3 Key Differences: Chase Slate vs. Freedom Flex vs. Freedom Unlimited (2023)

As one of the largest credit card issuers in the world, Chase Bank has plenty of experience in meeting the needs of consumers. Chase knows there are different cards for different spending needs, which is why they offer a range of credit cards with a variety of features and rewards.

From frequent flyer programs to cash back bonuses to attractive balance transfer offers, Chase has a credit card to meet just about any consumer or business need.

Let’s take a close look at their most popular card offerings; Chase Freedom Flex℠, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Chase Slate to see which credit card might be right for you. Now, in comparing the Chase Slate vs. Freedom Flex vs. Freedom Unlimited, you may notice that all three cards provide a solid foundation when it comes to card features, but a closer look reveals that certain cards will excel in specific areas such as rewards or cash back.

Chase Freedom Flex | Freedom Unlimited | Chase Slate

For consumers who love racking up the bonuses and rewards associated with some credit cards, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ may be the right choice. With this generous credit card, users can earn bonus cash back on purchases in rotating categories each quarter. You’ll also earn tiered cash back rates on travel, dining, and drugstore purchases plus 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases you make.

The bonus categories rotate each quarter and can vary from gas and transportation to grocery purchases to restaurants and entertainment categories. Keep in mind the bonus category purchases are subject to a spend limit.

In addition, new cardholders can earn a sign-up bonus after spending a specified amount on purchases within the first three months of opening an account.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® takes a simpler approach to earning cash back rewards. Sharing the same tiered-style cash rewards system, this card differs in that it provides a slightly higher baseline cash back reward on all other purchases made with the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, making this a very agreeable option for those who don’t like tracking quarterly categories.

This is an excellent choice for people who use their credit card frequently throughout the month for a variety of purchases, and who may not have the time to take full advantage of the bonus categories that the Freedom card offers.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

at Chase'ssecure website

EXPERT'S RATING

★★★★★

4.9

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

4.9/5.0

About this rating

Our in-house credit card experts rate Chase® cards based on:

• Reward rates and redemptions
• Regular and promotional APRs
• Signup bonuses
• Annual and other fees
• Travel insurance and credits

We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

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OVERALL RATING

4.9/5.0

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

4.9/5.0

About this rating

Our in-house credit card experts rate Chase® cards based on:

• Reward rates and redemptions
• Regular and promotional APRs
• Signup bonuses
• Annual and other fees
• Travel insurance and credits

We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

Close

Our Review »

• INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% 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!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card

• See application, terms and details.

Intro (Purchases)	Intro (Transfers)	Regular APR	Annual Fee	Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months	0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months	19.74% - 28.49% Variable	$0	Good/Excellent

And like the Chase Freedom Flex℠, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® comes with no annual fee, a sign-up bonus, and an introductory 0% APR for the duration of the promotional period on purchases.

The Chase Slate Edge℠ is specifically designed for those consumers with high credit card balances. It offers no cash back bonuses, reward points, or miles, but that’s actually a good thing.

Chase understands that incentives can entice people to use their card more, rather than paying down their balance. This card is for those who want to pay off card debt.

This card is a top contender for balance transfers, thanks to its long 0% APR period. But it also has a unique feature in that it gives cardholders the opportunity to earn a lower APR with responsible use. That’s a valuable perk for cardholders who tend to carry a balance from month to month.

Since different spending habits require different types of credit cards, Chase has designed their credit card family to be as flexible as possible. Consumers who want to pay down debt as quickly as possible can do so using the Chase Slate Edge℠ — one of the industry’s top balance transfer cards.

For those who like to maximize their bonus points and rewards, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ card offers cash back on bonus categories. And for folks who want to keep things simple, yet still get the most cash back on all of their purchases, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® simply can’t be beat.

No matter your credit card purchase habits and needs, Chase has proven once again that they have the right card for you.