The very best playing cards to pair with the Chase Freedom Limitless

A diverse wallet of travel rewards credit cards can be split into two main groups: There are the all-stars, the cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® that turn heads with massive welcome bonuses, luxury perks and large bonus category multipliers. Then you have the utility players, the cards that do the heavy lifting but never get the credit they deserve. After all, while it’s nice to get 3 points per dollar in travel and dining with the Sapphire Reserve, the average person makes a fair share of purchases in non-bonus categories.

When it comes to cards that are good for everyday spending, few can compare to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. This is one of the most underrated credit cards on the market and one I use the most frequently. Today, we’ll look at the best cards to pair with the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Because while it complements the rest of my wallet beautifully, it isn’t necessarily a shining star all by itself.

You’ll notice that the first few cards on this list, the other Chase cards, are essential to unlock the Chase Freedom Unlimited’s full potential. This is because the Freedom Unlimited earns cash-back points worth 1 cent each, but if you hold any Chase Ultimate Rewards points-earning cards (which generally carry an annual fee), you can combine your points from the Freedom Unlimited and turn them into transferable points that you can redeem with Chase’s airline and hotel partners — more than doubling their value to 2.05 cents apiece, based on TPG’s July 2024 valuations.

Here’s what you need to know.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $550

Why they pair well: There aren’t many cards that the Sapphire Reserve doesn’t pair well with, but when you put it together with the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you get the backbone of the Chase Trifecta. The Sapphire Reserve brings top notch-travel benefits to the table, including a Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, 3 points per dollar on travel (excluding the $300 travel credit) and dining and a host of other perks. Enrollment required for select benefits.

The $550 annual fee is mostly offset by a $300 annual travel credit, and you’ll get a 50% bonus when redeeming points directly through the Chase portal (so you get 1.5 cents per point). Most importantly, the CSR allows you to turn your cash-back points from Freedom Unlimited into transferable Ultimate Rewards points.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

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Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Welcome bonus: Earn 120,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Why they pair well: If you’re a business owner and not entirely sold on the Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card can be a great alternative that still lets you transfer points from your Chase Freedom Unlimited to airline and hotel partners. The card has a manageable $95 annual fee and earns 3 points per dollar on your first $150,000 in combined spending in the following categories:

• Travel, including airfare, hotels, rental cars, train tickets and taxis
• Shipping purchases
• Internet, cable and phone services
• Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines

You’ll also enjoy a 25% bonus when redeeming points directly through the Chase portal (so you get 1.25 cents per point), which can be a good option for last-minute trips when you can’t find award space.

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Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

The Platinum Card from American Express

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)

Why they pair well: Assuming you already have a Chase points-earning card like the Sapphire or Ink Preferred, it might be worth looking at how best to diversify your points earning. Since the Chase Freedom Unlimited is best for everyday, non-bonus spending, you’ll want a card with strong bonus categories to complement it. The Platinum Card® from American Express is a great choice because it offers 5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline and airfare and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

The $695 annual fee is on the high end for sure, but it’s counterbalanced by a number of valuable statement credits and perks. The Platinum card also comes with the most comprehensive airport lounge benefits, including a Priority Pass Select membership, access to Amex Centurion lounges and access to Delta Sky Clubs when you’re flying Delta. You’ll also enjoy complimentary Marriott and Hilton Gold elite status, as well as a number of other travel perks. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Apply here: Amex Platinum

American Express Gold Card

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first six months, up to $100 back. Offer ends November 6.

Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)

Why they pair well: Following the theme of diversifying your earnings, the American Express® Gold Card is a great choice to add to your wallet as long as you already have a Chase Sapphire or Ink Preferred (to transfer your Freedom Unlimited points to). The card has stellar earning rates on dining and grocery purchases and statement credits that more than cover its annual fee, making it a TPG staff favorite.

Apply here: Amex Gold

Related: The ultimate guide to the best credit card combinations

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.