Citi Double Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited: Which no-annual-fee cash back card is the top choice?

You might believe that a great rewards credit card comes with an annual fee. However, with options like the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you can earn cash back without any cost.

Both cards provide excellent cash-back rates on daily spending. The Citi Double Cash earns a solid 2% back (1% at purchase and another 1% when you pay), while the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers 1.5%, but it can make up for that with higher rates in specific bonus categories. Additionally, both cards let you convert your cash back into valuable transferable points for greater rewards.

How do these two cards stack up against one another? Which one simplifies earning cash rewards quickly? We'll explore how these two top credit cards compare in detail.

Citi Double Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited: A Detailed Comparison

Citi Double Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited: Welcome Bonuses

The Citi Double Cash currently offers a welcome bonus of $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of opening your account.

Conversely, the Freedom Unlimited provides an additional 1.5% back on all purchases made in the first year of card membership (up to $20,000 in total spending), potentially earning you up to $300 in extra cash back.

Choosing the better option hinges on your spending plans for the first year. If you spend $20,000, the Freedom Unlimited offers an extra $100 compared to the Double Cash. However, for a $10,000 spend, the Freedom Unlimited provides $150 more in cash back, making the Double Cash the superior choice.

The break-even point is $13,333.33. Spending above this threshold yields more rewards with the Freedom Unlimited, while spending below makes the $200 offer on the Double Cash more advantageous.

Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited, provided you anticipate spending at least $13,333.33 in your first year; otherwise, the Citi Double Cash takes the lead.

Citi Double Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited: A Benefit Overview

While neither card includes premium benefits like a fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, cellphone protection, or rental car insurance, the absence of an annual fee means these benefits aren't entirely lacking.

The Citi Double Cash prioritizes security and credit management, offering features like digital wallet compatibility and virtual account numbers for safer online shopping. You also enjoy zero liability on unauthorized transactions, early fraud alerts, and free access to your FICO credit score. If your card is lost, Citi's Lost Wallet service can replace it within 24 hours and provide emergency cash (subject to your card's cash-advance limit).

This card truly excels with the Citi Entertainment program, granting VIP access to concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment experiences.

Similar to the Double Cash, the Freedom Unlimited ensures zero liability for unauthorized purchases and provides unlimited access to your credit score via Chase's Credit Journey program. You also benefit from purchase protection of up to $500 on each purchase (with a cap of $50,000 per account) and extended warranty protection for added security when shopping with your Chase card.

Moreover, through a collaboration with DoorDash, Freedom Unlimited cardholders receive a complimentary DashPass membership for three months (activation required by Dec. 31, 2027). Afterward, members will be automatically enrolled in DashPass at a discounted rate of $4.99 per month.

Winner: Tie. Both cards offer comparable benefits, featuring various fraud protection options and convenient features. Chase has the edge with extended warranty and purchase protection, but if unique experiences are what you seek, the Citi Entertainment program stands out.

Comparing rewards earning: Citi Double Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

With the Double Cash, you earn 1% cash back on purchases and another 1% as you pay, totaling 2% on every transaction. Additionally, earn 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal until 12/31/25.

The Freedom Unlimited provides 1.5% back on all purchases, plus 5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% back on dining, and 3% back at drugstores.

Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited. Although you can earn slightly more with Citi on non-bonus spending, the 3% rate on dining and drugstores is likely to benefit most cardholders more than the Citi Double Cash.

Comparing reward redemption: Citi Double Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

Both cards provide various options for redeeming cash back rewards.

With the Double Cash, you can redeem your rewards for statement credits, direct deposits, charitable donations, travel rewards, or gift cards. Additionally, your rewards can be applied to your mortgage or student loan accounts with Citi.

Freedom Unlimited cardholders have the option to redeem cash back directly into their bank account or as a statement credit. Gift cards start at just $5, allowing redemption once you've reached 500 cents. You can also use your points on Amazon, but this option may not offer the best value. Additionally, you can donate your rewards to various 501(c)(3) organizations.

Winner: Tie. The Citi Double Cash and Freedom Unlimited both provide comparable options for redeeming cash-back rewards.

Transferring rewards with the Citi Double Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

Both cards generate cash-back rewards independently. However, using them in conjunction with the right travel credit card can enhance their value by allowing for transfers to various partners.

If you also hold a card like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees), you can merge your rewards from the Citi Double Cash with those from the Strata Premier. This effectively converts the Double Cash's rewards into fully-transferable ThankYou points with more transfer options. As of June 2024, TPG values full Citi ThankYou points at 1.8 cents each, so having both the Citi Strata Premier and the Citi Double Cash can yield a 3.6% return on your Double Cash spending.

The Freedom Unlimited allows you to transfer your cash-back rewards to Chase's travel partners, but this is only possible when linked with a full Chase Ultimate Rewards card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®. If you possess one of these cards, you can consolidate your points into a single account, effectively turning your 1.5% cash back into 1.5 Chase points for every dollar spent.

As of June 2024, TPG estimates Chase points are worth 2.05 cents each when you optimize your Ultimate Rewards redemptions, resulting in about a 3% return on purchases. TPG credit cards writer Olivia Mittak plans to use both the Freedom Unlimited and Sapphire Preferred together to take advantage of Chase's transfer partners for the best redemptions.

Winner: Tie. Both cards enable you to transfer points for greater value when paired with a premium card, although some may prefer the variety of transfer partners available with Chase.

Should I choose the Citi Double Cash or Chase Freedom Unlimited?

The Freedom Unlimited is likely the better choice for most users due to its bonus categories and welcome offer. Nonetheless, both the Double Cash and Freedom Unlimited serve as excellent cash-back cards for daily spending, allowing you to merge your rewards with higher-tier cards. Your decision will largely depend on your spending patterns and preference for issuers.

Key Takeaway

Choosing the Chase Freedom Unlimited allows you to maximize your spending with various rewarding bonus categories and an enticing welcome offer. In contrast, the Citi Double Cash Card provides a simple, consistent cash-back rate that eliminates the need to track bonus categories, making it effortless to shop and earn rewards.

Both cards are excellent choices for those seeking competitive cash-back returns without the burden of an annual fee.

For more details, check out our comprehensive reviews of the Citi Double Cash and Chase Freedom Unlimited.