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Home / Cards / Card comparisons / Citi Double Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

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Card comparisons

Citi Double Cash® Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

A side-by-side look at annual fee bands, rewards style, credit range, foreign transaction fees, pros, cons and gotchas, using only the card facts we've checked on each issuer's site. We don't list welcome offers or APRs because they change often.

Card details last reviewed October 2, 2026. Confirm everything on the issuer site. Our editorial policy.

Advertising disclosure: We may earn a commission from some links on this site, but the card links here currently go straight to issuer sites (no affiliate links). We aim to recommend products based on fit for common spending patterns and responsible use—not solely on payout size. Affiliate disclosure.

Side by side

Citi Double Cash® CardChase Freedom Unlimited®
IssuerCitiChase
NetworkMastercardVisa
Card typeFlat-rate cash backFlat-rate cash back
Card forPersonalPersonal
Annual fee band$0$0
Welcome offerCheck issuerCheck issuer
APR and any intro APRCheck issuerIntro APR offers are common; check issuer
Credit typically targetedGood, ExcellentGood, Excellent
Rewards typeCash backCash back
How it earnsAbout 2% cash back on purchases, typically split between when you buy and when you pay.Unlimited base of about 1.5% back, with higher earn on dining, drugstores and travel booked through Chase Travel.
Foreign transaction feeYesYes
Bonus category capsNoNo
FeaturesFlat rateFlat rate, Dining, Drugstores, Travel, Has intro APR offer
Pros
  • Simple flat earn on nearly everything
  • No annual fee
  • No categories to track or activate
  • Useful everyday earn plus a few bonus areas
  • No annual fee
  • Can pair with other Chase cards later
Cons
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • No bonus categories for heavy grocery or dining spenders
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Base rate is below 2% flat-rate peers
Watch out for
  • Foreign transaction fee is common, so it is a weak choice abroad.
  • Not a travel-transfer card on its own.
  • Foreign transaction fee.
  • Chase tracks the cash back as Ultimate Rewards points (100 points = $1); combining with a Sapphire card can add options. Check Chase's terms.
  • Often has a purchase or balance transfer intro offer. Length and fees change, so check the issuer.
Last reviewedOctober 2, 2026October 2, 2026
LinksDetails
View on issuer site		Details
View on issuer site

Who should pick which

By the Credit Cards for Rewards editorial team · How we evaluate cards

Both have no annual fee and both charge a foreign transaction fee. Double Cash pays about 2% on purchases, typically split between buying and paying, while Freedom Unlimited starts from a base of about 1.5% and adds higher earn on dining, drugstores and Chase Travel.

Pick the Citi Double Cash if…

  • You want one flat rate with no categories to track or activate.
  • Your spending is spread out rather than concentrated in restaurants or drugstores.
  • You don't need a card that connects to travel transfers.

Pick the Chase Freedom Unlimited if…

  • You eat out, fill prescriptions or book through Chase Travel often.
  • You may add a Sapphire card later. Chase tracks this card's cash back as Ultimate Rewards points (100 points = $1); check Chase's terms.
  • An intro offer interests you. Terms change, so check the issuer, and use one only with a plan to pay the balance off.

Bottom line

Neither is a card for overseas trips. At home, flat and simple points to Double Cash, while a restaurant- and drugstore-heavy budget or plans for more Chase cards point to Freedom Unlimited.

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