Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred edges Chase Freedom Unlimited on year-1 math ($945 more value at 1.8¢/pt).
Quick verdict
Chase Sapphire Preferred edges Chase Freedom Unlimited on year-1 math ($945 more value at 1.8¢/pt)
Chase Freedom Unlimited: $0 recurring credits + $360 welcome bonus − $0 AF = $360 net. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $50 recurring credits + $1,350 welcome bonus − $95 AF = $1,305 net. These are year-1 numbers (welcome bonus included) at a 1.8¢/pt rewards valuation. The /tools/annual-fee-breakeven calculator runs the year-2-onward math without the bonus.
Side-by-side specs
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | Chase Sapphire Preferred | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $95 |
| Welcome bonus | 20,000 pts after $500 in 3mo | 75,000 pts after $5,000 in 3mo |
| Welcome bonus value @ 1.8¢ | $360 | $1,350 |
| Free-night cert | — | — |
| Recurring credits / year | $0 | $50 |
| Year-1 net @ 1.8¢ | $360 | $1,305 |
Year-1 net assumes the welcome bonus values at 1.8¢/pt. For year-2-onward math, use the Annual Fee Break-even Calculator.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
0 recurring credits
No recurring credits listed in our catalog for this card.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
2 recurring credits
- Hotel Credit$50 · Annual
- Anniversary Points (10% boost on prev-year spend)$0 · Annual
Pick Chase Freedom Unlimited if
the AF is meaningfully lower ($0 vs $95).
Pick Chase Sapphire Preferred if
the welcome bonus pays more at 1.8¢/pt ($1,350 vs $360).