Chase Freedom Flex vs. Amex Blue Cash Preferred: Which Wins?
Choosing the right rewards credit card can feel overwhelming. With so many options promising cashback, points, and perks, it’s tough to know where to start. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll be pitting the Chase Freedom Flex against the American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card. These two cards are popular choices for different reasons, each offering a unique blend of rewards and benefits. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to maximizing your rewards.
This comparison will cover everything from earning rates and annual fees to introductory offers and additional perks. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which card, the Chase Freedom Flex or the Amex Blue Cash Preferred, best aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Chase Freedom Flex | Amex Blue Cash Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards on Groceries | 5% on rotating categories (activation required) | 6% Cash Back |
| Rewards on Gas | 1% | 3% Cash Back |
| Rewards on Streaming Services | 1% | 6% Cash Back |
| Rewards on Travel | 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1% |
| Rewards on Dining | 3% | 1% |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | 2.7% |
| Intro APR on Purchases | 15 months | 12 months |
| Intro APR on Balance Transfers | 15 months | 12 months |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $95 |
| Cell Phone Protection | Yes | No |
| Purchase Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Extended Warranty | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Rewards Structure
- Chase Freedom Flex: Offers rotating 5% cash back on categories each quarter (up to $1,500 spent), plus 1% on all other purchases. The rotating categories can be advantageous, but require active management. However, it lacks consistent rewards on all spending.
- Amex Blue Cash Preferred: Provides 6% cash back on select U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% on U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% on other purchases. It’s simpler to manage, but rewards are limited to specific categories.
- Winner: Amex BCP
Annual Fee
- Chase Freedom Flex: Has no annual fee. This makes it a cost-effective choice for many users, especially those with variable spending.
- Amex Blue Cash Preferred: Has an annual fee of $95. This fee must be offset by rewards earned to make the card worthwhile.
- Winner: Chase Freedom Flex
Sign-Up Bonus
- Chase Freedom Flex: Typically offers a sign-up bonus, often in the form of cash back after spending a certain amount within the first few months. The bonus can provide a good initial boost.
- Amex Blue Cash Preferred: Regularly features a sign-up bonus, usually a statement credit after meeting a spending requirement. The value of the bonus varies.
- Winner: Tie
Foreign Transaction Fees
- Chase Freedom Flex: Has no foreign transaction fees. This makes it a good option for international travel or online purchases from foreign retailers.
- Amex Blue Cash Preferred: Charges foreign transaction fees. This makes it less suitable for international use.
- Winner: Chase Freedom Flex
Interest Rates (APR)
- Chase Freedom Flex: Offers a variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. Interest rates can fluctuate with market conditions.
- Amex Blue Cash Preferred: Also offers a variable APR. APRs can be higher than other cards.
- Winner: Tie
Redemption Options
- Chase Freedom Flex: Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposit, or gift cards. Can also be combined with Ultimate Rewards points from other Chase cards for potentially higher value.
- Amex Blue Cash Preferred: Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise.
- Winner: Chase Freedom Flex
Purchase Protection & Benefits
- Chase Freedom Flex: Includes purchase protection and cell phone protection. Offers other benefits like extended warranty and travel accident insurance.
- Amex Blue Cash Preferred: Offers purchase protection and return protection. Benefits can vary over time.
- Winner: Chase Freedom Flex
Credit Score Needed
- Chase Freedom Flex: Typically requires good to excellent credit (670+).
- Amex Blue Cash Preferred: Also typically requires good to excellent credit (670+).
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Groceries | Amex Blue Cash Preferred |
| Gas | Amex Blue Cash Preferred |
| Dining | Chase Freedom Flex |
| Streaming Services | Amex Blue Cash Preferred |
| Rotating Categories | Chase Freedom Flex |
| No Annual Fee | Chase Freedom Flex |
What They Have in Common
- Rewards on Everyday Spending: Both cards offer rewards on everyday spending, though the categories and rates differ significantly. This makes both cards useful for earning rewards on purchases you’re already making.
- Introductory Apr Offers: Both cards provide introductory APR periods on purchases and balance transfers, allowing cardholders to save on interest charges. This can be beneficial for managing debt or making large purchases.
- Purchase Protection: Both cards offer purchase protection, safeguarding your purchases against damage or theft within a certain timeframe. This provides added peace of mind when making purchases.
- Extended Warranty: Both cards provide extended warranty protection, adding extra coverage to the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases. This can extend the life of your products.
- Access to Mobile App: Both cards offer access to mobile apps for account management, allowing cardholders to track spending, pay bills, and manage their accounts on the go.
Chase Freedom Flex Vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred Buying Guide
Rewards Structure
The Chase Freedom Flex offers a rotating 5% cash back on categories that change quarterly, such as gas stations, grocery stores, and travel booked through Chase. It also earns 3% back on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred, conversely, provides a straightforward 6% cash back on spending at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) and select streaming services. It also offers 3% back on U.S. gas stations and transit and 1% on all other purchases. Choosing the best card depends on your spending habits and if you prefer rotating categories or consistent rewards.
Annual Fees & Introductory Offers
The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, making it a budget-friendly option. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred comes with a $95 annual fee. However, the Blue Cash Preferred often features a generous welcome bonus, which can offset the annual fee in the first year or two. The Freedom Flex also sometimes offers a sign-up bonus, but it’s typically less valuable than the Amex’s. Carefully consider both the annual fee and the value of any welcome bonuses when comparing these cards, weighing long-term benefits.
Spending Habits & Category Bonus Analysis
Analyze your spending to determine which card maximizes rewards. If you spend heavily at supermarkets, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred’s 6% back is a significant advantage. If your spending is more diverse, with a considerable amount in rotating categories, the Freedom Flex’s 5% back, especially when combined with other bonuses, might prove more lucrative. Consider your gas and transit spending as well, where the Blue Cash Preferred also shines. The best card depends on where you spend most.
Travel & Other Benefits
The Chase Freedom Flex offers several travel-related benefits, including purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and cell phone protection. It also has no foreign transaction fees, making it useful for international travel. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred also offers some protections, such as purchase protection, but its travel benefits are less extensive. If you travel frequently or make international purchases, the Freedom Flex may be the better choice because of the absence of foreign transaction fees, which can save you money.
Credit Score Requirements
Both cards generally require good to excellent credit scores for approval. The Chase Freedom Flex might be slightly more accessible for those with a lower credit rating, but the difference is minimal. Ensure your credit score is in good standing before applying for either card. Check your credit report and address any potential issues. Building and maintaining a good credit score is crucial for card approval and can also influence the interest rates charged on your purchases if you carry a balance.
Redemption Options & Value
Both cards offer straightforward redemption options. Chase Freedom Flex allows you to redeem cash back for statement credits, direct deposit, or gift cards. You can also combine your rewards with other Chase cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve, to increase the value of your points when you redeem them for travel. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred lets you redeem cash back for statement credits or direct deposit. Consider how you prefer to redeem your rewards to determine which card’s options align best with your needs. Evaluate the redemption options for the best value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Chase Freedom Flex If…
- You want a card with no annual fee.
- You want to maximize rewards in rotating quarterly categories (requires activation).
- You spend a lot on dining and travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- You want cell phone protection.
Buy Amex Blue Cash Preferred If…
- You spend a lot on groceries and streaming services.
- You don’t mind paying an annual fee to get higher rewards rates in key spending categories.
- You spend a significant amount on gas.
- You prefer the flexibility of cash back rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the Chase Freedom Flex and the Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
The primary difference lies in their rewards structures. Chase Freedom Flex offers rotating 5% cash back categories, 3% on dining/drugstores, and 1% on other purchases. Amex Blue Cash Preferred gives 6% back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually), 3% on U.S. gas stations/transit, and 1% on everything else. The Amex card has an annual fee, unlike the Freedom Flex.
Which card is better for grocery shopping?
The Amex Blue Cash Preferred is generally better for grocery shopping due to its 6% cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%). The Chase Freedom Flex doesn’t offer a dedicated grocery category, although it sometimes includes grocery stores in its rotating 5% categories. The Amex card’s advantage comes from the consistent and high reward rate.
Does the Chase Freedom Flex have an annual fee?
No, the Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for cardholders. This is a significant advantage compared to the Amex Blue Cash Preferred, which has a $95 annual fee. The absence of an annual fee allows cardholders to earn rewards without worrying about offsetting costs, making it a great option for light users.
What are the travel benefits of each card?
The Chase Freedom Flex offers travel benefits like purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and cell phone protection. It also has no foreign transaction fees. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred also offers purchase protection, but its travel benefits are less extensive. The Freedom Flex is generally better for travel due to the lack of foreign transaction fees.
How do I redeem rewards with each card?
With Chase Freedom Flex, you can redeem cash back for statement credits, direct deposit, or gift cards. You can also combine rewards with other Chase cards for increased value. Amex Blue Cash Preferred allows you to redeem cash back for statement credits or direct deposit. Both offer straightforward redemption options.
What credit score is needed for approval?
Both cards generally require good to excellent credit scores for approval. A score of 670 or higher is generally recommended. The specific credit score requirements can vary based on individual circumstances and the issuer’s policies at the time of application. Check your credit report before applying to assess your chances.
Are there any spending caps on rewards?
Yes, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred has a spending cap on its 6% cash back category for U.S. supermarkets. You earn 6% back on up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1%. The Chase Freedom Flex has rotating categories with caps, although the overall spending is higher. Always check the terms and conditions for details.
Final Verdict
The Chase Freedom Flex excels with its no annual fee and versatile rewards, especially when maximizing the rotating categories. However, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred shines for grocery spending, offering a high, consistent reward rate despite its annual fee. The best choice depends on spending habits; if grocery spending is high, the Amex is superior. If you prefer simplicity and rotating rewards, the Freedom Flex is a strong contender.
Winner: Amex Blue Cash Preferred