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Head to head

Chase Freedom Flex vs Chase Freedom Unlimited

Both cards verified September 14, 2026 or later · Methodology v2026.09.1 · Decided by net annual value — rewards minus the full annual fee, counting only credits that arrive automatically — not by who pays us.

Chase Freedom Flex

No annual fee

Chase Freedom Unlimited

No annual fee

The verdict

Chase Freedom Unlimited wins 6 of 6 sample spending profiles — by about $129/yr on average where it leads. Chase Freedom Flex doesn't win a single one outright.

Below: net annual value for each card across six representative spending profiles. Your real numbers will differ — run them here.

Who wins, by how you spend

Net annual value — rewards minus the full annual fee, plus automatic credits only. The higher number wins each row; anything within $5/yr is called a tie. Open a profile to see the exact spending we ranked against.

Everyday balanced

A typical mix — some groceries and dining, a little travel, and a big catch-all bucket.

This profile's spending

grocery: $500/mo · dining: $300/mo · gas: $150/mo · travel: $150/mo · streaming: $40/mo · everything else: $1,200/mo · total $2,340/mo

+$122/yr

Chase Freedom Flex

$353/yr

Chase Freedom Unlimited

$475/yr

Grocery-heavy family

A household cooking mostly at home — supermarkets are the top line.

This profile's spending

grocery: $900/mo · dining: $250/mo · gas: $250/mo · travel: $100/mo · streaming: $50/mo · everything else: $800/mo · total $2,350/mo

+$126/yr

Chase Freedom Flex

$342/yr

Chase Freedom Unlimited

$468/yr

Dining-out foodie

Restaurants and delivery dominate the month.

This profile's spending

grocery: $250/mo · dining: $700/mo · gas: $100/mo · travel: $200/mo · streaming: $60/mo · everything else: $500/mo · total $1,810/mo

+$67/yr

Chase Freedom Flex

$385/yr

Chase Freedom Unlimited

$452/yr

Frequent traveler

Flights, hotels, and rideshare are the biggest category.

This profile's spending

grocery: $250/mo · dining: $350/mo · gas: $120/mo · travel: $800/mo · streaming: $40/mo · everything else: $600/mo · total $2,160/mo

+$109/yr

Chase Freedom Flex

$343/yr

Chase Freedom Unlimited

$452/yr

Heavy commuter

A long daily drive — gas is the standout category.

This profile's spending

grocery: $350/mo · dining: $250/mo · gas: $400/mo · travel: $100/mo · streaming: $30/mo · everything else: $700/mo · total $1,830/mo

+$94/yr

Chase Freedom Flex

$280/yr

Chase Freedom Unlimited

$374/yr

Big spender

High spend across every category.

This profile's spending

grocery: $800/mo · dining: $600/mo · gas: $250/mo · travel: $600/mo · streaming: $80/mo · everything else: $2,500/mo · total $4,830/mo

+$253/yr

Chase Freedom Flex

$724/yr

Chase Freedom Unlimited

$977/yr

The fine print, side by side

Annual fee:$0 · $0
Credits that arrive automatically: ·
Optional credits, if you use them: ·
Welcome bonus (est. value):$200 · $200
Base rate:1x · 1.5x

Welcome bonus: Current offer shown; issuer determines eligibility.

These are six sample profiles. Yours is one.

Enter your actual monthly spending and we'll rank both of these — and every other card — by what they'd net you.

Run your numbers

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Go deeper

Figures are estimates from our net-value model on fixed sample profiles, using the point valuations on our methodology page. Rates and fees change — verify on the issuer's site before applying.