By Budget Savvy Hub | Updated February 13, 2024

When it comes to choosing a credit card, the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Sapphire Preferred are two popular options with unique features. In this article, we will compare the rewards programs, annual fees, and perks and benefits of both cards to determine which one comes out on top.

Key Takeaways

• Consider your spending habits to determine which card’s rewards program aligns best with your lifestyle.
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a higher sign-up bonus compared to the Chase Freedom Flex.
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a higher annual fee but also provides more travel benefits.
• Both cards offer valuable perks such as travel and purchase protections.
• If you prioritize travel benefits like lounge access, the Chase Sapphire Preferred may be the better choice for you.

Rewards Program

Cash Back Categories

When it comes to maximizing your earnings with every swipe, the Chase Freedom Flex stands out with its rotating cash back categories. Each quarter, cardholders can activate new categories to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases. These categories range from grocery stores to gas stations, ensuring that your everyday spending is always rewarded.

In contrast, the Chase Sapphire Preferred does not offer rotating cash back categories, but it does provide 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. While less dynamic, this structure benefits those with consistent spending patterns in these areas.

The choice between the two cards may hinge on your personal spending habits and whether you prefer the simplicity of a steady rewards rate or the excitement of maximizing rotating categories.

Here’s a quick comparison of the cash back categories for both cards:

• Chase Freedom Flex: 5% on rotating categories each quarter, 1% on all other purchases.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, 1 point on everything else.

Travel Rewards

When it comes to travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card shines with its generous points system. For every dollar spent on travel and dining, cardholders earn 2 points, which can be increased to 5 points per dollar when booking travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The points can also be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, providing flexibility and potentially greater value.

The Chase Freedom Flex, while not primarily a travel card, still offers some travel benefits. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, but it lacks the transferable points feature. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Chase Sapphire Preferred	Chase Freedom Flex
Points on Travel & Dining	2x (5x on Chase Travel)	1% Cash Back
Transferable Points	Yes	No
Travel Booking Bonus	5x Points	5% Cash Back

While both cards provide rewards for travel purchases, the Sapphire Preferred is tailored more towards frequent travelers who can take advantage of the transferable points and higher earning rates on travel and dining.

Sign-Up Bonus

When it comes to the sign-up bonus, both cards offer compelling incentives for new cardholders. The Chase Freedom Flex typically provides a bonus after you spend a certain amount within the first three months of account opening. On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card often features a higher bonus, reflecting its premium status.

Here’s a quick comparison of their sign-up bonuses:

• Chase Freedom Flex: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, which can be worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

While the Sapphire Preferred’s bonus is more lucrative, it requires a higher spend to qualify. It’s essential to consider your spending habits and whether you can meet the higher threshold without unnecessary spending. Remember to utilize the Chase Freedom Flex Rewards Calendar to maximize your rewards throughout the year.

Annual Fees

Chase Freedom Flex

The Chase Freedom Flex card is an attractive option for those who are budget-conscious, as it boasts a $0 annual fee. This makes it accessible to a wider range of consumers, especially when compared to cards that charge a hefty fee for membership.

Chase Freedom Flex stands out in the market, not only for its lack of an annual fee but also for its competitive rewards program. The card is particularly beneficial for those who are strategic about their spending, thanks to the rotating cash back categories that allow cardholders to earn up to 5% on various purchases throughout the year.

The Freedom Flex card is designed to be a cost-effective choice for everyday spending, with the added bonus of cash back rewards that can be maximized by following the rewards calendar.

Understanding the credit score requirements is crucial for potential applicants. The Chase Freedom Flex is generally recommended for individuals with good to excellent credit. This is similar to the requirements for the Discover it card, which also targets consumers with strong credit profiles.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is designed for those who are serious about their travel and dining experiences. With an annual fee of $95, it is positioned as a premium offering in the Chase lineup. The fee is easily justified for frequent travelers who can take advantage of the card’s generous rewards structure and benefits.

• Annual Fee: $95
• No foreign transaction fees
• Fee waived for the first year: No

The Sapphire Preferred card offers a balance between the annual fee and the value of rewards and benefits for cardholders. It’s a solid choice for those who travel enough to leverage the perks that come with the card.

Perks and Benefits

Travel Protections

When it comes to travel protections, both the Chase Freedom Flex and the Sapphire Preferred offer a suite of features designed to give cardholders peace of mind. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card stands out with its superior travel insurance benefits.

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
• Baggage Delay Insurance
• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services

The Chase Freedom Flex, while offering some travel protection, is more limited compared to the Sapphire Preferred. It includes benefits like Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver and Travel and Emergency Assistance Services, but lacks the more comprehensive trip insurance options.

For frequent travelers, the difference in travel protection can be a deciding factor. The Sapphire Preferred’s robust insurance offerings can potentially save cardholders significant money and hassle in the event of travel disruptions.

Purchase Protections

When it comes to safeguarding your purchases, the Chase Freedom Flex card provides a robust Purchase Protection plan. This feature covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account. It’s a reassuring safety net for your valuable items.

Purchase Protection is particularly beneficial for electronics, appliances, and other high-value items that might be susceptible to damage or theft shortly after purchase. By using the Chase Freedom Flex card, you can shop with more confidence, knowing that your new acquisitions are protected.

• Coverage up to 120 days
• $500 per claim limit
• $50,000 per account limit

The Chase Freedom Flex card offers Purchase Protection for new purchases and valuable travel benefits. Maximize rewards with quarterly bonus categories and no annual fee.

Lounge Access

When it comes to lounge access, neither the Chase Freedom Flex nor the Sapphire Preferred card directly offers this perk as a standard feature. However, Sapphire Preferred cardholders can gain lounge access through various travel partners, albeit with an additional cost.

• Chase Freedom Flex: No lounge access
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Access available via travel partners (fees apply)

It’s important for travelers who value a quiet space and amenities at the airport to consider this difference. While the Chase Freedom Flex focuses on cash back and does not prioritize lounge benefits, the Sapphire Preferred positions itself as a travel card, offering indirect lounge access that could enhance your travel experience.

When evaluating credit cards, always consider how the benefits align with your travel habits and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Chase Freedom Flex and Sapphire Preferred are excellent credit cards with unique benefits. The best card for you will depend on your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals. If you value cash back and flexibility, the Chase Freedom Flex may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize travel rewards and premium benefits, the Sapphire Preferred could be the top contender. Ultimately, the decision between these two cards comes down to personal preference and how you plan to maximize the rewards offered by each.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the cash back categories differ between Chase Freedom Flex and Sapphire Preferred?

Chase Freedom Flex offers rotating 5% cash back categories, while Sapphire Preferred offers fixed bonus categories.

What type of travel rewards can I earn with Chase Freedom Flex and Sapphire Preferred?

Chase Freedom Flex offers cash back rewards on travel purchases, while Sapphire Preferred offers points that can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

What are the sign-up bonuses for Chase Freedom Flex and Sapphire Preferred?

Chase Freedom Flex typically offers a cash back bonus, while Sapphire Preferred offers a points bonus after meeting spending requirements.

How do the annual fees compare between Chase Freedom Flex and Sapphire Preferred?

Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, while Sapphire Preferred has an annual fee.

What travel protections are included with Chase Freedom Flex and Sapphire Preferred?

Both cards offer travel protections such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance and rental car insurance.

Do Chase Freedom Flex and Sapphire Preferred offer purchase protections?

Yes, both cards offer purchase protections such as extended warranty and purchase protection against damage or theft.