The Best Chase Credit Cards (My Personal Review)

I’ve learned a lot about credit cards over the years, especially those from Chase. It’s not just one of the biggest banks around; it’s also a giant when it comes to credit cards.

Whether you’re into travel rewards, cash-back rewards, or just need a good intro APR, Chase has a card that’ll fit your needs. Here’s my take on some of the best Chase credit cards for June 2024 and tips on how to choose the right one for you.

Best for Travel: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

I’ve had my Chase Sapphire Preferred card for a while now, and it’s been a game-changer for my travel plans.

• Annual fee: $95
• Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
• Rewards:
  • 5x points on travel through Chase Travel
  • 3x points on dining
  • 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, or wholesale clubs)
  • 3x points on select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel
  • 1x points on all other purchases

One of my favorite perks is the up to $50 in statement credits for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel. Plus, on your account anniversary, you get a points bonus worth 10% of your total purchases from the previous year.

When you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel, you get a 25% boost. So, the welcome offer of 75,000 points can turn into $937.50 for flights, hotels, and car rentals. It’s been great for planning those big trips.

Best for Cash Back: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

If you’re like me and love getting cash back on your everyday purchases, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is a solid choice.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome offer: Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on every purchase, up to the first $20,000 spent in the first year
• Rewards:
  • 5% cash back on travel through Chase Travel
  • 3% cash back on dining
  • 3% cash back at drugstores
  • 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

I’ve found that the extra 1.5% cash back during the first year really adds up. If you spend up to $20,000, that’s an additional $300 in cash back.

Plus, the rewards structure is perfect for everyday spending, especially if you’re like me and frequently find yourself dining out or shopping at drugstores.

Best Welcome Bonus: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

For those who travel often, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a powerhouse card. I got it for its fantastic welcome bonus and the extensive travel perks.

• Annual fee: $550
• Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
• Rewards:
  • 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel
  • 10x points on Chase Dining purchases
  • 5x points on flights through Chase Travel
  • 3x points on dining
  • 3x points on all other travel
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Every year, you can get up to $300 back in travel credits, which really helps offset that hefty annual fee.

Plus, points are worth 50% more when you use them for travel through Chase Travel, making that 75,000-point welcome bonus worth up to $1,125. The perks like airport lounge access and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credits have made my travels so much smoother.

Best for Groceries: Chase Freedom Flex℠

As someone who loves cooking at home, the Chase Freedom Flex has been perfect for maximizing my grocery spending.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome offer: Earn $150 after spending $500 in the first 3 months, plus 5% cash back on groceries (up to $12,000 spent in the first year)
• Rewards:
  • 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter)
  • 5% cash back on travel through Chase Travel
  • 3% cash back on dining
  • 3% cash back at drugstores
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

What’s great about this card is the rotating 5% categories, which have included things like groceries, gas, and even Amazon purchases.

The welcome bonus for groceries alone could earn you up to $600 in the first year. It’s a great way to save on everyday expenses.

Best for 0% APR: Chase Slate Edge℠

If you’re looking to manage your debt or finance a big purchase without interest piling up, the Chase Slate Edge is a lifesaver.

• Annual fee: $0
• Intro offer: 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 18 months
• Rewards: N/A

What I really appreciate about this card is the chance to lower your APR each year by 2% if you meet the spending and payment requirements.

It’s a long-term benefit that can save you money beyond the initial 18-month 0% APR period. Plus, the automatic credit limit review after six months is a nice touch.

Best Airline Card: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

I’ve always had a soft spot for Southwest Airlines, and their co-branded card with Chase is excellent for frequent flyers.

• Annual fee: $99
• Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
• Rewards:
  • 3x points on Southwest purchases
  • 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental purchases
  • 2x points on local transit and commuting
  • 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services
  • 2x points on select streaming
  • 1x points on all other purchases

The EarlyBird check-ins and 25% back on in-flight purchases are some of my favorite perks. Plus, you get 6,000 points every year on your cardmember anniversary, which adds up quickly.

Best Hotel Card: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

For Marriott loyalists like me, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is a no-brainer.

• Annual fee: $95
• Welcome offer: Earn three Free Night Awards (up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
• Rewards:
  • 17x points on Marriott purchases
  • 3x points at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining (up to $6,000 combined per year)
  • 2x points on all other purchases

Every year, you get a Free Night Award worth up to 35,000 points. Plus, the automatic Silver Elite status and the chance to earn Gold after spending $35,000 in a year make this card even more appealing.

It’s been fantastic for racking up points on my hotel stays and achieving elite status faster.

How to Choose a Chase Credit Card

Choosing the right Chase card really comes down to your personal needs and spending habits. Here’s how I approach it:

1. Card Type: Think about what you need most. Are you looking to pay down debt, earn travel rewards, or get cash back?
2. Budget: Consider the annual fee and whether you’ll get enough value from the card’s perks and rewards to justify it.
3. Spending Habits: Look at your past spending to see where you spend the most. Choose a card that maximizes rewards in those categories.
4. Additional Benefits: Don’t overlook smaller perks and protections, like partner benefits (e.g., DoorDash, Instacart), travel protections, and no foreign transaction fees.

What Credit Score Do You Need?

Most Chase cards require a good to excellent credit score, usually around 670 or higher. However, if you’re just starting out, the Chase Freedom Rise℠ can help you build credit without an annual fee. Preapproval offers are a great way to gauge your chances of approval, especially if you already bank with Chase.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase’s rewards program, Chase Ultimate Rewards, is incredibly versatile.

Points are generally worth 1 cent each, but certain cards boost their value for travel redemptions through Chase Travel. Plus, you can transfer points to partner airlines and hotels, often at a 1:1 ratio.

My Thoughts on Chase Credit Cards

With so many options tailored to different needs, Chase credit cards offer something for everyone.

Whether you’re after travel perks, cash back, or a solid APR deal, there’s a card that fits the bill. Chase has been my go-to for years, and I’ve found that their cards can really enhance your financial game when chosen wisely.