Chase bank cards have at all times held a particular place in my coronary heart — and my pockets. My very first bank card, the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees), was a Chase product, and it launched me to the world of factors and miles.
I am going to always remember the way it felt to redeem miles I might earned with the cardboard for the primary time or the journey I took: a last-minute journey with pals to Moab, Utah, that on the time I by no means would have been capable of afford in any other case. It opened up my eyes to what was doable with bank cards, and from that second on, I used to be hooked.
Since taking that card out 13 years in the past, my assortment has expanded to incorporate 12 Chase playing cards, every taking part in a singular position in my pockets.
If I had been to begin once more, I might in all probability select a different card for my first, however I can confidently say that anchoring my factors and miles technique with Chase bank cards has been a choice that is helped me see extra of the world over the past decade than I ever may have dreamed.
Whether or not your aim is to earn factors and miles for journey, gather money again or entry perks that may improve your journey expertise, Chase has a card to satisfy your wants. Listed here are my high picks.
The most effective Chase bank cards
The knowledge for the Prime Visa has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or supplied by the cardboard issuer.
Evaluating the perfect Chase bank cards
Let’s dive somewhat deeper and examine my high suggestions for the perfect Chase bank cards.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Welcome supply: Earn 100,000 bonus factors after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Day by day e-newsletter
Be part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists
Annual payment: $795
Standout advantages: When the Sapphire Reserve first launched in 2016, I jumped on the probability to get it. I used to be instantly attracted by options just like the $300 journey credit score, which I at all times discovered extraordinarily straightforward to make use of, and the beneficiant incomes fee of three factors per greenback spent eating, one in all my largest spending classes.
Whereas I finally determined the Sapphire Preferred was a greater match for my particular wants, I did maintain the Reserve for a few years and located rather a lot to like about it.
Since then, the cardboard has added a number of new advantages as a part of a full revamp final yr. It now gives perks like a $300 annual assertion credit score for live performance and occasion tickets bought by StubHub or Viagogo (break up into two $150 biannual credit; activation required) that I do know I might have the ability to simply maximize.
Associated: Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which card is right for you?
Beforehand, utilizing Chase Journey℠ helped me get respectable worth on flights and accommodations when good switch choices weren’t out there. For instance, I leaned closely on the portal when reserving flights and accommodations in Ushuaia, Argentina, earlier than setting sail on a cruise to Antarctica.
I additionally beloved utilizing the Sapphire Reserve for major rental automotive insurance coverage whereas touring. It supplied peace of thoughts whereas on highway journeys in locations like Eire and Scotland, the place I needed to drive on the left facet of the highway, and the Azores, the place we drove over some rocky terrain.
I used to be additionally intrigued by the launch of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees). Through the years, I’ve relied on a number of Chase enterprise playing cards to assist earn factors on work-related bills, and I like that enterprise homeowners now have a premium Sapphire-branded possibility that may complement the remainder of a Chase rewards technique.
To be taught extra, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Apply right here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Most popular Card
Welcome supply: Earn 100,000 bonus factors after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual payment: $95
Standout advantages: The Sapphire Preferred has lengthy been one of the crucial well-liked journey bank cards on the market — and for good cause. Between its incomes charges and perks, it is a point-earning workhorse. Plus, it sports activities a really attractive 100,000-point welcome bonus that is extremely profitable since Chase Ultimate Rewards factors will be transferred to a variety of resort and airline companions.
I really like transferring points earned with my Chase Sapphire Preferred to Hyatt to guide luxurious resort stays. A few of my favourite current redemptions have been 4 nights at Alila Ventana Massive Sur in California, which was a part of my honeymoon, and a protracted weekend keep at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort in Hawaii.
However past the bonus, the cardboard’s incomes charges have cemented its everlasting place in my pockets. It earns 3 factors per greenback spent on eating, which is a serious class for me because it covers the whole lot from the superb eating eating places I really like attempting out when touring to the meals vans I frequent in my house metropolis of Portland, Oregon, to the espresso store I go to day by day with my canine.
Associated: I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred — which card should I get next?
It additionally earns 3 factors per greenback spent on on-line groceries, which is my most popular methodology of buying cumbersome gadgets like canned beans and child formulation (excludes Walmart, Goal and wholesale golf equipment).
And not too long ago, as a part of a refresh, it added just a few extra classes the place it earns 3 factors per greenback: fuel stations, EV charging and trip house leases (booked at Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Information, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa).
However that wasn’t all. The refresh has additionally introduced a bigger resort assertion credit score and enhanced journey protections.
Lastly, this card gives a minimum of one yr of complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027), and despite the fact that I do not order supply steadily, it is simple to get worth from the membership, which cuts down on the charges related to every order.
To be taught extra, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Apply right here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Freedom Limitless
Welcome supply: Earn a $200 bonus money again after spending $500 on purchases inside the first three months from account opening.
Annual payment: $0
Standout advantages: The Chase Freedom Unlimited is an indispensable a part of my bank card technique.
It earns a minimum of 1.5% money again — or 1.5 factors per greenback once you pair this card with an Final Rewards-earning product (extra on that beneath) — on all purchases, together with those who fall exterior one in all its bonus classes. This implies it is a terrific alternative for individuals who need to earn a strong cash-back fee with out monitoring their spending throughout varied classes.
That is a pleasant proposition, however it’s not the explanation I’ve spent years shouting about this card from the rooftops. Whereas the Freedom Limitless is marketed as a cash-back card, which means it does not supply the power to switch factors to Chase’s airline and resort companions, that each one modifications for those who additionally maintain a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Those that have the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Reserve for Business or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees) can mix the rewards from the Freedom Limitless with these of their different accounts, immediately making them transferable — and way more precious.
Utilizing this technique, I successfully earn 1.5 Final Rewards factors per greenback spent with the Chase Freedom Unlimited in classes the place I might earn simply 1 level per greenback with a distinct card. That is a 50% enhance in incomes potential on retail purchases, live performance tickets, medical payments and extra — all for no annual payment.
Since there isn’t any annual payment required to carry the Freedom Limitless, I like to recommend it to everybody who already has a card that earns Final Rewards factors to allow them to construct up their factors stash.
You can too get Chase playing cards within the reverse order. Up to now, I’ve really helpful the Freedom Limitless as a stepping-stone product to family and friends members who might not but have the credit score rating or historical past wanted to safe a Sapphire card.
To be taught extra, see our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Apply right here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Ink Enterprise Limitless Credit score Card
Welcome supply: Earn $1,000 bonus money again after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first 4 months from account opening.
Annual payment: $0
Standout advantages: Consider this card because the enterprise model of the Chase Freedom Unlimited. It earns 1.5% money again throughout all purchases, making it a easy and user-friendly possibility for enterprise homeowners of all stripes.
Like its shopper counterpart, it is best leveraged as a part of a duo with an Final Rewards-earning card, as that may unlock the power to transform the money again it earns into transferable factors. I really like transferring my factors to applications like British Airways, which has a distance-based award chart that permits me to guide economic system Alaska Airways flights up and down the West Coast at very affordable charges.
I used to be thrilled to see Chase add a product like this one to its enterprise lineup. Whereas many enterprise bank cards supply bonuses in classes like journey, transport and promoting, there are such a lot of enterprise bills that do not fall beneath these umbrellas.
Up to now, I’ve used this card for bills associated to constructing and sustaining an internet site and e-mail record, in addition to for software program platforms like Zoom.
To be taught extra, see our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.
Apply right here: Ink Business Unlimited
Southwest Speedy Rewards Precedence Credit score Card
Welcome supply: Earn 90,000 bonus factors after spending $3,000 on purchases inside the first three months from account opening.
Annual payment: $229
Standout advantages: Southwest is a switch accomplice of Chase Final Rewards, which means you do not particularly want a Southwest card to earn factors that can be utilized for flights on the airline; lots of the playing cards on this record will do the trick. However there’s one thing to be stated in regards to the different advantages of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card and their influence in your flying expertise.
The cardboard has some key options that may make your journey day way more stress-free. For starters, 25% again on inflight purchases might help you entry discounted Wi-Fi to maintain any last-minute journey particulars or get pleasure from a reduced glass of wine. In the meantime, 4 upgraded boardings per yr (when out there) might help you beat the boarding chaos and provide you with further time to get settled.
Plus, the cardboard earns 7,500 factors annually in your cardmember anniversary, which can get you nearer to your subsequent journey.
For me, that is usually a visit to see a live performance or sporting occasion in Las Vegas or to discover nationwide parks in Arizona, Colorado and past.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority additionally comes with a ten,000-point qualifying increase annually for Southwest’s coveted Companion Pass, which lets you designate a journey companion to fly in your itineraries for simply the value of taxes and charges, whether or not you guide with money or factors.
To be taught extra, see our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card.
Apply right here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Ink Enterprise Money Credit score Card
Welcome supply: Earn $1,000 money again after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first 4 months from account opening.
Annual payment: $0
Standout advantages: If you happen to’re a enterprise proprietor who prioritizes incomes money again — or needs the choice to transform money again into transferable journey factors by pairing an Final Rewards-earning card with a product just like the Ink Business Cash — you are in the appropriate place.
My favourite characteristic of this card is that it earns 5% money again (or 5 factors per greenback spent for those who mix it with a card just like the Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve) on the primary $25,000 spent in mixed purchases every anniversary yr at workplace provide shops and on web, cable and cellphone companies.
It is easy to see how web and cellphone companies are helpful for many enterprise homeowners. My computer-based freelance writing and journey consulting facet hustles have at all times relied on the web. However even my husband, who used to stroll canine exterior his nine-to-five, used his cellphone and the web for consumer communication and administrative work, equivalent to submitting taxes.
However the methods to capitalize on the workplace provide retailer bonus could also be much less apparent. Even for those who do not sometimes use conventional workplace provides in your line of labor, as is the case for each me and my husband, you will discover lots of worth right here for those who search for it.
Staples, as an example, sells the whole lot from workplace furnishings to passport companies to Apple AirPods, and I’ve even bought chocolate there throughout the workday greater than as soon as. Its web site even has a bit you may scope out titled “Sure, Staples has that” for those who’re not satisfied of this bonus class’s broad utility.
To be taught extra, see our full review of the Ink Business Cash card.
Apply right here: Ink Business Cash
Chase Freedom Flex
Welcome supply: Earn $200 money again after you spend $500 on purchases inside the first three months of account opening.
Annual payment: $0
Standout advantages: If there’s an unsung hero in my pockets, it is the Chase Freedom Flex. Whereas maximizing its incomes potential does take some cautious planning, to me, it is 100% value it for the payoff.
The Freedom Flex gives the chance to earn 5% money again on as much as $1,500 in mixed spending purchases in rotating quarterly bonus categories (after activation).
Meaning you should utilize it to earn 7,500 bonus factors per quarter or 30,000 factors per yr, which is fairly nice for a card with out an annual payment. That is very true since, like with the Chase Freedom Unlimited, the factors you earn with the Chase Freedom Flex will be transformed to transferable journey factors for those who additionally maintain an Final Rewards-earning card.
Whereas the bonus class for every quarter is not revealed very far prematurely, I’ve sometimes discovered the classes extremely profitable.
For instance, since turning into a cardholder, I’ve seen eating places and grocery shops featured a number of occasions, each of that are huge spending classes for me. Chase has additionally used PayPal as a bonus class a number of occasions, and since so many on-line companies settle for it, your choices for incomes are almost limitless.
In late 2024, a bonus on purchases at pet retailers and veterinary companies helped me earn so many factors throughout an emergency with my canine that I used to be capable of guide a free hotel room in London.
To be taught extra, see our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
Apply right here: Chase Freedom Flex
Southwest Speedy Rewards Plus Credit score Card
Welcome supply: Earn 80,000 bonus factors after spending $1,000 on purchases inside the first three months from account opening.
Annual payment: $99
Standout advantages: Whereas we love the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card, there’s one other cheaper possibility that additionally supplies nice worth: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus.
An annual payment of simply $99 will get you entry to lots of the similar advantages, together with the 25% low cost on inflight purchases, the ten,000-point qualifying increase annually for the Companion Move and an incomes fee of two factors per greenback spent on Southwest airline purchases.
Each playing cards even have one other characteristic in widespread that has grow to be vital since Southwest ended its longtime bags-fly-free coverage: They’re going to every permit you to check your first bag free of cost.
Because the mother of a toddler who totes round lots of gear and provides, this profit is extraordinarily enticing to me. With such a low annual payment, the cardboard would doubtless make sense for me primarily based on the bag perk alone.
To be taught extra, see our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card.
Apply right here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Prime Visa
Welcome supply: Get a $200 Amazon reward card immediately upon approval, solely for Prime members.
Annual payment: $0 (although this card requires a Prime membership)
Standout advantages: A favourite amongst Amazon fans, the Prime Visa is ideal for these with Amazon Prime accounts who spend steadily at Amazon and Complete Meals and need to earn money again quite than journey rewards (although the Prime Visa does allow you to earn an elevated reward fee on Chase Journey purchases since it is a Chase product).
This card earns profitable charges in well-liked classes like limitless 5% again in your Amazon.com purchases, on on-line or in-store purchases at Complete Meals and limitless 5% again on Chase Journey purchases.
As a dad or mum, it seems like I flip to Amazon almost daily for one factor or one other. Whether or not it is provides like diapers, wipes or stain spray that I did not understand had been working low or a last-minute outfit for a themed day at daycare, I am on the location greater than I care to confess.
I can simply see how this card could be important in a family that values cash-back rewards over different reward currencies.
To be taught extra, see our full review of the Prime Visa.
What to contemplate when selecting a Chase bank card
Whereas all these playing cards can present immense worth when used to their full potential, it is vital to contemplate just a few particular elements earlier than making your choice. Pondering by them will make sure you’re choosing a card that most accurately fits your way of life, finances, preferences and journey targets.
Whereas figuring out the perfect card for you may really feel overwhelming, do not forget that your choice will not be set in stone; you may at all times request a product change after holding it for a yr with out affecting your credit score rating.
Associated: The power of the Chase Trifecta: Sapphire Reserve, Ink Preferred and Freedom Unlimited
I did this in 2021, downgrading my Sapphire Reserve to the Chase Freedom Flex because the Freedom Flex was higher suited to my spending wants on the time.
Ultimately, I settled on the Sapphire Preferred as my major Final Rewards-earning card, and I’ve held it ever since.
Most popular rewards
Interested by what sort of rewards you’d prefer to earn is a good place to begin for selecting a bank card. Do you need to maintain it easy with money again? Or, are you desirous to dive into the world of transferable journey factors?
Associated: The best rewards credit cards to add to your wallet
Welcome bonus
Welcome bonuses are vital on this planet of bank cards, as they characterize your greatest probability to earn a big sum of factors without delay. In addition they fluctuate all year long.
Associated: Best time to apply for Chase cards based on offer history
Spending habits
To get the very best return in your spending, you may need to contemplate the place you spend most of your cash and select a card with a bonus on these classes.
For me, journey, eating and on-line grocery procuring are all main ones, which is why the Sapphire Most popular and the Ink Business Preferred proceed to carry locations in my pockets yr after yr.
Annual payment
After all, you may additionally need to suppose by your finances and what, if something, you are prepared to spend on bank card annual charges.
Chase gives a variety of choices, from $0 all the best way as much as $795, so there’s one thing for everybody. Whereas getting greater than your cash’s value with any of those playing cards is definitely doable, a premium providing solely is smart for those who can maximize the cardboard’s advantages.
How we selected the perfect Chase bank cards
We selected the perfect Chase bank cards primarily based on a number of elements, together with welcome gives, perks and advantages, and reward incomes charges — significantly in well-liked spending classes.
To be taught extra about how TPG evaluates and chooses playing cards to characteristic in our roundups, take a look at our methodology.
Associated: Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners
Redemption choices for Chase bank cards
Your redemption choices will rely on which card you go for. With the Southwest cobranded playing cards, it is vital to notice that you will solely earn Rapid Rewards factors, whereas the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Reserve for Business and Ink Business Preferred earn Final Rewards factors that may be transferred to a variety of airline and resort companions — Southwest included.
The Prime Visa, the Ink Business Unlimited, the Ink Business Cash, the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Chase Freedom Flex all earn money again for those who desire to earn money as an alternative of journey rewards. Nonetheless, the latter 4 playing cards have the pliability to transform these rewards to transferable journey forex for those who even have a card that earns Final Rewards factors.
I personally select to earn journey rewards over money again since I journey steadily and really feel assured that I can get extra worth out of Final Rewards factors than money again.
Backside line
Regardless of the place you might be together with your bank card technique, Chase has a card that may fit your wants. Bank card freshmen have glorious choices within the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Chase Freedom Flex.
Frequent vacationers looking for a premium card expertise can leverage the Chase Sapphire Reserve, whereas enterprise homeowners have a strong lineup to select from: the Sapphire Reserve for Business, the Ink Business Preferred, the Ink Business Unlimited or the Ink Business Cash.
Whichever card you choose, relaxation assured you could’t go unsuitable. With helpful perks and protections, nice incomes charges and wholesome welcome bonuses, Chase playing cards are among the many most dear you may have in your pockets.
Associated: Reasons the Chase Sapphire Preferred should be your next credit card
Trending Merchandise
