The Chase Trifecta, Explained

The short answer: The Chase trifecta pairs a Sapphire card with the Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited, so you earn 5x rotating, 3x dining and drugstores, 1.5x everything, and bonus travel, all as Ultimate Rewards points. Funneling the Freedom cards points into the Sapphire unlocks transfers to Hyatt and airline partners.

The cards and what each does

The classic trio: the Sapphire Preferred (or Reserve) for travel and dining plus transfer access, the Freedom Flex for 5x rotating quarterly categories and 3x dining and drugstores, and the Freedom Unlimited for 1.5x on everything else. Each earns Ultimate Rewards, so together they cover nearly every purchase at a bonus rate.

Why it is so strong

The Freedom cards earn cash-back-style points, but when you hold a Sapphire, you can combine all the points into the Sapphire account and transfer them 1:1 to partners. That turns ordinary 1.5x and 5x earnings into World of Hyatt and airline transfers worth far more than a cent each. The Freedom cards have no annual fee, so the only fee is the Sapphire.

Add a business card to supercharge it

Heavy spenders or business owners can add an Ink Business card (2x to 5x on business categories) to the same pool, turning the trifecta into a quad. Build cards over time within Chase 5/24 rule. Model it in the wallet builder. See all card combinations.

Frequently asked questions

What cards make up the Chase trifecta?
The Sapphire Preferred or Reserve, the Freedom Flex (5x rotating, 3x dining and drugstores), and the Freedom Unlimited (1.5x everything). All earn Ultimate Rewards, and the Sapphire unlocks transfers.
Do I need the Sapphire for the Chase trifecta?
Yes, to get the most value. The Freedom cards earn points, but only a Sapphire (or Ink) card lets you transfer those pooled points to airline and hotel partners for outsized value.

Related reading

Bryce Casson

Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.