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Chase Freedom Flex® vs The New United℠ Explorer Card
This comparison aims to help you decide between the Chase Freedom Flex® and The New United℠ Explorer Card. Both cards offer unique benefits tailored to different spending preferences and lifestyles.
Card Overviews
Chase Freedom Flex®
The Chase Freedom Flex® is designed for individuals who want to maximize their cash back rewards without an annual fee. This card features rotating bonus categories, making it ideal for those who enjoy variety in their rewards structure.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card caters to frequent travelers, particularly those who fly with United Airlines. With benefits like priority boarding and travel credits, this card is great for individuals who prioritize travel rewards and perks.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Chase Freedom Flex® | The New United℠ Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 in the first 3 months | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 5% cash back on rotating categories, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1% on all other purchases | 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays; 1x mile on all other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | No annual fee | $150 after first year |
| Additional Benefits | No expiration on cash back, Chase Credit Journey monitoring | Priority boarding, free first checked bag, travel credits |
Rewards Highlights
The New United℠ Explorer Card
- Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
Chase Freedom Flex®
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
- 3% cash back on dining and drugstores.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Pros and Cons
Chase Freedom Flex®
- Pros:
- No annual fee
- Flexible cash back options
- Quarterly rotating categories
- No minimum redemption amount
- Cons:
- Requires activation of bonus categories
- Variable rewards structure may be less predictable
The New United℠ Explorer Card
- Pros:
- Strong travel rewards for United Airlines users
- Valuable travel perks
- Introductory annual fee
- Cons:
- $150 annual fee after the first year
- Less cash back on non-travel purchases
Who Should Consider Which Card?
If you are a frequent traveler with a preference for United Airlines, The New United℠ Explorer Card is tailored for you, offering travel rewards and perks that enhance your travel experience. However, if you prefer cash back with the flexibility of choosing different spending categories, the Chase Freedom Flex® is the better option, especially given its no annual fee.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best card for you depends on your individual spending habits and financial goals. Consider whether you prioritize travel rewards or cash back and how much you spend in different categories to make the most informed decision.