Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Discover it Cash Back?

The Chase Freedom Unlimited has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

Should I get the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Discover it Cash Back?

Both cards have the same $0/yr fee. Choose based on which bonus categories match your spending — check the earn rate comparison above.

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Discover it Cash Back?

The Chase Freedom Unlimited has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

Should I get the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Discover it Cash Back?

Both cards have the same $0/yr fee. Choose based on which bonus categories match your spending — check the earn rate comparison above.

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Discover it Cash Back?

The Chase Freedom Unlimited has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

Should I get the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Discover it Cash Back?

Both cards have the same $0/yr fee. Choose based on which bonus categories match your spending — check the earn rate comparison above.

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Discover it Cash Back

Both cards cost $0/yr. The Chase Freedom Unlimited is better for travel, while the Discover it Cash Back wins on rotating quarterly. Here's how they compare.

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

Welcome Bonus

200 Cash

150 cash

Earn Rates

Category	Chase Freedom Unlimited	Discover it Cash Back
Rotating Quarterly	1.5X	5X
Dining	3X	1X
Drugstores	3X	1X
Everything Else	1.5X	1X

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

DISCOVER

Key Benefits

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+1.5% cash back on every purchase with no caps or categories
+5% on Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstores
+$200 bonus after $500 spend in 3 months
+0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
+$0 annual fee with Visa Signature benefits

+Cashback Match doubles ALL rewards earned in first year - unlimited
+5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 spend/quarter)
+No annual fee ever
+No foreign transaction fees (rare for no-AF cards)
+0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Cons

−3% foreign transaction fee
−1.5% base rate lower than Freedom Flex's 5% rotating categories
Points worth only 1 cent without Sapphire card pairing

Category-by-Category Winner

The Chase Freedom Unlimited wins in 3 of 4 categories. The Discover it Cash Back leads in 1.

Dining

Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 3X vs 1X

Drugstores

Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 3X vs 1X

Rotating Quarterly

Discover it Cash Back earns 5X vs 1.5X

Everyday purchases

Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5X on all other spending vs 1X

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Frequently Asked Questions

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Discover it Cash Back?: The Chase Freedom Unlimited has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
Should I get the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Discover it Cash Back?: Both cards have the same $0/yr fee. Choose based on which bonus categories match your spending — check the earn rate comparison above.

Related Comparisons

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Chase Freedom Unlimited — Full Review All Chase Cards

Discover it Cash Back — Full Review All Discover Cards

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Official issuer pages: Chase cards · Discover cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Discover it Cash Back

Both cards cost $0/yr. The Chase Freedom Unlimited is better for travel, while the Discover it Cash Back wins on rotating quarterly. Here's how they compare.