Chase Slate® vs Freedom Unlimited®
Quick insights
- Both Chase Slate® and Freedom Unlimited® credit cards provide low introductory annual percentage rate (APR) offers to eligible, new cardmembers. Note that the standard APR applies once the intro offer ends.
- While Slate doesn’t offer a rewards program, Freedom Unlimited cardmembers can earn 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, 5% on Chase Travel℠ purchases and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- Choosing the right card for you depends on your priorities and goals, whether it's limiting interest or maximizing rewards.
If you’re looking to compare the Chase Slate and Chase Freedom Unlimited cards, look no further. These two credit cards both feature low introductory APR offers that apply to balance transfers and new purchases. However, the length of these offers, as well as the potential rewards, differ.
This article will talk about a few features of both cards, how they compare and some tips for making the right decision for you.
Comparing Chase Slate and Freedom Unlimited
Chase Slate offers a 21-month low intro APR for balance transfers and new purchases, potentially making it a good choice for those wanting to pay down debt and save on interest. Chase Freedom Unlimited, on the other hand, has a shorter intro low APR period—15 months for balance transfers and new purchases—but can help you earn cash back on eligible purchases. More specifically, this cash back card offers rewards in the following categories:
- 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
- 3% on drugstore purchases
- 5% on travel purchases through Chase Travel
- 1.5% on all other purchases
Additionally, both cards have a low annual fee.
If you’re looking for a longer low introductory APR offer, you may prefer the Slate card. If you’re more interested in credit card rewards, you may want to consider applying for Freedom Unlimited.
Slate and Freedom Unlimited balance transfer fees
A balance transfer can help you pay off cards with higher interest rates, consolidate balances to streamline payments and limit the number of credit card bills to track. However, you’ll typically need to pay a balance transfer fee.
Freedom Unlimited has a balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater, with terms that may vary based on timing. The Slate credit card balance transfer fee is $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater.
Keep in mind that balance transfers typically cannot be used to pay other credit cards or loans from the same issuer. Always review the card’s terms and conditions to avoid unexpected costs.
How to choose the right Chase card
Ultimately, choosing to apply for Slate and Freedom Unlimited depends on your goals:
- Want to save on interest? Slate is designed for this with its longer intro APR—21 months—for purchases and balance transfers.
- Looking to earn cash back? Freedom Unlimited may be better suited for achieving this goal, especially if you spend regularly on dining, groceries, drugstores or travel. You may want to consider comparing Freedom Unlimited rewards categories to your spending habits to estimate potential cash back rewards.
- Planning a large purchase or balance transfer? Both cards have a low intro APR offer, but Slate’s is longer (21 months for Slate vs. 15 months for Freedom Unlimited), giving you six more months to pay down a balance before the introductory offer expires. Please note that for both cards, the standard APR applies once the offer ends.
Matching your needs and habits to each card’s features can help you make a more confident choice. As you compare your options, it may be helpful to see if you have any preapproval offers with Chase.
In summary
Both the Chase Slate and Chase Freedom Unlimited have low annual fees, but are designed for different financial goals. Slate might be best suited for someone who wants a longer low intro APR period to do a balance transfer or pay off new purchases. Freedom Unlimited, on the other hand, might be better suited for cardmembers who want a low intro APR offer and to earn flexible cash back rewards on their purchases.
To figure out the best option for you, consider reviewing your budget and goals to decide which card to apply to.
