Updated
Chase has several popular rewards credit cards, and they can work even better in combination. That's why some cardholders have created a strategy informally known as the Chase Trifecta.
When done well, the Chase Trifecta is a simple, effective way to earn more points with Chase. These Chase Ultimate Rewards points are both highly versatile and valuable. If you have or are interested in any Chase credit cards, it's well worth learning about the Chase Trifecta.
Jump To
- What is the Chase Trifecta?
- Chase credit cards that qualify
- What are the benefits of multiple Chase cards?
- The drawbacks of using multiple credit cards
- How to build your Chase Trifecta
- How to get approved for multiple Chase cards
- Maxing out your Chase Ultimate Rewards points
- Still have questions?
- FAQs
What is the Chase Trifecta?
The Chase Trifecta is a combination of any three Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards. This includes cards from the following product lines:
- Chase Freedom
- Chase Sapphire
- Chase Ink
A Chase Trifecta will almost always include at least one Chase travel card. The idea is to carry multiple Chase credit cards, all with different rewards rates. That way, you can always choose the card that will earn the most points for a purchase. Later, you can move your points onto your travel card to redeem them.
It works because Chase lets you transfer rewards from one card to another, including from cash back cards to travel cards. Even its cash back cards technically earn Ultimate Rewards points ($1 in cash back is equal to 100 Ultimate Rewards points). When you have a Chase travel card, that opens up more ways to redeem points, including transfers to travel partners and cash travel bookings at a greater value per point.
LEARN MORE: Definitive Guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Chase credit cards that qualify
You can create a Chase Trifecta using almost all Chase credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points. That doesn't include co-branded Chase cards that are issued by Chase and one of its partners, because those cards earn rewards in the partner's loyalty program. For example, Chase's credit cards with United Airlines earn miles with the airline, so they wouldn't work in a Chase Trifecta.
There are plenty of Chase cards you can choose from to build your trifecta. You'll find the most popular options below.
Trifecta-eligible cards: Chase Freedom
The Chase Freedom cards are cash back cards. As explained above, they technically earn Ultimate Rewards points. You can move those points over to a Chase travel card (through the "Combine Points" option) to unlock more redemption options.
As of Apr. 16, 2024
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| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | Chase Freedom Unlimited® |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
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Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex℠
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
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Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
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Welcome Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening! $200 bonus |
Welcome Offer: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. Up to $300 cash back |
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Rewards Program: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. 5% cash back offer |
Rewards Program: Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases 1.5% - 5% cash back |
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Intro APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months |
Intro APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months |
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Regular APR: 20.49%-29.24% Variable |
Regular APR: 20.49% - 29.24% Variable |
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Annual Fee: N/A $0 |
Annual Fee: N/A $0 |
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex℠
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
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Trifecta-eligible cards: Chase Sapphire
Most Chase Trifectas will have one of the Chase Sapphire cards. These are Chase's most popular travel credit cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers the most high-value redemptions, for a more expensive annual fee.
As of Apr. 16, 2024
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| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
|
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
|
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
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Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. 60,000 bonus points |
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. 60,000 bonus points |
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Rewards Program: Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases |
Rewards Program: Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel℠. |
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Intro APR: N/A Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
Intro APR: Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
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Regular APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable |
Regular APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable |
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Annual Fee: N/A $95 |
Annual Fee: N/A $550 |
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
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Show More
Show Less
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Trifecta-eligible cards: Chase Ink
The Chase Ink cards are business credit cards. Trifecta-eligible cards include two cash back cards and one travel card, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. There's also the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card, but it doesn't allow you to move your points to other Ultimate Rewards cards.
As of Apr. 16, 2024
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| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | Ink Business Cash® Credit Card |
|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
|
Apply Now for Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
|
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
|
Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Earn 100,000 bonus points |
Welcome Offer: Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening. Earn up to $750 bonus cash back |
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Rewards Program: Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn. Earn 3 points per $1 in select business categories |
Rewards Program: Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn. Earn 5% cash back in select business categories |
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Intro APR: N/A Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
Intro APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 12 months Balance Transfers: N/A |
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Regular APR: 21.24%-26.24% Variable |
Regular APR: 18.49% - 24.49% Variable |
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Annual Fee: N/A $95 |
Annual Fee: N/A $0 |
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Apply Now for Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
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Show More
Show Less
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What are the benefits of multiple Chase cards?
There are several reasons using multiple Chase rewards cards is a good idea:
- You can earn more points on your purchases.
- You can redeem points with the card that will get you the most value.
- You can get more sign-up bonuses.
The best way to illustrate this is via one of the most popular Chase Trifectas:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Each card has advantages over the other two. By using all three cards together, you get more value than you would with any of them solo.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is the only one that earns 5% on up to $1,500 at rotating bonus categories you activate each quarter.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns 1.5% - 5% cash back; the 1.5% is on non-bonus purchases, whereas the other two cards earn a standard rate of 1% on non-bonus categories.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the travel card and has the best redemption options. You can combine all the points you earn onto that card, and you'll be able to transfer them to Chase's travel partners, which you can't do with the Chase Freedom cards. You can also get 50% more value when making travel bookings through the Chase Travel portal.
To top it off, each card offers its own sign-up bonus. By opening all three, you have three opportunities to earn bonus rewards.
The drawbacks of using multiple credit cards
While having more than one credit card can help you maximize rewards, there are a few potential risks:
- You'll have more available credit, which can lead to overspending. If you don't pay your credit card bill in full every month, then the Chase Trifecta isn't for you.
- More credit cards mean more payments to keep track of. That makes missed payments more likely, although setting up autopay is one solution.
- You could have trouble meeting the spending minimums for multiple sign-up bonuses. To be fair, you can avoid this problem if you always meet the spend requirement for a sign-up bonus first before applying for a new credit card.
You'll also need to keep track of which card to use for each purchase to get the most points. Some people can do this by memory. If not, there are apps that can help, or you could stick a note on each card that lists its bonus categories. Even with these workarounds, it's still more complicated than having a one-card wallet.
How to build your Chase Trifecta
To build your Chase Trifecta, choose three Chase Ultimate Rewards cards. It usually makes sense to pick one Chase travel card and two cash back cards.
The most common setup is a Chase Sapphire card, the Chase Freedom Flex℠, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Here's why:
- There's only one annual fee, for your Chase Sapphire card. The Chase Freedom cards don't charge an annual fee.
- You can earn 2x to 10x points per $1 in bonus categories with your Chase Freedom and Chase Sapphire cards.
- On non-bonus purchases, you can use the Chase Freedom Unlimited® to earn 1.5x points per $1.
When you're ready to use your points, log in to your Ultimate Rewards account and choose "Combine Points." You can then move points to your Chase travel card. Once you do, you'll be able to transfer them or get more value for them through the Chase travel portal.
Choosing a credit card
Don't you wish you could take a peek inside a credit card expert's wallet sometimes? Just to see the cards they carry? Well, you can't look in anybody's wallet, but you can check out our experts' favorite credit cards. Get started here:
How to get approved for multiple Chase cards
There's more to the Chase Trifecta than just choosing credit cards. You also need to apply for them and get approved. There are two requirements for that:
- You have good or excellent credit. Most of these Chase credit cards are intended for consumers with good credit or better, which starts at a FICO® Score of 670. The lone exception is the Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card, which is intended for building credit. You're better off with a credit score of 700 or higher before going for multiple Chase cards, since card issuers tend to get more selective about who they'll approve for additional cards.
- You've opened fewer than five credit cards in the last 24 months. Because of Chase's 5/24 rule, it will most likely automatically deny your application if you've opened more cards than this over the previous two years.
Your income is also important. Chase uses your income to calculate the maximum amount of credit it can offer you. Once you reach that amount with your Chase credit cards, then Chase will typically deny any additional card application because it isn't willing to extend you more credit. There's no specific income that guarantees you can open three credit cards, but a higher income helps.
Maxing out your Chase Ultimate Rewards points
Considering the value and versatility of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, it's smart to earn as many as possible on your purchases. The Chase Trifecta is the perfect way to do that. If you can manage multiple Chase credit cards, then you could earn a lot more points to put toward your travels.
Still have questions?
Here are some other questions we've answered:
FAQs
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Chase Trifecta refers to a combination of three Chase Ultimate Rewards cards. It's a strategy some cardholders use to earn more Ultimate Rewards points. With multiple Chase cards, you can earn bonus rewards across more spending categories, and then combine them all onto whichever card you want.
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The main benefits of the Chase Trifecta are that you can earn more points this way and redeem them for maximum value. Since each Chase card has a different rewards structure, you can earn bonus points on more expenses by always using the card that will earn you the most. You can then move those points onto a Chase travel card so that you're able to transfer them to travel partners or get more value when using them for cash travel bookings.
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It typically makes sense to get a Chase Sapphire card first when starting your Chase Trifecta. These cards have large welcome offers and offer the best redemption options, so you'll be able to use your points right away if you want.
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The Chase Trifecta is a better option than the Amex Trifecta for most consumers. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be easier to use than American Express Membership Rewards points. Chase also offers more card options with lower annual fees as well as no annual fee cards, so it can be less expensive to build a Chase Trifecta.
Our Credit Cards Expert
Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. He writes for The Ascent and The Motley Fool, and his work has appeared in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.
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