Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Citi Double Cash [Detailed Comparison]

Key Takeaways

• The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® earns 3% cash-back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases, plus 5% cash-back on purchases through the Chase Travel portal.
• The Citi Double Cash^® Card provides a straightforward 2% cash-back on all purchases (1% when buying and 1% when paying).
• The Citi Double Cash could be better for people who prefer simple cash-back earnings on every purchase, while the Freedom Unlimited may appeal to those who can utilize bonus categories.

For many consumers, simplicity can be a priority when it comes to earning rewards on everyday purchases. This preference for simplicity can also be one of the prime reasons consumers select a cash-back rewards-earning credit card. Cash-back is not only simple to earn, it is one of the most liquid forms of rewards at redemption time.

Two very appropriate card options for cash-back earnings on purchases you make regularly are the Chase Freedom Unlimited^® and the Citi Double Cash^® Card. Each card ensures that every purchase earns elevated rewards, not just bonus category purchases. The cards also offer several options at redemption time and include useful travel and shopping protections and benefits.

Although these 2 cards have common features, one is likely to be a better match for your spending situation.

To help you determine which of these 2 featured cards has the best chance of being a fit for your spending profile, we’re going to review all the key features and benefits of each card in this article.

Overview

Before we expand on the attributes of both the Freedom Unlimited card and Double Cash card, here’s a high-level overview comparison of how the 2 cards stack up to each other.

The Value of a Welcome Offer

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Welcome Offer

Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1.5% back on all other purchases

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Citi Double Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 cash-back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

$200 cash-back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

17.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Double Cash^® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No annual fee

Cons

• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• Earn a total of 5 ThankYou^® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel^® portal.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 17.99% – 27.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Earning Potential

You’ll want to review the earning structures on the Freedom Unlimited card and Double Cash card carefully to determine which card will earn the highest level of cash-back on the purchases you make most frequently.

Here’s how the 2 cards earn rewards on every purchase:

Bottom Line: Both the Freedom Unlimited card and Double Cash card offer straightforward simplified earning structures. The Freedom Unlimited card is a good choice if you’ll spend on select travel via the Chase travel portal, on dining, and at drugstores. If you have high spending in non-bonus categories, the Double Cash card may offer better overall earnings.

Redemption Options

While both the Freedom Unlimited card and Double Cash card are marketed as cash-back cards, rewards are actually earned in the form of points that can be redeemed for cash-back.

Here’s how cash-back redemption options work, plus the additional options you’ll have with each card at redemption time.

Freedom Unlimited Card

• Cash-back — Redeem points for a statement credit or have your cash-back transferred to your bank account.
• Redeem for Travel via the Chase Travel Portal — Points can be used to purchase travel via the Chase travel portal at the rate of 1 cent per point.
• Transfer to Premium Chase Credit Cards — Points earned on the Freedom Unlimited card can be transferred to premium cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®. Once transferred, the Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for up to 2 cents each for select travel via the Chase travel portal or transferred to airline/hotel partners for even greater potential value. The premium card you have will determine how much value you may get from your points.
• Pay Yourself Back — Redeem points for a statement credit for donations made to select charities at the rate of 1.25 cents per point (currently valid through December 31, 2025).
• Gift Cards or Shopping — Redeem points for gift cards (watch for specials) or use points to shop for Apple products, Amazon, or PayPal checkout.

Double Cash Card

• Cash-back — Redeem points for a statement credit or cash transferred to your bank account.
• Transfer to Partners — Transfer rewards earned on your card to Citi’s airline and hotel partners.
• Transfer to a Premium Citi Card — Transfer points earned on the Double Cash card to premium Citi ThankYou Points-earning cards, such as the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, to gain access to better transfer ratios with Citi’s hotel and airline partners.
• Redeem for Travel — Points can be used to purchase travel via the Citi ThankYou travel portal for a value of 1 cent each.
• Gift Cards or Shopping — Redeem points for gift cards, shopping at Amazon, select retailers, and checkout via PayPal.

Bottom Line: Although the Freedom Unlimited card and Double Cash card are cash-back cards, you’ll find flexible redemption options such as redeeming points for travel, transferring points to premium cards for more flexible redemption options, purchasing gift cards, and shopping at select retailers. Some redemption options result in less than 1 cent in value per point and therefore are not a good value. 

Travel Protection Perks

Neither the Freedom Unlimited card nor the Double Cash card comes with a long list of travel protections and benefits, however, the Freedom Unlimited card does offer a few useful protections.

Freedom Unlimited Card

• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver — Reserve and pay for your entire rental with your Freedom Unlimited card, decline the car rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive secondary coverage for damage or theft of the rental car. Secondary coverage means that you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance before card coverage is applicable.
• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance — If your flight needs to be canceled or is disrupted for a covered reason, you could receive up to $1,500 per covered person and up to $6,000 per trip.
• Travel Emergency Assistance — If something should go wrong during your trip, you’ll have the benefit of access to help 24/7 with the emergency assistance hotline. Services include help with ticket replacement, translation service referrals, finding English-speaking medical or legal professionals, emergency transportation, and more.

Double Cash Card

The Double Cash card does not offer any travel protections.

Bottom Line: The Freedom Unlimited card comes with secondary car rental insurance, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and travel emergency assistance. The Double Cash card does not offer travel protections or benefits. 

Shopping Protections and Benefits

Shopping protections can provide coverage should something happen to an eligible item purchased with your card and shopping benefits can save you money.

Freedom Unlimited Card

• Purchase Protection — Purchase an eligible item with your card and receive coverage for damage or theft for 120 days from the purchase date with a maximum of $500 per claim.
• Extended Warranty — For eligible items purchased with your card that have manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less, receive 1 additional year of coverage.

In addition to shopping protections, you’ll find these shopping benefits that can save you money when you use the Freedom Unlimited card to make your purchase:

• Introductory 0% APR on Purchases — You can save on interest charges while paying for your purchases over time with the 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%.
• Shop through Chase — Over 100 retailers and service providers are included in the Shop through Chase portal. You’ll earn cash-back over and above the base earnings when using the associated links to make your purchase.
• Chase Offers — Login to your online card account, review the available Chase Offers, and select the offers you would like to use. You will receive additional cash-back by making the required purchase with the selected retailer or service provider.
• DoorDash DashPass — Freedom Unlimited card members receive free delivery and reduced service fees with a complimentary 6-month DoorDash DashPass subscription. After the 6-month period, card members are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Membership must be activated by December 31, 2027.

Double Cash Card

• Extended Warranty — Double the time period of your original manufacturer or store warranty up to 24 months following the day of expiration.
• Citi Merchant Offers — Login to your online Double Cash card account and select the offers you want to use. Add the offers to your card, make the associated purchase, and receive additional cash-back.
• Citi Entertainment Access — Have access to ticket presales and special experiences at music, sports, cultural, and art events.

Bottom Line: When we compare shopping protections and benefits, the Freedom Unlimited card offers a superior collection over the Double Cash card. 

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

Neither the Freedom Unlimited card nor the Double Cash card charges an annual fee.

Adding authorized users to your card can help you earn rewards faster. There is no additional fee to add authorized users to either the Freedom Unlimited card or the Double Cash card.

Everything Else You Need To Know

The Double Cash card offers an additional benefit you won’t find on the Freedom Unlimited card. You can transfer high-interest credit card debt balances to the card during an introductory 0% APR period and pay back the balance without interest charges.

Balance transfers must be made within the first 4 months after card approval with a 3% transfer fee (minimum of $5). Transfers made after 4 months incur a fee of 5% ($5 minimum). The card offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.99% - 27.99%

While both the Freedom Unlimited card and Double Cash card work well for paying expenses during domestic travel, you won’t want to use the cards for international travel. Each card charges foreign transaction fees of 3% on the total amount of the purchase.

You will need good to excellent credit, normally 670 or higher, to qualify for either card.

Alternative Cards to the Freedom Unlimited Card and Double Cash Card

Both of our featured cards offer superb earnings on everyday purchases without having to pay an annual fee. However, here are a few more no-annual-fee cards to consider for elevated earnings on purchases you make frequently.

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$200

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cash-back credit cards, there are dozens of options to choose from. So what sets the Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express apart from the rest?

This card is excellent at earning cash-back on your everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases. So if you regularly spend money on everyday purchases, this could be the perfect card to add to your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3% back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
• 3% back on purchases at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
• 3% back on purchases on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.

Cons

• Rewards are not flexible and can only be redeemed for cash-back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.99% to 28.99% variable APR.
• Plan It^®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express^® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
• Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
• Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday^® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at Disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Enjoy a nice welcome offer and earn 3% on everyday purchases such as U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases ( limit of $6,000 for each category per year, then 1%).

Chase Freedom Flex^® Card

Chase Freedom Flex^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Chase Freedom Flex^®

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Flex^® sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%
• Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
• No annual fee

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74%-28.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

With rotating bonus categories that earn 5% cash-back (up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter), you’ll always be earning elevated rewards. In addition, you’ll be earning 3% cash-back on dining and at drugstores and 5% cash-back on qualifying travel purchased via the Chase travel portal. Plus, the card comes with cell phone protection.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Earn 2% cash rewards on every purchase plus receive benefits such as cell phone protection, access to the Luxury Hotel Collection, and additional Visa Signature benefits.

Final Thoughts

Both the Freedom Unlimited card and Double Cash card function well as everyday spending credit cards yet each offers flexible options at redemption time. The Freedom Unlimited card has more travel benefits, but if you have an existing travel rewards card, the Double Cash card could supplement it well.

Another deciding factor between these 2 cards could simply be earning potential. The card that closely matches your spending mix and rewards those purchases best will likely be the better choice when earning potential is your priority.

Additionally, if you have a large purchase(s) coming up, the introductory 0% APR period may save you money on interest charges as you pay back the purchase(s) over time with the Freedom Unlimited card. The Double Cash card offers an introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers which could also save you money on interest charges if you have other high-interest credit card debt you can transfer. Terms apply for both of these benefits.

And a final consideration, equally important, would be if you have a premium Chase or Citi card to facilitate transferring points from either of these featured cards. The value of points earned can be potentially greater after transferring and taking advantage of additional redemption options.

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