to offset the cost of their trip, which is where a travel rewards card enters the conversation. These cards often earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to many partners so you can earn the highest value per point from flexible redemption options.
Savers
Many Chase cardholders appreciate earning cash back rewards from daily spending or other purchases. Cash back is a great way to pay for travel expenses, pay off your minimum balance, take advantage of local delivery service options, and more.
Business owners
Small business owners can pad their finances with a credit card to earn rewards and perks on business purchases they make monthly, including advertising, shipping, office supplies, lab equipment, and more. Anyone who has a side hustle, like dog walking, can apply for a business card through Chase.
Students
College is the perfect time to build your credit with student credit cards. The good news is that the application process is generally less strict, with fewer requirements. Chase offers the Chase Freedom Student card that is designed to help students build credit.
Choosing the right Chase card for you
If you’re in the market for a new credit card, the odds are high that there is at least one Chase option on your list.
Chase cards have a solid reputation synonymous with consumer protection and perks.
Since Chase provides so many different options, it can be challenging to find the perfect card for you—a lot of it depends on what you need from a card and your credit score. There is no one-size-fits-all credit card: when choosing the right card, you need to consider your spending habits, financial needs, and what you are approved for. You should also consider cards that participate in the Ultimate Rewards program to maximize your bonus points.
Whether you’re looking to earn rewards, pay off debt, travel or simplify business expenses, there’s a Chase credit card for you.
How we selected our top cards
When selecting our favorite Chase cards we looked at their rewards rate program, travel perks, balance transfer options, zero intro APR rate, and more.
Our comprehensive methodology compares multiple top cards from Chase to determine which ones bring the most value to cardholders.
Chase credit cards FAQ
Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.
The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.
Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.
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