The best cards to pair with Chase Freedom Unlimited

The diverse portfolio of travel rewards credit cards can be divided into two main groups: There are stars, cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® that turn heads with big welcome bonuses, luxury benefits and bonus category multipliers. Then you have the utility players, the cards that do the heavy lifting but never get the credit they deserve. After all, while it’s great to earn 3 points per dollar on travel and dining with Sapphire Reserve, the average person does a fair share of shopping in non-bonus categories.

When it comes to cards that are perfect for everyday use, few can compare to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. This is one of the cheapest credit cards on the market and one that I use the most. Today, we’re going to look at the best cards to pair with Chase Freedom Unlimited. Because while it perfectly fills every part of my wallet, it’s not a shining star on its own.

You’ll notice that the first few cards on this list, other Chase cards, are essential to unlocking the full potential of Chase Freedom Unlimited. This is because Freedom Unlimited earns cashback points that are worth one cent each, but if you have Chase Ultimate Ultimate Rewards points earning cards (usually with annual fees), you can combine your points from Freedom Unlimited and convert them to Freedom Unlimited. transferable points you can use with Chase and Chase airline partners — more than doubling their value to 2.05 cents each, based on TPG estimates for July 2024.

Here’s what you need to know.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $550

Why they go well together: There aren’t many cards that Sapphire Reserve doesn’t pair well with, but when you combine them with Chase Freedom Unlimited, you get the backbone of the Chase Trifecta. Sapphire Reserve brings top-notch travel benefits to the table, including Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, 3 points per dollar on travel (excluding travel credit -$300) and meals and a host of other benefits. Registration is required for selected benefits.

The $550 annual fee is largely offset by a $300 annual travel credit, and you’ll get a 50% bonus when you redeem points directly through the Chase portal (for 1.5 cents per point). Most importantly, CSR allows you to convert your cashback points from Freedom Unlimited into transferable points for Premium Rewards.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

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Ink Preferred Business Credit Card

Welcome bonus: Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Why they go well together: If you own a business and don’t quite sell the Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card can be a great alternative that allows you to transfer points from Chase Freedom Unlimited to airline and hotel partners. The card has a manageable annual fee of $95 and earns 3 points per dollar on your first $150,000 in combined spending in the following categories:

• Travel, including airfare, hotels, rental cars, train tickets and taxis
• Shopping by ship
• Internet, cable and phone services
• To promote purchases made through social networking sites and search engines

You’ll also enjoy a 25% bonus when you redeem points directly through the Chase portal (for 1.25 cents per point), which can be a great option for last-minute travel when you can’t find award space.

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Apply here: Preferred Ink Business Credit Card

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Platinum Card from American Express

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Annual fee: $695 (see prices and fees)

Why they go well together: Assuming you already have a points-earning card like the Sapphire or Ink Preferred, you may want to look at how to split your points. Since Chase Freedom Unlimited is best for everyday, non-bonus spending, you’ll want a card with strong bonus categories to top it off. The Platinum Card® from American Express is a great option because it offers 5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline and prepaid airfare and hotels booked through American Express Travel.

The annual fee of $695 is certainly high, but it belies the number of important statements and benefits. The Platinum Card comes with the most extensive airport lounge benefits, including Priority Pass Select membership, access to Amex Centurion lounges and access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. You’ll also enjoy Marriott and Hilton Gold elite status, along with a number of other travel benefits. Registration is required for selected benefits.

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Apply here: Amex Platinum

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American Express Gold Card

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Plus, get 20% back in statement credit on qualifying purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first six months, up to $100. Offer ends November 6th.

Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)

Why they go well together: In keeping with the theme of splitting your income, the American Express® Gold Card is a great choice to add to your wallet if you already have a Chase Sapphire or Ink Preferred (to transfer your Unlimited Freedom points to). The card has great cash back rates on dining and grocery purchases and statement credits above its annual fee, making it a TPG employee favorite.

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Apply here: Amex Gold

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The Bottom Line

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a must-have card, but because it’s billed as a cash-back card, it shouldn’t be the only card in your wallet.

Instead, if you pair it with the right Chase Ultimate rewards cards and find other cards with matching bonus tiers, you can build a solid earning strategy around Chase Freedom Unlimited to unlock a powerful points-earning structure.

Related: The ultimate guide to the best credit card combinations

For Amex Platinum rates and fees, click here.
For Amex Gold rates and fees, click here.