Head to head

Chase Freedom Flex vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve

On the criteria below, Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 4 of 5. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Chase Freedom Flex

Chase

Chase

At a glance

Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 4 of 5 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Chase Freedom Flex wins on annual fee; Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, lounge access, and foreign transactions.

Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if year-one math is your priority; take the Chase Freedom Flex if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

1 vs 4

First-year math Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
Annual fee Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom Flex is $795 cheaper to keep.
Earning ceiling Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns more on its best category (8× vs 5×).
Lounge access Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
Foreign transactions Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.

Annual fee: Free; $795
Welcome offer (typical value): $200; $2,550
First-year net: +$200; +$1,755
Peak earning rate: 5×; 8×
Top categories: Rotating Quarterly, Chase Travel, Dining; Chase Travel, Flights Direct, Hotels Direct
Lounge access: No; chase-sapphire-lounge, priority-pass
Travel insurance: Yes; Yes
Elite status: No; Yes
Foreign transaction fee: 3.00%; None
Reward currency: Chase Ultimate Rewards; Chase Ultimate Rewards

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.