Choosing between the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express ($95/yr) and the Chase Freedom Unlimited (no annual fee) comes down to where you spend most. Both cards can deliver real value — let’s break it down, then run your numbers to find the winner.
Strongest in groceries at 6% (up to $6,000/yr). 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming, 3% on transit and gas.
Perfect if: Your monthly spending stays within the bonus cap for maximum value.
Apply NowStrongest in travel at 5% via portal. 3% on dining and drugstores, 5% on Chase Travel. Earns a solid 1.5% on everything else.
Perfect if: You're comfortable booking through the issuer's portal for the best rate.
Apply Now| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | Chase Freedom Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $0 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | $250 after $3,000 spend in 6 months | $200 after $500 spend in 3 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7% | 3% |
| Base Reward Rate | 1.0% | <strong>1.5%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | 3% | <strong>5%</strong> |
| Dining Rewards | 1% | <strong>3%</strong> |
| Groceries Rewards | <strong>6% (up to $6,000/yr)</strong> | 1.5% |
| Gas Rewards | <strong>3%</strong> | 1.5% |
| Key Benefits | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming, 3% on transit and gas. | 3% on dining and drugstores, 5% on Chase Travel. |
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express pulls ahead for groceries, gas spending.
Chase Freedom Unlimited wins on travel, dining.
The $95/year fee difference means Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express needs to earn at least that much more in rewards to justify its cost.
Not sure which fits your life? Enter your spending below and we’ll do the math.
Enter your typical monthly spending and we’ll show you exactly which card earns more — including fees and bonuses.