Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve edges Chase Freedom Unlimited on year-1 math ($3,444 more value at 1.8¢/pt).
Quick verdict
Chase Sapphire Reserve edges Chase Freedom Unlimited on year-1 math ($3,444 more value at 1.8¢/pt)
Chase Freedom Unlimited: $0 recurring credits + $360 welcome bonus − $0 AF = $360 net. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $1,899 recurring credits + $2,700 welcome bonus − $795 AF = $3,804 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 Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $795 |
| Welcome bonus | 20,000 pts after $500 in 3mo | 150,000 pts after $6,000 in 3mo |
| Welcome bonus value @ 1.8¢ | $360 | $2,700 |
| Free-night cert | — | — |
| Recurring credits / year | $0 | $1,899 |
| Year-1 net @ 1.8¢ | $360 | $3,804 |
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 Reserve
6 recurring credits
- The Edit by Chase Travel$250 · Semi-annual
- Sapphire Exclusive Tables Dining$150 · Semi-annual
- Priority Pass Select$469 · Annual
- Travel Credit$300 · Annual
- Sapphire Lounge access$300 · Annual
- Global Entry / TSA PreCheck$120 · Every 4 years
Pick Chase Freedom Unlimited if
the AF is meaningfully lower ($0 vs $795).
Pick Chase Sapphire Reserve if
the recurring credits stack is richer ($1,899 vs $0); the welcome bonus pays more at 1.8¢/pt ($2,700 vs $360).