Citi® Double Cash Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Which is best for you?
December 23, 2019

Citi® Double Cash Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited® are cash back credit cards that let you earn extra cash for every purchase made. While both are no-fee cards with average APR rates and limited-time introductory offers, each card offers its own version of a sign-up bonus offer and approaches the cash back process differently. So which one is right for you?
Let’s start with a top-level overview of each card, then dive into key features that make these cards unique. Finally, we’ll look at how your credit and spending habits line up with what Citi Double Cash and Chase Freedom Unlimited bring to the table — and help you decide which one deserves a spot in your wallet.
At a glance comparison
Here’s a quick look at the key characteristics of each cash back card.
Citi Double Cash | Chase Freedom Unlimited | |
---|---|---|
Annual Fee | No annual fee | No annual fee |
Reward Rates | 1% unlimited cash back on all purchases, and 1% cash back as you pay for those purchases. | 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases |
Sign Up Bonus | None | Get $150 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months after opening your account |
Introductory APR | 0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months, followed by variable APR on purchase and balance transfers between 15.49% and 25.49%. | 0% APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 16.49-25.24% variable APR that varies with the prime rate. |
Standout features
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here’s a look at some standout features of the Citi Double Cash credit card:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card also comes with great features, including:
The case for Citi Double Cash
Why choose Citi Double Cash? This card is all about earning cash back twice — once when you purchase and again when you pay. It’s a great fit if you’re consistent with monthly payments or regularly pay down your balance in full, letting you earn more cash more quickly with no upper limits to worry about or categories to manage. Combined with early entertainment access and online purchase security, the Citi Double Cash card is designed to make spending secure and straightforward, helping you maximize your total cash back earned.
The case for Chase Freedom Unlimited
While the Chase Freedom Unlimited doesn’t offer double cash back, its 1.5% back on all purchases means you don’t need to worry about payments — in part or full — affecting the amount of cash back you earn each year. Chase also lets you convert earned cash back into almost anything you want — from online Amazon purchases to gift cards, travel rewards and cash deposited directly into your account. Contactless payment backed by fraud and zero liability protection means you can confidently tap your card, earn your cash and make the most of your Chase Freedom Unlimited account.
In a nutshell
Both the Citi Double Cash and Chase Freedom Unlimited cards help you earn more cash back faster. But which is best for you? If you’re someone who regularly pays more than the minimum balance or pays their card off in full each month, consider the Citi Double Cash card. If you prefer the simplicity of 1.5% cash back everywhere combined with cash back bonus and referral offers, choose Chase.