If you’ve spent some time around credit card-savvy consumers, you may have heard of the infamous “Chase Trifecta.” The term refers to a combination of three Chase credit cards that, when used together, offer great benefits and rewards across various spending categories.
Here’s an in-depth look at the Chase Trifecta, how it works, and why you may want to add these cards to your repertoire.
The Chase Trifecta typically consists of three credit cards from the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program.
The most common combination includes:
These cards complement each other by providing a wide range of rewards across different spending categories, making it possible to earn a high rate of return on everyday purchases.
Additionally, business owners may swap one of these cards out for one of the Ink Business cards. Since points can be pooled into the account with the highest redemption rate, adding a business card to the lineup can help you further maximize your reward-earning potential.
Note: Only the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card have a higher redemption rate for travel through Chase. Make sure you have at least one of these cards in your lineup or the trifecta is far less effective.
Earn 5X points on Chase Travel℠ purchases, 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services, and 1X points on other purchases.
Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually, 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3X points on non-Chase travel and dining, and 1X points on all non-bonus spending.
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases made for your business.
Earn 5% cash back in select business categories (on up to $25,000 per account anniversary year) and earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $25,000 per account anniversary year). Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in select categories each anniversary year, and earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Note: All information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by LA Times Compare. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The strength of the Chase Trifecta lies in its ability to maximize point earning and redemption flexibility.
Here’s how it works:
The most valuable way to set up your Chase Trifecta is based on your spending habits and lifestyle, but if you’re not a businessperson, the best combination is the Chase Freedom Flex, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Through this combination, you can leverage the following rates and categories:
The Chase Trifecta can absolutely be worth it. This offers an excellent strategy for those looking to maximize their credit card rewards. By utilizing each card’s strengths, cardholders can earn considerable rewards on their everyday spending and travel.
Note: This article includes information on the Chase Freedom Flex℠, currently unavailable at LA Times Compare. All information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by LA Times Compare. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Chase Trifecta is best for people who are willing to strategically track and manage credit card bonus categories to maximize their reward-earning potential.
Most likely. The Chase Trifecta still holds a lot of value for reward-savvy consumers. Since two of the main trifecta cards (Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex) have no annual fee, this reward-enhancing strategy holds very little risk.
The Chase Trifecta is a top-tier reward-maximizing system, taking advantage of Chase’s bonus categories, redemption options, transfer partners and card benefits. It helps you make the most of every dollar you spend.
The Chase trifecta annual fee varies depending on which cards you employ in the system. If you get the Sapphire Reserve® and pair it with the two no-annual-fee Freedom cards, your annual cost will be $550. If you swap in the Sapphire Preferred® or Ink Business Preferred® for the Reserve, the yearly cost goes down to $95.
Jaiden Hart serves as a credit card writer and content manager at LA Times Compare. Beginning her career as an intern on the Compare team, she has since amassed considerable expertise and passion in the credit card industry.
Jaiden’s primary objective is to simplify the process of choosing and managing a credit card through engaging and honest content so individuals can more effectively maximize their benefits and meet their financial goals.
* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.
All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.
