Freedom Flex Card vs. Chase Slate Edge Card [Detailed Comparison]

Key Takeaways

• The Chase Freedom Flex^® earns 5% cash-back in rotating categories and travel purchased via the Chase Travel portal, plus 3% cash-back on dining and drugstore purchases.
• The Chase Slate Edge℠ is geared toward those seeking a lower interest rate, featuring a possible APR reduction after your first card anniversary.
• Both cards do not charge an annual fee and are a good way to build a relationship with Chase.

If you’re faced with a decision whether to select a no-annual-fee credit card that earns rewards on your purchases or one that doesn’t, you’d probably select the card that earns rewards. However, the decision of selecting the right credit card in this example, may not be so simple.

The Chase Freedom Flex^®, for example, offers robust rewards-earning opportunities and redemption options, while the Chase Slate Edge℠ does not even earn rewards. The Chase Slate Edge card, however, has other strengths that could still make it a good card choice.

Keeping in mind that there are various factors influencing your choice of credit cards, today’s comparison focuses on these 2 cards that are quite different from each other. Each card, however, could be the perfect choice for a particular situation, and that’s what we plan to explore.

In today’s article, we’ll expand on the details of both cards, and how each card could add value for the right cardholder.

With this objective in mind, read on as we explore our 2 featured cards.

Summary

Before we get into the details of the Freedom Flex card and Chase Slate Edge card, let’s look at a high-level overview of what each card has to offer.

Bottom Line: The Freedom Flex card earns rewards on every purchase, has several options at redemption time, and offers travel/shopping benefits. The Chase Slate Edge card’s strengths include credit management tools that can save you money and help manage your credit, both of which can deliver value for the right cardholder. 

The Value of a Welcome Bonus Offer

Most rewards-earning credit cards offer an initial welcome bonus offer that you can qualify for immediately after card account approval. Here’s a look at the current welcome offer, if any, on each 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

Chase Slate Edge℠ Credit 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.

The Chase Slate Edge card is a great option for those looking to build their credit.

Chase Slate Edge℠ Credit Card

The Chase Slate Edge card is a great option for those looking to build their credit.

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

Start off strong with 0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. A variable APR of 20.24% – 29.24% on balance transfers and purchases after the introductory period ends.

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 (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Chase revamped the Chase Slate Edge℠ in 2021. It’s a no-annual-fee card designed for those looking to build their credit or those who need a low-interest APR card for a large purchase or balance transfer.

While the Chase Slate Edge card does not offer the opportunity to earn any rewards, it is a great option for those who are just beginning their credit journey, and the card still offers lucrative benefits that any cardholder would find value in.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee
• Lower your interest rate by 2% each year
• Raise your credit limit when you pay on time

Cons

• Does not earn any credit card rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Start off strong with 0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. A variable APR of 20.24% – 29.24% on balance transfers and purchases after the introductory period ends.
• Lower your interest rate by 2% each year. Automatically be considered for an APR reduction when you pay on time, and spend at least $1000 on your card by your next account anniversary.
• Raise your credit limit. Get an automatic, one-time review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time, and spend $500 in your first six months.
• All for no annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Slate Edge^SM 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

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Start off strong with 0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. A variable APR of 20.24% – 29.24% on balance transfers and purchases after the introductory period ends.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

Earning Potential

While the Chase Slate Edge card does not earn rewards, the Freedom Flex card has a robust earning structure. Rewards are earned first as Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed for cash-back and more.

Here’s how you’ll earn rewards on the Freedom Flex card:

• Travel Purchased via Chase Travel Portal — 5% cash-back
• Quarter Bonus Categories — After activating the quarterly offer, you’ll earn 5% cash-back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter; rotating quarterly bonus categories have included gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, Amazon, PayPal, and more
• Drugstores and Dining — 3% cash-back
• All Other Purchases — 1% cash-back

Bottom Line: Every purchase you make on the Freedom Flex card earns rewards. With bonus earnings on the Chase travel portal, at drugstores, on dining, and with rotating quarterly bonus categories, the card offers plenty of options to accumulate rewards quickly. The Chase Slate Edge card does not earn rewards. 

Redemption Options

Redemption options for the rewards earned on the Freedom Flex card are many. Here are the choices you’ll have at redemption time:

• Cash-back, gift cards, Chase Experiences, or travel via the Chase travel portal
• Pay Yourself Back
• Redeem rewards to shop at Amazon, with PayPal, and at Apple

In addition to these redemption options, one of the best ways to maximize the cash-back earned on the Freedom Flex card is to transfer rewards to premium Chase credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, to the Chase hotel and airline partners for potentially even greater value.

Bottom Line: The best value for the rewards earned on the Freedom Flex card may be realized by transferring rewards to a Chase Premium card, redeeming for travel via Chase Travel, or subsequently transferring rewards to hotel and airline partners. 

Travel Protection and Benefits Comparison

Both the Freedom Flex card and the Chase Slate Edge card come with the following travel protections:

• Rental Car Collision Damage Waiver — Use your card to reserve and pay for your rental car in full, decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage and receive coverage for damage and theft. Coverage is secondary within your country of residence and subject to any other insurance that may apply.
• Roadside Dispatch — For 1 flat pre-negotiated fee, you can receive roadside services that include standard winching, jump-start services, limited, towing, tire changing, and more. The fee for the service call and any additional services received beyond those provided with the coverage will be charged to the associated card.

Additional Travel Protections — Freedom Flex Card

• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance — Receive up to $1,500 per covered person ($6,000 per covered trip) for non-refundable expenses when your trip is disrupted due to a covered event.

Shopping Protection and Benefits Comparison

Both the Freedom Flex card and Chase Slate Edge card offer several shopping benefits and protections that can save you money or provide protection for eligible items purchased with your card.

Introductory 0% APR

At various times, both cards can offer a 0% introductory APR offer. Current offers are shown in the tables above, but historically, these cards generally offer an introductory APR that can really help your business’ bottom line and avoid interest fees and payments.

Purchase Protection

Eligible items purchased with your card that have manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less will receive an additional year of warranty.

Extended Warranty

When you purchase an eligible item with your card, you could receive up to $500 per claim for damage or theft within the first 120 days after the purchase date. There is a maximum limit of $50,000 per account.

• Introductory 0% APR  — At various times, both cards can offer a 0% introductory APR offer. Current offers are shown in the tables above, but historically, these cards generally offer an introductory APR that can really help your business’ bottom line and avoid interest fees and payments.
• Purchase Protection — Eligible items purchased with your card that have manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less will receive an additional year of warranty.
• Extended Warranty — When you purchase an eligible item with your card, you could receive up to $500 per claim for damage or theft within the first 120 days after the purchase date. There is a maximum limit of $50,000 per account.

Additional Shopping Protection and Benefits — Freedom Flex Card

In addition to the above shopping benefits and protections, the Freedom Flex card offers these additional features.

• Cell Phone Protection — It’s unusual to find cell phone protection on a no-annual-fee card, but the Freedom Flex card has this benefit. Pay for your monthly cell phone bill with your Freedom Flex card and receive up to $800 per covered claim, up to $1,000 per 12-month period. There is a $50 deductible per claim and a limit of 2 claims per 12-month period.
• Chase Offers — Log in to your online Chase card account and review the Chase Offers waiting for you. You can save money via statement credits when you add the offers to your card and make the associated purchase.
• Shop through Chase — Log in to your Chase Ultimate Rewards account online and select the Earn Bonus Points option to earn even more cash-back rewards on purchases with select merchants.
• DoorDash DashPass — Starting February 1, 2025, new enrollees receive 6 months of complimentary membership. DashPass offers free delivery on orders over $12.

Bottom Line: The Freedom Flex card is the better card for shopping and travel benefits/protections. One highlight of the Freedom Flex card is that it offers valuable cell phone protection. The card also comes with trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance.

Credit Management Tools

Both the Freedom Flex card and Chase Slate Edge card offer features that can help you manage your credit.

• My Chase Plan — Split up large purchases of $100 or more into manageable monthly payments with no interest charges, just a monthly service fee. The monthly service fee is waived during the introductory 0% APR on purchases period.
• Chase Credit Journey — Set real-time alerts, monitor your credit, and have free access to your credit score.

Additional Credit Management Tools — Chase Slate Edge Card

Managing credit is where the Chase Slate Edge card shines for new cardholders:

• Reduce Your APR up to 2% — Spend $1,000 or more on your card, make your payments on time, and at the first card anniversary, the APR could be reduced by as much as 2%.
• Increased Credit Limit — Spend $500 or more in the first 6 months after account opening and receive an automatic review to be considered for an increased credit limit.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

The Freedom Flex card and Chase Slate Edge card do not charge annual fees. Also, you can add authorized users to either card for no additional fee.

There is no minimum age to add an authorized user on either card.

Keep in mind that the primary cardholder is responsible for any charges made by authorized users, so it is not a step to take lightly, especially when you’re trying to build your own credit.

Alternatives to the Chase Slate Edge Card

If your credit is excellent, the Freedom Flex card would be a better card choice. However, if the Chase Slate Edge card better suits your situation, here are a couple of additional rewards-earning cards to consider:

Citi Double Cash^® Card

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

The no-annual-fee Double Cash card allows you to earn 2% cash-back rewards on every purchase: 1% cash-back when you make your purchase and an additional 1% when you pay your bill (earned as ThankYou Points). The card also offers an introductory 0% APR offer as shown in the table above.

Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card

If you have little credit history, the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Rise card may be a good fit. You’ll be earning 1.5% cash-back on every purchase you make, and the card comes with a complimentary 6-month DoorDash DashPass membership (starting February 1, 2025, for new enrollees). Additionally, you’ll be eligible for a credit limit increase after 6 months.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to roll over high-interest credit card balances or repay a large purchase(s) over time without interest charges, the Chase Slate Edge card could add a lot of value. The card can also help you start to build a relationship with Chase, even if your credit is hovering around a 700 credit score.

Establishing a positive relationship with a bank such as Chase can yield benefits when it’s time to apply for a car loan or take out a mortgage. Managing a Chase credit card well can help open the door to these greater credit needs and help you qualify for the best Chase cards.

While this scenario makes a case for the Chase Slate Edge card, if you have excellent credit, the Freedom Flex card offers significantly more value. Plus, you’ll still be able to utilize any card’s introductory 0% APR, should those benefits provide value to you. Learn more about all the benefits of the Freedom Flex card in this related article.