Citi Double Cash® Card
vs. Chase Freedom Flex® Card

Both the Citi Double Cash Card and the Chase Freedom Flex Card offer enticing cash back rewards without an annual fee, appealing to savvy spenders looking for value. However, the Citi Double Cash Card edges ahead with its straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases, making it a compelling choice for those who prefer simplicity and consistent rewards.

The Chase Freedom Flex Card, with its higher cash back in rotating categories, is a strong contender for those who don't mind keeping track of categories to maximize their returns. While the Citi Double Cash Card is generally more accessible due to its acceptance of fair credit, both cards demand good to excellent credit for approval.

You might prefer the Freedom Flex if you enjoy maximizing rewards in rotating categories and can benefit from the card's bonus cash back on dining, travel and drugstore purchases. Its 0% introductory APR on purchases, in addition to balance transfers, provides flexibility for new purchases or paying down existing debt.

You might prefer the Citi Double Cash if you value simplicity in earning rewards and would like a consistent return on all purchases. The longer 0% introductory APR period on balance transfers may appeal to you if you're planning to transfer and pay down a balance over time.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will illuminate which card aligns with your financial habits. For instance, if you prefer straightforward rewards, Citi Double Cash may appeal with its flat-rate cash back, whereas the Freedom Flex offers high rewards in rotating categories. Use this section to align card benefits with your spending patterns.

The Citi Double Cash has a flat-rate cash back, offering 2% on all purchases — 1% when you buy and another 1% as you pay for those purchases. This simplicity is great if you prefer a no-fuss rewards program.

The Freedom Flex card offers 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter (on up to $1,500 in purchases upon activation), 5% on travel booked through Chase and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases. While the Freedom Flex requires more engagement to maximize rewards, it can outpace the Citi Double Cash if you leverage the bonus categories effectively.

For the Freedom Flex, the rotating categories demand attention but offer a high reward rate. These categories have included:

• Gas stations
• Grocery stores (excluding Target and Walmart)
• Select online merchants

Cardholders should stay informed about the current categories to fully benefit from the 5% cash back. The upcoming table compares the bonus categories for both cards.

With the Freedom Flex, you can redeem points for cash, gift cards or travel, with the value depending on your choice. Your points remain valid as long as your account is active. The Citi Double Cash allows you to redeem cash back directly into your bank account, apply it as a statement credit or request a check.

Additionally, you can convert cash back into ThankYou Points for other rewards. There's no rush to redeem, as your rewards won't expire as long as your account is in good standing.

MoneyGeek assesses credit cards like the Freedom Flex and Citi Double Cash using a comprehensive scoring system. For each card, scores are assigned for various use cases such as balance transfers and cash back. The score highlighted in this comparison reflects the highest scoring use case for each card, which is cash back for both.

The largest factors influencing these scores include the effective reward rate and the offer return on investment. Other considerations include annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction.