Independent rankings · Updated July 2026
Best Chase Credit Cards
Every Chase card we cover, ranked by our net-value model — welcome bonuses, annual fees, and the perks that actually pay off.
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CardGuru looks at the cards you already hold, your spending, and application rules like Chase 5/24 — then ranks the card that maximizes your next welcome bonus.
United Explorer Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
PROS
- Frequent United Airlines flyers who can utilize the free checked bag, priority boarding, and inflight discounts
- Travelers seeking to earn MileagePlus miles on everyday spending and accelerate United Premier status (via PQP earnings)
- Individuals who value Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and annual United Club passes
CONS
- Infrequent United flyers or those loyal to other airlines
- Consumers who prefer cash back or more flexible transferable points programs (as United miles are airline-specific)
Annual Fee
$0 first year, then $150
Est. Net Value
+$1,735
This calculation clearly shows that for a frequent United flyer who can fully utilize the numerous annual credits and benefits, the United Explorer Card provides significant value, easily offsetting its $150 annual fee. The initial year offers exceptional value due to the large welcome bonus. Ongoing value relies on active engagement with the card's many perks.
Earning Rate
7X on United purchases; 5X on hotel stays purchased through United Hotels; 2X on dining; 2X on hotel stays when booked directly with the hotel; 1X on all other purchases. Earn 1 Premier Qualifying Point (PQP) for every $20 spent on purchases, up to 1,000 PQP in a calendar year.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
Up to 60,000 points: 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus up to 30,000 more points by earning 2X total points per $1 on up to $15,000 spent in the first 6 months.
PROS
- Frequent Hyatt guests and loyalists seeking free nights and elite status perks
- Travelers who can meet the spending thresholds for the welcome offer and additional free night
- Those who value high redemption value for hotel points (Hyatt points are typically worth ~1.7¢ each)
CONS
- Infrequent travelers or those who rarely stay at Hyatt properties
- Consumers who prefer a diverse hotel portfolio without brand loyalty
Annual Fee
$95
Est. Net Value
+$1,530
This calculation highlights the immense first-year value from the welcome offer and annual free night. In subsequent years, the card's $95 annual fee is still easily offset by the annual free night, Discoverist status, and elite night credits, especially for Hyatt loyalists. The ability to earn an additional free night through spending further enhances its long-term value.
Earning Rate
Up to 9X total points per $1 at Hyatt hotels and resorts (4 bonus points + up to 5 base points); 2X points per $1 on restaurants, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting, and fitness club/gym memberships; 1X point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase
Welcome Offer
60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
PROS
- Frequent travelers who can utilize the flexible $300 annual travel credit (effectively reducing annual fee to $495)
- Individuals who prioritize premium airport lounge access (Chase Sapphire Lounges, Priority Pass Select)
- Those seeking top-tier travel insurance and protections (trip cancellation, primary car rental insurance)
CONS
- Infrequent travelers who won't maximize the travel-centric credits and benefits
- Budget-conscious consumers unwilling to pay a high annual fee, even with credits
Annual Fee
$795
Est. Net Value
+$1,449
This calculation excludes the welcome bonus. The effective annual fee is $495 ($795 - $300 travel credit). For cardholders who can fully leverage the travel credit, lounge access, and other valuable credits, the card offers substantial value well beyond its annual fee. High spenders in bonus categories further enhance this value.
Earning Rate
8X on travel booked through Chase Travel, 4X on flights and hotels booked directly, 3X on dining worldwide
Transfer Partners
Aeroplan Credit Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months
PROS
- Frequent Air Canada flyers and Star Alliance travelers
- Individuals who can maximize the 3X bonus categories (grocery, dining, Air Canada)
- Those who value automatic elite status and associated perks (free bags, priority services)
CONS
- Infrequent travelers who won't utilize the airline-specific benefits
- Consumers who prefer cash back or other flexible points currencies over airline miles
Annual Fee
$95
Est. Net Value
+$1,350
This calculation excludes the welcome bonus. The annual fee of $95 is easily offset by the free checked bag, 25K status, and NEXUS credit, making this card a strong value proposition for United and Star Alliance flyers. The ability to combine with Chase Ultimate Rewards further enhances its flexibility and value.
Earning Rate
3X on Air Canada purchases, grocery stores (including food delivery), and dining (including takeout); 1X on all other purchases. Earn 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent per calendar month (up to 1,500 bonus points monthly).
Chase Ink Business Preferred
Chase
Welcome Offer
100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
PROS
- Small business owners with meaningful travel, shipping, or advertising spend
- Anyone who wants transferable Chase points from a business card at a low fee
- Cardholders who can pool points with a personal Sapphire or Freedom card
CONS
- Sole proprietors with little spend in the 3X bonus categories
- Those wanting lounge access or hotel elite status
Annual Fee
$95
Est. Net Value
+$1,100
First-year value is dominated by the 100,000-point welcome offer (~$1,250+ via transfer partners), easily clearing the $95 fee.
Earning Rate
3X on the first $150,000 spent each account anniversary year in combined travel, shipping, internet/cable/phone, and advertising with social media and search engines; 1X on all other purchases.
Transfer Partners
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase
Welcome Offer
100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months (current limited-time offer)
PROS
- Travel enthusiasts looking for flexible rewards and valuable travel protections
- Diners and online grocery shoppers who want to maximize points on everyday spending
- Those seeking premium travel benefits without the highest annual fees of ultra-premium cards
CONS
- High-volume luxury travelers who would benefit from extensive lounge access (e.g., Centurion Lounges)
- People who rarely travel or don't utilize the card's bonus categories and credits
Annual Fee
$95
Est. Net Value
+$910
First year value includes the welcome bonus. Subsequent years would provide approximately $310 in realistic value, well above the $95 annual fee. Transfer partner redemptions can potentially provide even greater value than estimated here, with points often valuing at 2¢+.
Earning Rate
5X on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 3X on gas and EV charging; 3X on vacation rentals (e.g. Airbnb, Vrbo); 2X on all other travel purchases; 1X on all other purchases.
Transfer Partners
Chase Freedom Flex
Chase
Welcome Offer
$200 bonus (20,000 points) after spending $500 in the first 3 months
PROS
- Anyone who wants a free card that feeds a Chase points ecosystem
- Cardholders who activate and maximize the rotating 5% categories
- Diners and drugstore shoppers (ongoing 3%)
CONS
- Those who won't track and activate quarterly categories
- International travelers (3% foreign transaction fee)
Annual Fee
$0
Est. Net Value
+$200
No annual fee means all value is upside; the real power is converting cash-back points into transferable Ultimate Rewards through a paired Sapphire or Ink card.
Earning Rate
5% on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500/quarter, activation required); 5% on travel through Chase Travel℠; 3% on dining and drugstores; 1% on all other purchases.
Transfer Partners
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase
Welcome Offer
$200 cash back after spending $500 in 3 months
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$0
Earning Rate
5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on everything else
The Ritz-Carlton Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
Limited availability to existing Marriott Bonvoy cardholders
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$450
Earning Rate
6X at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 3X on dining and at airlines; 2X on all other travel; 1X on all else.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
Earn 5 Free Nights after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$99
Earning Rate
10X at IHG hotels; 5X on travel, dining, and at gas stations; 3X on all other purchases.
United Quest Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$350
Earning Rate
8X on United purchases; 3X on dining, select streaming, and other travel; 2X on all other purchases.
United Club Infinite Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$695
Earning Rate
4X on United purchases; 2X on all other travel and dining; 1X on all other purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Chase
Welcome Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
PROS
CONS
Annual Fee
$149
Earning Rate
3X on Southwest purchases; 2X on local transit, rideshare, and internet/cable/phone; 1X on all other purchases.
Advertiser disclosure: CreditMilesGuru may earn a commission when you apply through links on this page. This never influences our editorial ratings, rankings, or the CardGuru algorithm — those are driven purely by the value math. Verify current terms on the issuer’s site; welcome offers and benefits change frequently.