Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred
On the criteria below, Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 2 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 2 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Chase Freedom Unlimited wins on annual fee; Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on first-year math and foreign transactions.
Pick the Chase Sapphire Preferred if year-one math is your priority; take the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
1 vs 2 (1 tie)- First-year math Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited is $95 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Tie
Same peak earning rate.
- Foreign transactions Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- Free
- $95
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $200
- $1,700
- First-year net
- +$200
- +$1,605
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Chase Travel, Dining, Drugstores
- Chase Travel Portal, Dining, Lyft
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- 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.