Deciding between the Apple Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited can be a tough choice for both Apple enthusiasts and savvy cashback enthusiasts.
Both cards offer enticing rewards programs, but they cater to different spending habits and financial goals. Here's a side by side comparison between them:
General Comparison
The Apple Card, introduced by Apple in partnership with Goldman Sachs, is renowned for its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. It offers competitive cashback rewards, particularly on Apple purchases and services.
On the other hand, the Chase Freedom Unlimited, is recognized for its versatile rewards structure. It provides a flat-rate cashback on all purchases and high rewards rate on travel purchases, making it an attractive option for those who seek simplicity without the constraints of category spending. It also offers 0% intro APR which is not availavle via Apple.
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Simulation: Which Card Gives More Rewards?
In the analysis, we assumed all purchases had been made with Apple Pay if you use an Apple card.
Overall, there is no significant difference in cashback – as long as you mainly focus on everyday spending purchases. If you spend mainly on travel – the Freedom Unlimited cashback rewards are supposed to be higher than the Apple card.
|
| |
|---|---|---|
Spend Per Category | Chase Freedom Unlimited | Apple Credit Card |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | $225 | $300 |
$5,000 – Restaurants | $150 | $100 |
$4,000 – Apple Products | $60 | $120 |
$3,000 – Airline
| $150 | $60 |
$4,000 – Gas | $60 | $40 |
Estimated Annual Cashback | $645 | $620 |
What Can You Do With Cashback And Points?
Additional Benefits: Comparison
When it comes to extra benefits, the Freedom Unlimited card wins. It offers a variety of travel protections including rental car insurance, trip cancellation and a cell phone protection.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Instacart+ Benefit: The Unlimited card provides a complimentary 3-month Instacart+ membership, offering unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders.
5% Cash Back/5x Points on Lyft Rides: Both cards offer enhanced rewards for Lyft rides through March 31, 2025, giving you 5% cash back or 5x points on these purchases.
- Cellular Telephone Protection: The Unlimited card provides up to $600 in cell phone protection when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with the respective card, subject to a $25 deductible.
Purchase Protection: Both cards offer purchase protection, covering your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Extended Warranty Protection: Both cards extend the time period of the U.S. manufacturer's warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Both cards offer coverage for theft and collision damage when you decline the rental company's insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card, applicable to most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Both cards provide reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered situations.
My Chase Plan: Both cards offer the option to use My Chase Plan, allowing you to pay off eligible purchases of $100 or more in equal monthly payments with no interest, just a fixed monthly fee
Apple Credit Card
- No Fees: One of the standout benefits of the Apple Card is its fee structure. There are no annual fees, penalty fees, transaction fees, or any other hidden charges associated with the card. This transparency makes it an attractive option for those looking to avoid unnecessary costs while enjoying the benefits of a credit card.
- Great Wallet App: The Apple Card provides robust tools for managing your debt and spending. The Wallet app offers a clear overview of your transactions, organizes them by category, and provides insights into your spending habits. It also offers payment suggestions to help you pay off your balance faster and more efficiently.
- Access to Apple Savings Account: cardholders can open an Apple savings account and direct Daily Cash to a Savings account.
Security: The Apple Card offers cutting-edge security features, including a unique card number for each purchase, biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID), and transaction alerts.
When You Might Prefer The Freedom Unlimited?
Opting for the Chase Freedom Unlimited over the Apple Card could make sense in several scenarios:
- You Need 0% Intro APR: If you're looking for a credit card with a 0% introductory APR for balance transfers or new purchases, the Chase Freedom Unlimited might be a better choice compared to the Apple Card, as it often offers such promotional periods.
- You Spend on Travel and Dining: The Chase Freedom Unlimited, with its inclusion in the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, is preferable if you frequently spend on travel and dining, offering additional flexibility and rewards in these categories.
- You Want a Welcome Bonus: If you're enticed by welcome bonuses, the Chase Freedom Unlimited often provides attractive sign-up bonuses, making it more appealing for those seeking immediate rewards when compared to the Apple Card.
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When You Might Prefer to Choose The Apple Card?
You might prefer the Apple card in the following situations:
- High Spend On Apple Products: If you frequently purchase Apple products, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, or accessories, you may prefer the Apple Card to maximize cashback in these specific categories.
- You Primarily Use Apple Pay For Your Purchases: The Apple Card is tightly integrated with Apple Pay, making it easy to use and earn cash back on your everyday purchases. You can even use your Apple Card for online purchases made through Apple Pay.
- You Want To Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees: The Apple Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for travelers.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a credit card with everyday purchase rewards – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:
 |
|
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card | Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | American Express EveryDay® Card | |
Annual Fee | $0
| $0 ($139 Amazon Prime subscription required)
| $95 ($0 intro for the first year) |
Rewards |
1-5%
|
1-5%
5% at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh , Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases, 2% cash back on gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting, 1% cash back on all other purchases
|
1-6%
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit
and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
$200
|
$100
$100 Amazon gift card upon approval
|
$250
$250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3%
| $0
| 2.70%
|
Purchase APR | 20.49%–29.24% variable
| 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
| 19.24% – 29.99% Variable |
Compare Chase Freedom Unlimited
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Compare Apple Card
If you're a geek of both Amazon and Apple and not sure which card is better for your needs, we think we can help – there is a clear winner.
The Amex Gold Card may be more appealing if you dine out frequently and value premium travel perks than the Apple card.
The Costco card stands out with substantial cashback rewards on gas, dining, and Costco shopping. In which cases the Apple card may be better?
The Apple Card offers high cashback on Apple products, while the Best Buy card wins when it comes to gas and BestBuy purchases. Let's compare.
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