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Chase vs. Citi Credit Cards: Which Is Best? [2025]

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Stephen Au
Updated: 
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
& Michael Y. Park
Chase vs. Citi Credit Cards: Which Is Best? [2025]
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Key Takeaways

  • Chase is the clear winner for luxury travel benefits, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offering numerous perks.
  • Citi leads the way in cash-back with the Citi Double Cash® Card’s 2% cash-back, 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay.
  • Chase generally targets premium customers, while Citi mainly focuses on the mass market.

Chase and Citi are two of the largest banks in the U.S. Offering various financial services and products, they compete fiercely for credit card market share, too.

Citi’s card selection is more limited, while Chase offers a broader range of options. That said, Citi boasts some of the best points.

This guide compares Chase’s best credit cards with Citi’s best by major segment. Here’s how Citi and Chase credit cards stack up against each other.

Comparing Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards

Chase’s proprietary loyalty program is Ultimate Rewards, and most people refer to these points as Ultimate Rewards points, Chase Ultimate Rewards points, or simply Chase points.

Citi’s points system is called ThankYou Rewards. Generally, these points are known as ThankYou points, ThankYou rewards points, or Citi points.

Chase offers a series of credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, although several of its cards don’t.

Similarly, Citi has a handful of credit cards that accumulate ThankYou points. However, some credit cards don’t earn ThankYou points; instead, they earn other rewards like American Airlines AAdvantage miles or cash-back.

Ultimate Rewards points can be used in many ways:

The best value usually comes from leveraging transfer partnerships.

Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 Rear Business Class Cabin
Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 Rear Business Class Cabin. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Beyond that, Pay Yourself Back redemptions can net you a value of up to 1.5 cents per point. Certain hotel and airfare bookings via Chase Travel can result in a redemption value as high as 2 cents per point.

Gift cards get you 1 to 1.2 cents per point, while statement credit or cash-back redemptions earn 1 cent per point of value. Lastly, with Amazon.com, Apple, or other online shopping redemptions, expect less than 1 cent per point of value, usually around 0.8 cents per point.

Citi ThankYou points can be used for:

Citi ThankYou points are straightforward to use. The best way to use them is to transfer them to travel partners.

You can get 1 cent per point on Citi Travel Center bookings, up to 1 cent per point on gift cards, 0.5 to 1 cent per point on cash-back, 0.83 cents per point through Shop with Points, and 0.8 cents per point on Amazon.com purchases.

Transfer Partnerships

Chase and Citi share a handful of the same transfer partnerships, which is great news. That means you can get fantastic value from your points, whether with Chase or Citi.

Currently, Chase and Citi share the following transfer partners: Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, JetBlue TrueBlue, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

Chase has a few incredibly useful transfer partners in comparison to Citi, including:

On the other hand, Citi has a different advantage over Chase with unique transfer partners, including:

Although there are clear uses for each transfer partner listed above, Chase has an edge. Chase’s partnership with World of Hyatt can’t be taken for granted, as it’s the king of hotel transfer partnerships. Chase also has a distinct partnership with a U.S. airline in United MileagePlus, while Citi does not.

Citi’s partnerships with Cathay Pacific Asia Miles and Avianca LifeMiles may prove advantageous for international travel. Citi is the only major flexible rewards currency to transfer to the American Airlines AAdvantage program — with a premium card like the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, the transfer ratio is 1:1; no-annual-fee cards transfer to AAdvantage at 1:0.7.

Citi‘s 1:2 transfer partnership with Choice Privileges, available to those with a premium card, can be leveraged for Preferred Hotels stays. Lastly, Citi’s partnership with Wyndham Rewards can be useful when booking vacation rental stays through Vacasa (a Wyndham Rewards partner).

We value Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each, while Citi ThankYou points are worth 1.6 cents each.

Best Overall Travel Rewards Card

Looking for the absolute best middle-of-the-road credit card for travel rewards? Chase and Citi both offer fantastic options in this space.

Sydney Opera House Sunny Day
You can use points to visit Sydney. Image Credit: James Larounis

Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

NEW OFFER
Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 75,000 points
$1,500
$95
19.74% - 27.99% Variable
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 Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
  • 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
  • Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
  • 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is our top travel credit card, as it’s jam-packed with some of the best credit card benefits in the business.

You first start with a massive welcome bonus offer and earn up to 5x Ultimate Rewards points:

  • 5x points on travel purchased through the Chase Travel portal
  • 5x points on Lyft purchases through September 30, 2027
  • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through December 31, 2027)
  • 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
  • 2x points on other travel
  • 1x points on other purchases

Every year, you get a 10% anniversary bonus on your total card spend for the calendar year. So if you spend $20,000 on the card, you get an additional 2,000 bonus points!

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards hotel credit, a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (when activated by December 31, 2027), and access to bonuses on Chase Travel portal bookings and Pay Yourself Back redemptions in select rotating categories.

This credit card has some of the best travel insurance available, including auto rental coverage, baggage insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and roadside dispatch.

Lastly, you get no foreign transaction fees, authorized users for no additional annual fee, purchase protection, zero-liability protection, and extended warranty coverage.

» Related: 24 Benefits and Perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card [$3,700+ in Value]

Runner-Up: Citi Strata Premier Card

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
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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.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
60,000 points
$960
$95
19.99% to 27.99% Variable APR
Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
  • 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
  • $100 annual hotel benefit
Cons
    • $95 annual fee
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
  • Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
  • Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.
  • Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
  • No foreign transaction fees on purchases.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% to 27.99% Variable APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Citi Strata Premier card is one of our favorite credit cards. If you’re looking for a fantastic catch-all credit card and are looking to keep your credit card portfolio as simple as possible, this card could be a great fit.

This card has a fantastic welcome bonus offer. It earns 3x Citi ThankYou points on a vast array of purchases:

  • 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
  • 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations, on air travel, and hotels
  • 1x points on other purchases

It is almost unheard of for a single credit card to earn bonus points in all of those categories, except for the Citi Strata Premier card.

Once per calendar year, you can use a $100 annual hotel savings benefit on a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, when booked through thankyou.com.

The Citi Strata Premier card offers trip delay, trip cancellation, and interruption insurance, as well as lost or damaged luggage insurance. It also has MasterRental coverage (secondary car rental insurance).

This card gets you access to Citi Entertainment, no foreign transaction fees, authorized user cards for no additional annual fee, and contactless payment capabilities.

Bottom Line:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card outperforms the Citi Strata Premier card thanks to its 5x points rewards, which are equal to a 10% return on spending. 

Best Premium Travel Rewards Card

You might love having a premium card if you’re looking for high-end luxury travel benefits.

While Chase used to have the premium lane all to itself with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi has recently entered the arena with its Citi Strata Elite card.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

NEW OFFER
Chase Sapphire Reserve®Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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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.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000 points
$2,500
$795
19.99% - 28.49% Variable
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.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
  • 5x points on Lyft rides
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
Cons
    • $795 annual fee
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is our go-to premium credit card from Chase.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is our favorite for its solid welcome bonus, incredible rewards categories, and long list of travel perks.

With the card, you earn:

  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel
  • 5x points on Lyft purchases through September 2027
  • 4x points on airfare and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on other purchases

This credit card comes with a $300 travel credit after every cardmember anniversary year, a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership upon activation, and a $120 TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS application fee credit.

Thompson Houston lawn and seating
Get access to The Edit from Chase. Image Credit: Jessica Merritt

You get a complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription (when activated by December 31, 2027) and some of the best travel insurance.

These card benefits include purchase protection, extended warranty, return protection, and no foreign transaction fees.

Runner-Up: Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
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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 Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
The Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.
Earn 100,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $6,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
100,000 points
Up to $1,600
$595
20.99% to 28.99% Variable
Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is a great option for frequent travelers, foodies, and those who are fans of the Citi ThankYou Rewards ecosystem thanks to its combination of bonus categories, perks, and annual credits.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 12x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
  • 6x points on airfare through Citi Travel
  • 6x points on dining on Citi Nights (Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 3x points on dining at all other times
Cons
  • $595 annual fee
  • Boosted dining rewards are limited to 2 nights per week
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 100,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $6,000 within the first 3 months of account opening
  • 12x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com
  • 6x points on air travel booked on cititravel.com
  • 6x points at restaurants, including restaurant delivery services, every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. ET, and 3x points any other time
  • 1.5x points on all other purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • Up to $300 annual hotel benefit
  • Up to $200 annual Splurge credit
  • Up to $200 annual Blacklane credit
  • 4 American Airlines Admirals Club passes every calendar year
  • Transfer Citi ThankYou Points to partners like American Airlines
  • Complimentary Priority Pass membership
  • No foreign transaction fees
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.99% to 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Citi Strata Elite card is definitely worth considering. It has an excellent welcome bonus offer, offers some of the same luxury perks as the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and its annual fee is quite a bit lower.

The Citi Strata Elite card earns:

  • 12x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com
  • 6x points on air travel booked on cititravel.com
  • 6x points at restaurants, including restaurant delivery services, every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern time, and 3x points any other time
  • 1.5x points on all other purchases

Like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the Citi Strata Elite card has a Priority Pass Select membership and a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit. It also offers annual credits of up to $300 for a hotel benefit, up to $200 for a splurge credit, and up to $200 for a Blacklane credit. Cardmembers also receive 4 Admirals Club passes each year and can transfer points to American Airlines AAdvantage.

Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Card

Looking for a card with no annual fee that still earns awesome rewards? Chase has a definitive winner.

Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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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!
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$200
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%.
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

The Freedom Unlimited card is one of the easiest credit cards for dipping your toes into rewards, and with a $0 annual fee, it’s almost a risk-free way to get started.

The earning rates are so powerful that you probably wouldn’t believe they come from a card without an annual fee:

  • 5% cash-back on travel booked through the Chase Travel portal
  • 2% cash-back on Lyft purchases through September 30, 2027
  • 3% cash-back on dining and at drugstores
  • 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases

Freedom Unlimited card rewards can be converted from cash-back to Ultimate Rewards points, so long as you have one of Chase’s Ultimate Rewards credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, Chase Sapphire Reserve card, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.

This could double your return on spending from 5% to 5x points, equal to a 10% return.

The Freedom Unlimited card boasts purchase protection, extended warranty, zero-liability fraud protection, authorized users for no additional annual fee, and secondary rental car coverage.

Runner-up: Citi Strata℠ Card

Citi Strata℠ Card
Citi Strata℠ Card
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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.

Citi Strata℠ Card
Earn 30,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
30,000 points
$480
$0
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, and then a variable APR 18.99% to 28.99%.
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 Citi Strata card offers a fresh way to earn Citi ThankYou Points with a $0 annual fee, allowing you to maximize your spend at gas stations, supermarkets, and more.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com
  • 3x points at supermarkets, select transit, gas and EV charging stations, and an eligible self-select category of your choice (fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barber shops/hair salon or pet supply stores)
  • 2x points at restaurants
Cons
  • Doesn’t offer the best transfer ratio to Citi’s airline and hotel partners
  • Charges foreign transaction fees
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
  • Earn 5x points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
  • Earn 3x points per $1 on supermarkets, select transit, gas, and EV charging stations, and an eligible self-select category of your choice every quarter (fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barber shops/hair salons, or pet supply stores).
  • Earn 2x points per $1 at restaurants.
  • Earn 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, and then a variable APR 18.99% to 28.99%.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

One of several Citi cards that earn ThankYou points, the Citi Strata card has a $0 annual fee but still packs a punch.

You earn:

  • 5x on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com
  • 3x on supermarkets, select transit, gas, and EV charging stations, and an eligible category of your choice every quarter (fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores, barber shops, hair salons, or pet supply stores)
  • 2x at restaurants
  • 1x on all other purchases

The card doesn’t have many other benefits, and the transfer ratios to partners you get with the Citi Strata card aren’t great. But the $0-annual-fee Citi Strata card really shines if you combine it to one of Citi’s other credit cards. That lets you earn multiple points in several different categories and really turbocharge your earnings.

Best Card for Cash-Back

Now let’s pivot to cash-back rewards. Citi has a strong grip on the best credit cards for cash-back rewards.

Winner: Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
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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!
Earn $200 cash-back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
$200 cash-back
$0
17.99% - 27.99% Variable
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

The Citi Double Cash card is one of our favorite cash-back credit cards because of how simple the rewards are.

Although you won’t find a huge welcome bonus offer on this card, it’s one of the best cards to hold long-term. The card’s biggest selling point is its 2% cash-back offer (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay).

The rewards you earn are in the form of ThankYou points. You can access the full list of transfer partners at reduced transfer ratios, or if you also have a premium card like the Citi Strata Premier card, you can pool points, and you will get the premium card’s better transfer ratios. Otherwise, these points are generally redeemable for cash-back, direct deposit, and gift cards.

The Citi Double Cash card has fraud protection, extended warranty coverage, access to Citi Entertainment, and no-additional-fee authorized user cards.

Runner-up: Citi Custom Cash® Card

Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi Custom Cash® Card
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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.

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, without an annual fee!

Citi Custom Cash® Card
Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, without an annual fee!
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.
$200
$0
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.99% - 27.99%.
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 Custom Cash® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, with a $0 annual fee.

Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
  • $0 annual fee
  • Multiple redemption options
Cons
  • Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
  • Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category
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.
  • Get 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.99% - 27.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.99% - 27.99%.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%

Our runner-up credit card is the Citi Custom Cash card. You earn 5% cash-back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent:

  • Drugstores
  • Fitness clubs
  • Gas stations
  • Grocery stores
  • Home improvement stores
  • Live entertainment
  • Restaurants
  • Select streaming services
  • Select transit
  • Select travel

Earning 5% cash-back from such a broad list of popular bonus categories is huge, though a drawback is the low cap of $500 every billing cycle. On all other purchases, you earn 1% cash-back.

The Citi Custom Cash card has zero liability on unauthorized charges, extended warranty, contactless payments, the ability to choose your payment due date, and access to Citi Entertainment. There are no additional annual fees for authorized users.

Hot Tip:

For more options, check out these 5% cash-back credit cards.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Card

If you’re looking to consolidate any existing high-interest debt on other credit cards, Citi should be on your radar.

Winner: Citi Double Cash Card

Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
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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!
Earn $200 cash-back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
$200 cash-back
$0
17.99% - 27.99% Variable
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

We love this card because it allows you to manage credit card debt through balance transfers and earn industry-leading rewards on everyday purchases. The card has a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.99% - 27.99%. You can use this offer to pay down high-interest balances.

You earn 2% cash-back (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay, earned as ThankYou points). These points can be used with the full list of airline and hotel partners, although the transfer ratios are lower than with a premium ThankYou Rewards card. However, you can pair it with a premium card like the Citi Strata Premier card to access the better transfer ratios.

There are no additional annual fees for authorized users, and you get fraud alerts, contactless payments, and more.

Runner-Up: Chase Freedom Flex®

Chase Freedom Flex®

Chase Freedom Flex®

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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.
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$200
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%
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
  • Excellent cell phone insurance
  • Ability to pool points
  • Mastercard World Elite benefits

Cons

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

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

More Reads

The Freedom Flex card is similar to the Freedom Unlimited card, but has a few fundamentally different bonus categories.

  • 5% cash-back on quarterly rotating bonus categories (up to $1,500 per quarter)
  • 2% cash-back on Lyft purchases through September 30, 2027
  • 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
  • 3% cash-back on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and at drugstores
  • 1% cash-back on other purchases

This card could be a great fit if you feel confident you can keep up with and maximize quarterly bonus categories.

The Freedom Flex card is strong with a $0 annual fee, rewards, or benefits, but it also offers a great balance transfer offer. You can get a 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%

Cash-back earned with the Freedom Flex card can still be converted to Ultimate Rewards points, just like the Freedom Unlimited card. You also get travel insurance, purchase protection, an extended warranty, and cell phone insurance.

Best Overall Business Card

Chase has some incredible products for small business owners, but Citi doesn’t compete well in this arena.

Winner: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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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 Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.
Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
90,000 points
$1,800
$95
19.99% - 25.99% Variable
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 Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
  • Cell phone protection
  • Purchase protection
Cons
    • No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
  • Points are worth more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
  • Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 25.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Our favorite business credit card between Chase and Citi is the Ink Business Preferred card, which offers fantastic rewards and benefits.

It has a huge welcome bonus offer, which is easily worth close to $2,000 based on our valuations.

Even better, you can earn up to 3x Ultimate Rewards points on select business categories for a total of $150,000 in combined purchases every cardmember year:

  • Ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
  • Internet, cable, and phone services
  • Shipping expenses
  • Travel

The card also earns 5x points on Lyft purchases through September 30, 2027.

According to our valuations, earning 3x points equals a 6% return on spending and 10% when earning 5x points. All other purchases earn 1x points, which is a 2% return on spending.

You get redemption bonuses on hotel and flight bookings made through Chase Travel and a 25% bonus on Pay Yourself Back redemptions, which cover select rotating categories.

The Ink Business Preferred card is one of the few credit cards that offer cell phone protection, which can deliver up to $1,500 in value every year.

This card boasts superb travel insurance, including primary auto rental coverage, purchase protection, extended warranty, zero-liability protection, fraud protection, no foreign transaction fees, and employee cards for no additional annual fee.

Runner-Up: Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

NEW OFFER
Sapphire Reserve for Business℠Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

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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 Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.

Apply Now

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.
Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases in your first 6 months from account opening.
200,000 points
$4,000
$795
18.24% - 26.24% Variable
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.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card is a great pick for business owners who can easily make use of the annual credits for travel, Google Workspace, ZipRecruiter, and more. Plus, it offers helpful bonus categories such as ad spend and offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges — including Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 8x points on Chase Travel purchases
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines (uncapped)
  • Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Priority Pass lounges
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • $500 annual The Edit by Chase Travel credit
  • $400 annual ZipRecruiter credit
  • $200 annual Google Workspace credit
  • $100 Giftcards.com credit
  • $300 annually in monthly DoorDash promos and a complimentary DashPass membership
  • $120 in annual Lyft in-app credits
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit
  • Complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, with the ability to receive IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status if you spend $120,000 on the card in a calendar year
  • Southwest Airlines A-List status and a $500 Southwest Airlines credit when booked through Chase Travel (when you spend $120,000 on the card in a calendar year)
  • $500 The Shops at Chase credit (when you spend $120,000 on the card in a calendar year)
  • Various travel and purchase protections

Cons

  • $795 annual fee
Card Highlights
  • Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases in your first 6 months from account opening and with more than $2,500 in annual value, there's no competition.
  • Earn 8x points on Chase Travel℠ for airline tickets, hotels, including The Edit℠, car rentals, cruises, activities and tours.
  • Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
  • Earn 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct.
  • Earn 3x points on social media & search engine advertising.
  • Get the most flexible travel credit compared to any other card, with up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year on travel purchases.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club network and Priority Pass™ Select membership. Two guests may accompany the Primary Cardmember to the lounges free of charge.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 18.24% - 26.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Another great business card is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card. Introduced just in 2025, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card has a ton of benefits but also a hefty annual fee.

As with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you earn:

  • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel
  • 4x points on airfare and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on other purchases

You also get a $300 travel credit after every cardmember anniversary year, a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership upon activation, access to Chase Sapphire lounges, and a $120 TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS application fee credit. You also get access to a variety of business-related statement credits, including at ZipRecruiter, Google Workspace, and GiftCards.com

Best Business Card for Cash-Back

Now, let’s examine the best business credit cards for cash-back, where Chase has great cards.

Winner: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
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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 card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.
Earn $900 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.
$900
$900
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.24% - 25.24% variable thereafter.
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 Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.

When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.24% - 25.24% variable thereafter. , you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
  • Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases
  • Travel insurance and purchase protection
Cons
  • Spending caps in bonus categories
  • Low points earning outside of bonus categories
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn $900 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening
  • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
  • Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.24% - 25.24% variable thereafter.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Our favorite business credit card for maximizing cash-back is the Ink Business Cash card, which can earn up to 5% cash-back.

Here’s the rewards structure:

  • 5% cash-back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases every account anniversary year at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services
  • 5% cash-back on Lyft purchases through September 30, 2027
  • 2% cash-back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases every account anniversary year at gas stations and restaurants
  • 1% cash-back on other purchases

Best of all, the cash-back rewards on the Ink Business Cash card can be converted to Ultimate Rewards at a 1% to 1x ratio, which allows you to earn up to 5x Ultimate Rewards points if you also have an Ultimate Rewards credit card.

The Ink Business Cash card is rounded out by the primary auto rental coverage, purchase protection, extended warranty, zero-liability fraud protection, and no-additional-fee employee cards.

Runner-Up: Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

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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 Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$900
$900
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.24% - 23.24% thereafter.
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

As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.

If so, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.

Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.24% - 23.24% thereafter.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
  • No annual fee
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.24% - 23.24% thereafter.
  • Employee cards at no additional cost
  • Earn flexible rewards

Cons

  • 3% foreign transaction fee
Card Highlights
  • Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.24% - 23.24% thereafter.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Card Categories

Rewards Center

More Reads

Our runner-up winner is the Ink Business Unlimited card. It’s one of our all-time favorite business credit cards because of its top-shelf rewards and low fees.

The Ink Business Unlimited card earns an uncapped, unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all business purchases. If you have a card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred card, these cash-back rewards can be converted to Ultimate Rewards points.

The rewards convert at a 1% to 1x ratio, translating to 1.5x points and a 3% return on spending.

This credit card is one of the few that includes primary auto rental coverage with a $0 annual fee. You also get purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, zero-liability coverage, and other travel insurance perks. You won’t find any additional annual fees for authorized users, either.

Final Thoughts

Chase and Citi both have superb credit cards. Chase typically caters to slightly higher-end customers, while Citi tends to focus on appealing to the mass market.

Overall, if you want to maximize your credit card lineup, you have plenty of options between these issuers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chase better than Citibank?

Most regard Chase as having better credit cards than Citibank. Exceptions apply, but Chase points are generally more valuable than Citi points.

Which bank is bigger, Chase or Citibank?

In terms of total assets, Chase is significantly larger than Citibank.

Does Chase own Citibank?

Chase does not own Citibank. Citibank and Chase are totally different banks and direct competitors.

Which credit card is better, Chase or Citi?

In general, if you’re looking for a premium credit card with great travel rewards, Chase is better. But if you’re looking for the best cash-back or balance transfer cards, Citi has a slight edge.

Which is better, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Citi Strata Premier card?

We think the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is better than the Citi Strata Premier card. Earning up to 5x Ultimate Rewards points and having better all-around benefits make the Chase Sapphire Preferred card better than the Citi Strata Premier card.

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About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

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