Hello friends. Welcome back to my blog. I have a total of 5 Chase credit cards: Amazon Prime, Freedom , Freedom Unlimited, Southwest Reward, Sapphire Preferred, and Ink. After years of being their customers, I want to share with you some common strategies to potentially earn money or rewards with a Chase.

Cash Back Rewards

Many Chase credit cards offer cash back rewards programs. You earn a percentage of your purchases back as cash, which can be credited to your account or redeemed for statement credits, checks, or direct deposits. Make sure to understand the cash back categories and any spending requirements or limitations associated with your specific card. Chase offers several credit cards with cash back rewards, and the best one for you depends on your spending habits and preferences. Here are a few popular Chase credit cards known for their cash back programs:

1. Chase Freedom Flex: This card offers a rotating 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in quarterly bonus categories (activation required). You’ll also earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining (including takeout and delivery), and 3% cash back on drugstore purchases. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. This card is ideal for those who enjoy maximizing rewards in different categories.
2. Chase Freedom Unlimited: With this card, you earn a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it simple and straightforward. There are no quarterly categories to track, and your cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This card is great if you want consistent cash back on all your spending without any category restrictions.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred: Although primarily known for its travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred also offers cash back. You can redeem points for cash back at a rate of 1 cent per point, effectively earning 1% cash back on all purchases. However, if you plan to use the points for travel, you can transfer them to airline and hotel partners for potentially higher value. This card is suitable for those who want flexibility in redeeming their rewards for cash back or travel.
4. Chase Ink Business Cash: If you have a small business, the Chase Ink Business Cash card provides generous cash back rewards. You’ll earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services. Additionally, you’ll earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. This card is designed for business owners who want to earn cash back on everyday business expenses.

Sign-up Bonuses

Chase often offers sign-up bonuses for new cardholders. These bonuses typically require you to spend a certain amount within a specific timeframe, and in return, you’ll receive a cash bonus, statement credit, or rewards points. Here are a few Chase credit cards known for their attractive sign-up bonuses:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred: This card often has enticing sign-up bonuses. The bonus typically involves earning a large number of Ultimate Rewards points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within a specified timeframe. These points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards or transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs. If you’re interested in travel rewards and flexible redemption options, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is worth considering.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve: This premium travel credit card offers a higher-end sign-up bonus, typically in the form of a large number of Ultimate Rewards points after reaching a minimum spending threshold. It also comes with additional travel perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, and enhanced redemption rates. However, note that the Chase Sapphire Reserve has a higher annual fee compared to other Chase cards.
3. Chase Freedom Flex: While this card is known for its cash back rewards, it occasionally offers sign-up bonuses as well. The bonus typically involves earning a cash back reward after meeting a spending requirement within a specific timeframe. If you prefer cash back rewards and want a card with rotating bonus categories, the Chase Freedom Flex could be a good choice.
4. Chase Ink Business Preferred: If you have a small business, the Chase Ink Business Preferred card often features lucrative sign-up bonuses. You’ll typically earn a large number of Ultimate Rewards points after meeting a minimum spending requirement. These points can be redeemed for travel or transferred to airline and hotel partners. This card is designed for business owners who want to earn rewards on business-related expenses.

Travel Rewards

Chase has several credit cards that offer rewards points for travel-related expenses. These points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, rental cars, or transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs. If you’re a frequent traveler, these cards can be especially valuable in earning and redeeming rewards. Here are some of the best Chase credit cards for travel rewards:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred: This card is a popular choice for travelers. It offers 2X points per dollar spent on travel and dining, and 1X point per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal at a 25% bonus, or transferred to airline and hotel partners. The Chase Sapphire Preferred also provides valuable travel benefits, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary rental car insurance.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve: The Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel credit card that offers enhanced benefits and rewards. It provides 3X points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1X point per dollar on other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal at a 50% bonus, or transferred to airline and hotel partners. The card also includes airport lounge access, an annual travel credit, and other premium perks.
3. Chase Ink Business Preferred: Designed for small business owners, this card offers excellent travel rewards. It earns 3X points per dollar on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone services, as well as advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines (up to a certain limit). Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards or transferred to travel partners. The card also provides cell phone protection and other business-specific benefits.
4. United Explorer Card: If you frequently fly with United Airlines, this co-branded credit card is worth considering. It offers benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and two United Club lounge passes per year. Cardholders earn 2X miles per dollar on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1X mile per dollar on other purchases.
5. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card: For those who prefer Southwest Airlines, this co-branded card can be valuable. It offers benefits like free checked bags and tier qualifying points toward A-List status. Cardholders earn 2X points per dollar on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, and 1X point per dollar on other purchases.

Dining and Entertainment Rewards

Some Chase credit cards provide extra rewards for dining at restaurants, ordering takeout, or attending concerts and events. These specialized rewards programs can help you earn more points or cash back in specific spending categories. If you’re looking for a Chase credit card that offers excellent rewards for dining and entertainment, consider the following options:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 2X points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide, making it an ideal choice for food enthusiasts. Additionally, it offers 2X points per dollar on travel, including airfare, hotels, and other transportation expenses. Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards or transferred to airline and hotel partners. The card also provides access to exclusive events and dining experiences.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve: As a premium travel credit card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3X points per dollar on dining at restaurants globally, making it highly rewarding for food lovers. It also earns 3X points per dollar on travel expenses. Points can be redeemed for travel at an increased rate of 50% through the Ultimate Rewards portal or transferred to travel partners. The card provides additional perks such as airport lounge access and an annual travel credit.
3. Chase Freedom Flex: While primarily known for its rotating cash back categories, the Chase Freedom Flex card offers 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery. It also provides 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and 5% cash back on select rotating categories (upon activation). This card is ideal if you want to earn cash back rewards specifically for dining and enjoy the flexibility of rotating categories.

Referral Bonuses

Chase often has referral programs where you can earn bonus rewards or cash back for referring friends or family members who successfully apply for a Chase credit card. Check if your card has a referral program and take advantage of it if available. Chase frequently send me email with a bonus code where I can refer a friend or family member. For instance, here is an email from Chase Sapphire Preferred with a referral link (if you decide to support me, you can click the link to apply):

Utilize Credit Card Benefits

Many Chase credit cards offer additional benefits such as travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties, or access to exclusive events. Understanding and utilizing these benefits can save you money and enhance your overall credit card experience. For instance, I often get email from Chase telling about thei perk from SouthWest Rapid Rewards:

Overall

If you are new to Chase and look for the best overall card that give you everything: Chase Sapphire Preferred the the BEST CHOICE for you: Cashback, Sigh-up bonus, Travel, Dining & Entertainment. Remember that earning money with a credit card is contingent on responsible credit card usage. Paying your bill on time, avoiding unnecessary interest charges, and staying within your budget are essential to making the most of your credit card rewards

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