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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express vs Chase Freedom Unlimited®
This comparison aims to help users decide between the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Both cards offer unique benefits and rewards structures suitable for different spending habits. Here, we will break down their features, rewards, pros and cons to assist in making an informed decision.
Card Overviews
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is geared towards families and those who spend heavily on groceries and streaming services. It offers a robust cash back program and a low introductory annual fee for new users.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an excellent choice for users looking for flexibility with no annual fee and a straightforward cash back rewards system. It appeals to a wide audience, including those who frequently shop at drugstores and enjoy dining out.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Chase Freedom Unlimited® |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 | No annual fee |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months | Limited Time Intro Offer: Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets, 6% on streaming, 3% on transit and gas, 1% on other purchases | 5% on travel through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7% | None |
| Other Fees | Cash advance fee: $5 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater |
| Additional Benefits | $84 Disney Bundle Credit, Buy Now, Pay Later options | No minimum to redeem cash back, free credit score monitoring |
Rewards Highlights
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Pros and Cons
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Pros
- High cash back on groceries and streaming services
- Significant welcome bonus
- Disney Bundle Credit for entertainment enthusiasts
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Cons
- Annual fee after the first year
- High spending requirement for the welcome bonus
- Foreign transaction fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Pros
- No annual fee
- Flexible cash back rewards with no minimum redemption
- Strong welcome bonus with lower spending requirement
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Cons
- Lower cash back on groceries compared to competitors
- Limited high reward categories
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is ideal for families and individuals who frequently shop at supermarkets and subscribe to streaming services. The generous cash back on groceries and entertainment makes it a strong choice for those with higher monthly expenditures in these categories.
In contrast, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is perfect for users who appreciate flexibility and simplicity in their rewards program without the burden of an annual fee. It is suited for those who spend across various categories, including travel, dining, and everyday purchases.
Conclusion
When choosing between the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, it's essential to consider your individual spending habits and financial goals. Each card offers unique benefits that may cater to different lifestyles, so take the time to evaluate which features align best with your personal and financial needs.