Chase Freedom Flex®
vs. Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

Both the Chase Freedom Flex® Card and the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card offer enticing cash back rewards and no annual fees, making them strong contenders for your wallet. In this head-to-head, the BofA Unlimited Cash edges out with a slightly higher cash back score, thanks to its straightforward 1.5% cash back on every purchase and a generous $200 welcome bonus.

But the Freedom Flex shouldn't be overlooked, especially if you can maximize its rotating 5% cash back categories and its rewards on travel and dining. Your choice may come down to a preference for simplicity or the potential for higher rewards in targeted spending areas.

You might prefer the Freedom Flex if you're a savvy spender who tracks category spending and can maximize the 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories. The card's bonus categories can yield significant rewards for strategic spenders, especially with the added bonus of a lower spending requirement to earn the welcome offer.

You might prefer the BofA Unlimited Cash if you value simplicity and consistent rewards across all purchases. With a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase and no need to track spending categories, this card offers straightforward value and ease of use, which can be a deciding factor for many users.

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if you dine out frequently, the Freedom Flex's higher cash back on dining could sway your choice, while the BoFa Unlimited Cash offers simplicity with a flat cash back rate on all purchases.

The Freedom Flex stands out if you can maximize its rotating 5% cash back categories and spend on dining, travel through Chase, and drugstore purchases. But the BofA Unlimited Cash card's flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases can be appealing for its simplicity and consistency, especially if you prefer not to track category bonuses.

Although the Freedom Flex card may offer more potential rewards, the Bofa Unlimited Cash card ensures a steady reward rate across the board, without the need to activate or track rotating categories.

The table of bonus categories will help you compare the rewards programs of both cards at a glance.

With the BofA Unlimited Cash, you can redeem your cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit or credit to eligible Merrill accounts, without worrying about expiration as long as your account is active. The Freedom Flex also offers diverse redemption choices, including cash, gift cards and travel, and your points remain valid indefinitely with an open account.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Freedom Flex and BofA Unlimited Cash using a tailored scoring system for various use cases. This approach ensures that the score reflects the card's performance in the scenario where it provides the most value.

For cash back cards, the primary factors we consider are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements — along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction — contribute to a card's overall score. For a detailed understanding of our process, you can review our ranking methodology.