By Matthew Coan
When it comes to earning cashback on everyday purchases, two credit cards consistently stand out as popular choices: the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Citi® Double Cash Card. Both offer competitive cashback rates and come with a range of benefits designed to reward consumers for using their cards. But which one is truly the better option for you?
In this article, we will dive deep into a side-by-side comparison of the Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Citi Double Cash cards. We will analyze their features, rewards structure, fees, and other important factors to help you make an informed decision on which card best suits your financial goals.
Before diving into a detailed comparison, let’s quickly go over the key features of each card.
Now that you’re familiar with the basics, let’s break down each of these cards in greater detail.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a dynamic approach to earning cashback by rewarding cardholders with different rates depending on their spending categories:
The Citi Double Cash card offers one of the most straightforward cashback structures on the market:
While the Citi Double Cash card does not have the high rewards rates in specific categories like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, it does offer a flat 2% cashback on every purchase. For those who value simplicity and consistency in their rewards, this card is an attractive choice.
If you’re a heavy spender in specific categories such as travel, dining, or drugstore purchases, the Chase Freedom Unlimited could be more rewarding due to its higher cashback rates in these areas. The 5% cashback on travel and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases give the Freedom Unlimited a clear edge for those who frequently spend in these categories.
On the other hand, if you prefer a simple, all-around cashback card, the Citi Double Cash might be the better option. The 2% flat-rate cashback on all purchases is an excellent choice for those who want a hassle-free experience without worrying about bonus categories or spending limits.
One of the key factors in choosing a credit card is the potential for sign-up bonuses and introductory offers. Let’s take a closer look at what both cards have to offer.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This is a decent-sized bonus that can be a great incentive to sign up, especially if you plan to make some big purchases within the first few months.
In addition, the 0% Intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases can be a great way to save on interest if you plan to make larger purchases or transfer balances from high-interest cards.
The Citi Double Cash does not offer a sign-up bonus. However, it does offer an appealing 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, which can be a significant advantage if you're looking to consolidate debt from high-interest credit cards. After the intro period, the APR will range from 18.49% to 28.49% (variable).
While both cards offer introductory APRs—with Citi Double Cash offering 18 months and the Chase Freedom Unlimited offering 15 months—the Chase Freedom Unlimited stands out by providing a $200 bonus after meeting the spending requirement. For someone who is looking for a card that offers immediate rewards along with long-term benefits, the Chase Freedom Unlimited edges out the Citi Double Cash.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card comes with no annual fee, which makes it a great option for those who don’t want to worry about paying yearly fees. Additionally, it also waives foreign transaction fees, which is a huge perk for those who travel abroad frequently.
Like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, the Citi Double Cash also comes with no annual fee. However, it does have a 3% foreign transaction fee, which is a downside if you plan on using the card internationally.
If you’re someone who travels frequently or makes international purchases, the Chase Freedom Unlimited will be the better option due to its no foreign transaction fees. In contrast, the Citi Double Cash charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it a less ideal choice for international spending.
One of the standout features of the Chase Freedom Unlimited is its Ultimate Rewards® program. As a Chase cardholder, you have access to a range of ways to redeem your points, including:
If you have other Chase cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can combine points to maximize your rewards even further.
The Citi Double Cash earns cashback in the form of Citi ThankYou® points. While the points can be redeemed for cashback, you can also use them for travel bookings, gift cards, or transfer them to participating airline and hotel partners. However, the flexibility is not as extensive as what Chase offers with Ultimate Rewards.
If you are looking for more ways to use your rewards and flexibility in travel redemptions, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is a clear winner thanks to the Ultimate Rewards program. If your primary goal is to redeem cashback, the Citi Double Cash offers a more straightforward path, though its redemption options are a bit more limited compared to Chase.
Both the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Citi Double Cash offer a variety of additional benefits that can add value to the cardholder experience.
While both cards provide purchase protection and extended warranties, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers more comprehensive travel protections, which makes it a more appealing option for frequent travelers. If you’re more concerned with travel coverage and extra perks, Chase will give you more value here.
Choosing between the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Citi Double Cash ultimately depends on your spending habits and financial goals.
Ultimately, both cards offer excellent value and can be great additions to your wallet. Whether you go with the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Citi Double Cash depends on how you spend, what kind of rewards you prefer, and which benefits are most important to you.