AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays vs Chase Freedom Flex®
Chase Freedom Flex® earns more in 3 of the 6 categories we track. Neither has an annual fee.
The basics
| Detail | AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays | Chase Freedom Flex® |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Card type | Personal | Personal |
| Rewards | Cash Back | Chase Ultimate Rewards |
| Each point is worth | 1.00¢ | 1.00¢ |
| Everywhere else | 1x | 1x |
| Welcome bonus | $100 after $500 in 90 days | 25,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards after $500 in 90 days |
What each earns
| Category | AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays | Chase Freedom Flex® |
|---|---|---|
| Card Travel Portals | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x |
| Groceries | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, rotating (quarterly), up to $1,500 |
| Dining & Restaurants | 1.0% 1x | 3.0% (higher) 3x |
| Drugstores & Pharmacies | 3.0% 3x | 3.0% 3x |
| Gas Stations | 3.0% (higher) 3x | 1.0% 1x |
| Everything else | 1.0% 1x | 1.0% 1x |
Returns are the points per dollar times what a point is worth, using your smart setting. Caps and rotating categories change what you actually earn. How we value rewards
The better question is which one adds more to the cards you already have.
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