{"id":251145,"date":"2026-07-09T13:00:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T13:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/09\/the-best-beginner-chase-card-combo-for-travel-rewards-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T13:00:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T13:00:09","slug":"the-best-beginner-chase-card-combo-for-travel-rewards-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/09\/the-best-beginner-chase-card-combo-for-travel-rewards-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"The best beginner Chase card combo for travel rewards – The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"


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If you’re new to travel rewards<\/a><\/span>, it’s easy to feel like you need a complicated strategy to start earning free flights and hotel stays. Between cash-back cards<\/a><\/span>, airline cards<\/a><\/span>, hotel cards<\/a><\/span> and flexible points<\/a><\/span>, there are dozens of options to choose from.<\/p>\n

The good news is you don’t need to figure everything out on day one.<\/p>\n

For most beginners, we recommend starting with just two cards: the Chase Freedom Unlimited\u00ae<\/a><\/span> (see rates and fees<\/a><\/span>) and the Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card<\/a><\/span> (see rates and fees<\/a><\/span>). Together, they make one of the easiest \u2014 and most rewarding \u2014 credit card combinations<\/a><\/span> to build a long-term travel rewards strategy.<\/p>\n

The Freedom Unlimited earns solid rewards on everyday purchases<\/a><\/span>, while the Sapphire Preferred unlocks valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards<\/a><\/span> points that can be redeemed through Chase Travel\u2120<\/a><\/span> or transferred to airline and hotel partners<\/a><\/span> for even greater value.<\/p>\n

Whether you start with one card or eventually carry both, this pairing gives you a flexible foundation that can grow with you as your travel goals evolve.<\/p>\n

Why this is the best beginner card combo<\/h2>\n

There are plenty of great travel cards<\/a><\/span>, but this pairing stands out because it checks all the boxes for someone just getting started.<\/p>\n

It’s simple<\/h3>\n

You don’t have to memorize dozens of bonus categories or juggle multiple loyalty programs. These two cards complement each other naturally.<\/p>\n

Related: Value simplicity? Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is now the only card you need<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

It grows with you<\/h3>\n

Many beginners start with the no-annual-fee Freedom Unlimited<\/a><\/span> and later add the Sapphire Preferred<\/a><\/span>. Once you have both, you can combine the rewards you earn on each card into a single Ultimate Rewards balance.<\/p>\n

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That means the cash back earned on the Freedom Unlimited<\/a><\/span> can become transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points when paired with the Sapphire Preferred.<\/p>\n

Related: Love your Freedom Unlimited? Here are 5 cards you may want to consider<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

It keeps your options open<\/h3>\n

Instead of earning rewards with just one airline or hotel, Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed in multiple ways, including by transferring them to airline and hotel partners like World of Hyatt<\/a><\/span>, United MileagePlus<\/a><\/span>, Southwest Rapid Rewards<\/a><\/span> and British Airways Club<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

This flexibility makes it easier to maximize the value of your rewards as your travel style changes.<\/p>\n

Related: How (and why) to combine your Chase Ultimate Rewards points into a single account<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s smart to start with Chase<\/h3>\n

One more reason to prioritize these cards early is Chase’s well-known 5\/24 rule<\/a><\/span>. In general, if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards across all issuers within the past 24 months, you’re unlikely to be approved for most Chase cards, including the Freedom Unlimited and the Sapphire Preferred.<\/p>\n

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If these cards are on your wish list, it’s often best to apply before filling your wallet with cards from other issuers.<\/p>\n

Related: The best ways to use your Chase 5\/24 slots<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Chase Sapphire Preferred highlights<\/h2>\n

Welcome bonus<\/strong>: New cardholders earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. TPG’s July 2026 valuations<\/a><\/span> place this welcome bonus at $2,050, based on the ability to maximize the points earned with hotel and airline transfer partners.<\/p>\n

Annual fee<\/strong>: $95.<\/p>\n

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Earning rates<\/strong>:<\/p>\n