The best 6 Chase credit cards of 2024

The best Chase credit cards boast generous rewards, flexible redemption options, and valuable benefits, making them a top choice for consumers.

Author
By Holly D. Johnson

Written by

Holly D. Johnson

Writer

Johnson has been a personal finance contributor for more than 10 years. She focuses on investing, banking products, credit cards and scoring and insurance.

Edited by Hanna Horvath
Hanna Horvath

Written by

Hanna Horvath

Editor

Hanna Horvath is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Bankrate's senior editor of content partnerships.

Updated May 14, 2024, 1:10 PM EDT

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Chase offers some of the most popular credit cards on the market today — and it’s easy to see why.

With a Chase card, you can often enjoy welcome bonuses, earn rewards on purchases, access exclusive perks, and access 0% APR offers. The top Chase credit cards will have numerous benefits that align with your spending habits and financial goals.

Finding the right Chase credit card means thinking about the rewards you want to earn and how you spend. Here are our picks for the best Chase credit cards based on what you want out of the card.

Best Chase credit cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred®: Best overall

Rewards:

  • 5X points on travel through Chase Travel℠
  • 5X total points on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
  • 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services), select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs)
  • 2X points on other travel
  • 1X points on other purchases

Annual fee: $95

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is best for frequent travelers and dining enthusiasts who want to earn flexible rewards without paying a high annual fee. It’s one of our picks for best credit cards for restaurants, offering elevated points, annual credits, and perks on dining and travel.

You can redeem points for travel through Chase, cash back, statement credits, gift cards, and more. If you use your points to book through Chase Ultimate Rewards, they’ll be worth 25% more. Rewards can also be transferred to Chase airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio.

Pros
Cons
  • Earns flexible rewards
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Earns 2X-5X points in bonus categories
  • Transferable points to airline and hotel partners
  • $50 annual hotel benefit
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Get 25% more value when redeeming for travel through Chase
  • Travel insurance and purchase protection benefits
  • $95 annual fee, though it may be easy to offset the cost with rewards and credits
  • No 0% introductory APR period
  • No luxury travel benefits like airport lounge access
  • Bonus rewards are limited outside of travel and dining categories
  • Good to excellent credit required

Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for luxury travel perks

Rewards:

  • 10X points on hotel stays, car rentals, and Chase Dining purchases through Chase Travel℠, plus on Lyft purchases (through March 2025)
  • 5X points on air travel through Chase Travel℠ (after earning your $300 travel credit)
  • 3X points on restaurant and general travel purchases (after earning your $300 travel credit)
  • 1X points on all other purchases

Annual fee: $550

If you’re a jet setter looking to make the most of your travels, the Sapphire Reserve card could be right for you — if you don’t mind paying a higher annual fee.

This card comes with a $300 annual travel credit, which can help offset the yearly fee. Plus, you’ll get perks like airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, fee credits for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck, and more.

Like the Preferred card, points are flexible and can be redeemed for various options, from gift cards to cash back. You can also transfer points to airline and hotel partners. One notable feature of the Reserve card is that points are worth 50% more when booking travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Pros
Cons
  • Includes premium travel benefits
  • Earns 3X-10X points in bonus categories
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Earns transferable points to airline and hotel partners
  • Comes with more travel insurance protections than other Chase cards
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Get 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase
  • $550 annual fee
  • Excellent credit required
  • No 0% introductory APR offer
  • Bonus rewards are limited outside of travel and dining categories
  • Some benefits may require activation or enrollment

Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for earning cash back

Rewards

  • 5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through March 2025)
  • 5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel
  • 3% back on dining at restaurants 
  • 3% back on drugstore purchases
  • 1.5% back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

The Freedom Unlimited is a great no-annual-fee card that helps you maximize rewards on everyday spending. This cash back card also works well for those who want to earn more than the standard rate of 1% cash back on regular spending.

This card offers a generous introductory APR, purchase protection, and flexible redemption options. Plus, if you have a Chase Preferred or Reserve card, you can pool your rewards together to maximize their value if you have a Chase Preferred or Reserve card.

Pros
Cons
  • Lucrative earning rates for everyday purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Earn at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases
  • Solid welcome offer
  • 0% introductory APR offer
  • Flexible redemption options for rewards
  • Rewards can be combined with a Preferred or Reserve card
  • Purchase protection benefits
  • Charges foreign transaction fees
  • Requires very good to excellent credit
  • Limited travel benefits

Chase Slate℠ Edge: Best for balance transfers

Rewards: None

Annual fee: $0 

The Slate Edge is a great balance transfer card meant for those with considerable debt who want a lengthy 0% APR period to pay it off. It’s also a solid option for those who want to make a large purchase and pay it off interest-free.

While the Slate Edge isn’t the only Chase credit card with an intro APR offer, this card offers the most extended balance transfer period. You’ll get access to a generous introductory APR.

There are no rewards (standard for most balance transfer cards), but you will get perks that help you boost your score over time. For example, you'll get a credit limit increase review if you spend over $500 within the first six months. Chase also reviews your account for an interest rate deduction each year.

Pros
Cons
  • No annual fee
  • 0% introductory APR offer for 18 months on balance transfers and purchases
  • Introductory balance transfer fee for balance transfers made within 60 days
  • Potential for a higher credit limit after six months
  • Qualify for a lower variable APR (after intro period) with on-time payments
  • Access to credit score monitoring tools
  • Purchase protection benefits
  • No rewards
  • High variable APR follows the introductory period
  • Charges foreign transaction fees
  • Limited additional benefits or perks
  • Good to excellent credit is required
  • Balance transfer fee increases after 60 days

Prime Visa: Best for online shopping

Rewards

  • 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
  • 5% back on Chase Travel℠ purchases
  • 2% back at restaurants and gas stations 
  • 2% back on local transit and commuting
  • 1% back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0($139 Amazon Prime membership required)

Online shoppers who spend a lot at Amazon and Whole Foods will benefit from this card the most. It’s one of our picks for best grocery credit cards.

While there’s no annual fee, you’ll need a Prime membership to apply, which costs $139 each year. Once approved, you’ll instantly get an Amazon gift card as a welcome bonus.

You can redeem rewards such as cash back, travel, gift cards, and Amazon purchases. Remember that you can’t transfer rewards to travel partners or combine them with other Ultimate Rewards points.

Pros
Cons
  • Generous rewards rate for Amazon and Whole Foods
  • Exclusive deals and discounts for Prime members
  • Rewards have flexible redemption options
  • Travel and purchase protections
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No annual fee
  • Amazon Prime membership required
  • No introductory 0% APR offer
  • Limited rewards redemption options
  • Requires very good to excellent credit

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best business card

Rewards:

  • 3X points on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year (then 1X points) 
  • 1X points on all other purchases 

Annual fee: $95

The Ink Business Preferred® Card is ideal for small business owners who want to earn flexible travel rewards.

Eligible business categories include shipping purchases, internet, cable, and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media and search engines.

The Ink Preferred card is one of the best travel business cards because it earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that transfer to airlines and hotels. Cardholders also get free cards for employees and travel insurance benefits.

Pros
Cons
  • Earns 3X points in popular business categories (up to annual limits)
  • Rewards transfer to airlines and hotels
  • Transferable points to airline and hotel partners
  • Get 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase
  • Free employee cards
  • Purchase protection and travel insurance benefits
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Reasonable $95 annual fee
  • Earns just 1X points on purchases outside of travel and business
  • Bonus rewards are capped, restricting earning potential
  • Limited additional business-specific perks or features
  • Requires very good to excellent credit

Types of Chase credit cards

Chase offers several different types of credit cards to fit a variety of spending habits and financial needs. Here are some of the main categories:

Cash back cards 

Chase cash back cards allow you to earn a percentage of your purchases back in the form of statement credits or direct deposits. These cards are a good option for consumers who prefer simple, straightforward rewards that can be redeemed for any purchase. One popular Chase cash back card is the Chase Freedom Unlimited®.  

Travel rewards cards 

Chase travel rewards cards are designed for frequent travelers who want to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel expenses. These cards often come with additional travel perks and benefits, such as trip insurance or airport lounge access. 

Business cards 

Chase business credit cards are designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to earn rewards on their business expenses and take advantage of business-specific perks and benefits. These cards often offer bonus rewards on common business spending categories, such as office supplies or advertising.

Co-branded cards 

Chase partners with several airlines, hotels, and retailers to offer co-branded credit cards that earn rewards specifically with those brands. Examples include the Southwest Rapid Rewards® cards, the United MileagePlus® cards, and the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card.

How to pick the best Chase credit card

The best Chase credit card for one person may not be the same as someone else.

Choosing the best credit card depends on the rewards you want to earn and where you spend money. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your options.

  • Consider the type of rewards you want to earn: Decide whether you want to earn flexible travel rewards, cash back, airline miles, or hotel points.
  • Consider a co-branded card: Chase also offers co-branded cards with airline and hotel partners, including United, Marriott, Southwest, and Hyatt. If you’re a loyalist to any of those brands, it may be worth looking into one of those options.
  • Decide if you want to pay an annual fee: Compare cards based on their annual fee and how much you’re comfortable paying. If you're leaning toward a premium card with a higher annual fee (like the Reserve card), ensure your rewards are worth it.
  • Compare other perks: This includes purchase protection, extended warranties, cell phone insurance, or travel insurance benefits.

How to maximize your rewards with Chase 

Once you've picked the best Chase card for your needs, here are some tips for maximizing your rewards earning and redemption potential.

Use your card for everyday spending 

To earn the most rewards possible, use your Chase card for all eligible purchases, including groceries, gas, dining, and travel. Be sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that can negate the value of your rewards.

Pair your Chase card strategically 

Consider pairing your Chase cards to maximize your earning potential across different spending categories. For example, you could use the Chase Sapphire Reserve for travel and dining purchases to earn 3X points, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited for all other purchases to earn 1.5% cash back.

Take advantage of category bonuses 

Some Chase cards, like the Chase Freedom Flex℠, offer rotating quarterly bonus categories that allow you to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter you activate. Be sure to activate these categories and use your card strategically to maximize your earning potential.

Redeem your rewards wisely 

To get the most value from your Chase rewards, be strategic about how you redeem them. Transferring Ultimate Rewards points to airline and hotel partners, for example, can often yield a higher per-point value than redeeming for statement credits or gift cards.

Use the Chase Travel portal 

If you have a card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can redeem your points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This can often provide a higher value per point than other redemption options, especially if you have a card that offers a redemption bonus.

How we rated the best Chase credit cards

To determine the best credit cards from Chase, we carefully evaluated a wide range of factors, including the card's sign-up bonus, rewards earning rates on purchases, added perks and benefits, annual fees, and overall value for consumers.

Our team analyzed numerous credit card offers and selected the top contenders based on these key criteria. The options on this list represent the best value, rewards, and benefits available.

Here are some of the key factors we considered:

  • Rewards: Rewards are the primary reason many people use credit cards, as they allow you to earn valuable points, miles, or cash back on your everyday spending.
  • Redemption flexibility: What good are rewards if they're a hassle to redeem? Flexible redemption options allow you to use your rewards in the way that best suits you, whether that's offsetting your bill with statement credits or booking a dream vacation.
  • Benefits: Credit card benefits can provide significant value and make your life easier, from saving you money on checked bags to providing peace of mind with travel insurance.
  • Annual fee: The annual fee is a key factor because it's a recurring cost that can eat into your rewards earnings. It's important to make sure you're getting enough value from the card to justify the fee.
  • Welcome bonus: A lucrative welcome bonus can give your rewards a massive head start, especially in the first year, making it a great way to kickstart your earnings.
  • Rates & other fees: High interest rates and fees can quickly negate the value of any rewards you earn, so it's important to understand these costs and how to avoid them.

Frequently asked questions about Chase credit cards 

What credit score do you need for a Chase credit card?

Most Chase credit cards require good to excellent credit for approval, which typically means a FICO score of 670 or higher. However, some cards may have stricter requirements.

What is the Chase 5/24 rule?

The Chase 5/24 rule is an unofficial policy that states that Chase will generally not approve your application for a new credit card if you've opened five or more personal credit card accounts across all banks in the past 24 months. Some business credit cards and certain co-branded cards may be exempt from this rule.

Can you have more than one Chase credit card?

Yes, you can have multiple Chase credit cards, and doing so can be a good way to maximize your rewards earning potential across different spending categories. However, keep in mind that each new card application will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, and you may be subject to the Chase 5/24 rule.

What is the best Chase credit card for travel?

The best Chase credit card for travel will depend on your specific travel habits and preferences, but some popular options include: 

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Offers 3X points on travel and dining, a $300 annual travel credit, and a range of premium travel benefits.
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Offers 2X points on travel and dining, a generous sign-up bonus, and valuable travel protections.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Offers 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2x points on local transit and commuting, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming, and a range of Southwest-specific perks.

Does Chase have any no annual fee cards?

Yes, Chase offers several credit cards with no annual fee, including:

  • Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with bonus categories for travel, dining, and drugstores. 
  • Chase Freedom Flex℠: Offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 per quarter), 5% on travel booked through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. 
  • Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Offers 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each year, 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each year, and 1% on all other purchases. 

The bottom line

Chase credit cards have a lot to offer, even though the rewards they earn aren't all the same. To find the right credit card for you, you should consider what you want to get out of your card — and if that matches your current spending habits.


Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.

Meet the contributor:
Holly D. Johnson
Holly D. Johnson

Johnson has been a personal finance contributor for more than 10 years. She focuses on investing, banking products, credit cards and scoring and insurance.

Fox Money

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Fox Money is a property of Credible Operations, Inc., which is majority-owned indirectly by Fox Corporation. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All rights reserved. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of Fox's Terms of Use and Updated Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices.