Our Verdict
In the comparison between Chase and KeyBank credit cards, Chase stands out as the superior choice for most consumers. Chase offers a diverse array of cards with robust rewards and enticing sign-up bonuses, including premium options like the Sapphire Reserve and co-branded travel cards. Its Ultimate rewards program also provides unmatched flexibility for redeeming points, making it ideal for frequent travelers and reward maximizers.
While KeyBank provides solid no-annual-fee options and basic offerings like low-interest cards and a secured credit card for building credit, it lacks the breadth and appeal of Chase’s offerings. KeyBank’s simplicity may appeal to existing customers or those seeking a straightforward card with minimal fees.
Overall, if you’re looking to maximize rewards and enjoy extensive card benefits, Chase emerges as the clear winner. Its superior rewards structure and versatile card options make it the preferred choice over KeyBank’s more limited offerings.
Why Choose Chase
Chase is one of the largest credit card issuers in the U.S. and offers an extensive lineup of cards to suit different needs and spending habits.
If you travel frequently, Chase’s travel cards such as the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve offer generous rewards on travel purchases and valuable travel perks. Are you looking to maximize rewards? Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program allows for flexible point transfers to airline and hotel partners.
As a big spender, you can benefit from many Chase cards that offer lucrative sign-up bonuses for meeting spending thresholds in the first few months. As a brand loyalist, you can enjoy Chase’s co-branded cards tailored for airlines (United, Southwest) and hotels (Marriott, IHG), providing extra value for frequent customers. If you own a small business, you have several options with Chase’s business credit cards, offering rewards specifically designed for business spending.
Who Chase Is Best For
Chase is a good choice if you:
- Travel often and want to earn points/miles on their spending
- Want to pay annual fees in exchange for premium benefits
- Want to take advantage of big sign-up bonuses
- Prefer flexible rewards that can be redeemed in multiple ways
- Value loyalty to specific travel brands like United or Marriott
- Own a small business and want a dedicated business credit card
>>>MORE: Chase Review
Who Chase Is Not Right For
While Chase offers many excellent credit cards, Chase cards are generally not ideal for you if:
- Struggle with fair/poor credit
- Carry a balance
- Seek simplicity
- Spend less causing a significant card usage.
- Get affected by Chase’s 5/24 rule (Chase typically won’t approve you for a new card if you’ve opened 5 or more credit cards in the past 24 months)
Why Choose KeyBank
You may not be as familiar with KeyBank in the credit card industry compared to Chase, but KeyBank offers compelling options, especially beneficial for current KeyBank customers like you. These include customized benefits and rewards that closely match your financial needs and preferences, ensuring a more personalized banking experience.
Who KeyBank Is Best For
KeyBank is best suited for if you:
- Bank with KeyBank and want to keep their finances in one place
- Prioritize low interest rates over rewards
- Want simple cash back without an annual fee
- Want to build or rebuild his/her credit
- Prefer straightforward card offerings without complex rewards structures
Who KeyBank Is Not Right For
KeyBank credit cards may not be the best option if you:
- Seek high-end rewards
- Travel frequently
- Spend big and looking for large sign-up bonuses
- Live outside KeyBank’s service area
Main Differences
Chase is the clear winner here.
| Chase | KeyBank | |
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Ideal For |
Chase is ideal for you if you’re a rewards enthusiast, frequent traveler or willing to pay annual fees for premium benefits. Its cards cater to a wide range of consumers, from casual users to high-spending jet-setters. |
KeyBank is better suited for you if you seek simpler, no-annual-fee cards with decent cash back or low interest rates. Its cards are more appealing to existing KeyBank customers and those building credit. |
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Prices |
Chase cards generally have higher annual fees, ranging from $0 to $550 for personal cards and up to $195 for business cards. However, these fees often come with more valuable rewards and perks. |
KeyBank cards all have $0 annual fees, making them more accessible to budget-conscious consumers. However, this means they lack some of the premium benefits found on Chase’s higher-end cards. |
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Integrations |
Chase has a clear advantage in terms of integrations and partnerships:
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KeyBank has fewer integrations:
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Standout Features |
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Standout Features
Chase stands out as the winner for standout features.
Chase
Ultimate Rewards Program
Chase’s proprietary rewards program is one of the most flexible and valuable in the industry. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel bookings, or transferred to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. This flexibility allows you to maximize the value of your points, often getting well over 1 cent per point in value.
Sign-Up Bonuses
Chase is known for offering some of the most lucrative sign-up bonuses in the credit card market. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred currently offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. When redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards, this bonus is worth $750 towards travel.
Travel Benefits
Chase’s premium travel cards offer a host of valuable perks. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, for instance, provides a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and primary rental car insurance.
5/24 Rule
While this can be seen as a limitation, Chase’s 5/24 rule (generally not approving applicants who have opened 5 or more credit cards in the past 24 months) helps maintain the exclusivity and value of their rewards program.
>>>PRO TIPS: Best KeyBank Credit Cards
KeyBank
No Annual Fees
All KeyBank credit cards come with no annual fee, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers without the need to justify a yearly cost.
Key Cashback Card
This card offers up to 2% cash back on all purchases for cardholders with an eligible KeyBank checking account. This flat-rate rewards structure is competitive with other no-annual-fee cash back cards on the market.
Long 0% Intro APR Periods
The KeyBank Latitude card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers. This is one of the longer intro periods available, making it an excellent choice for those looking to finance large purchases or consolidate debt.
Secured Card Option
The Key Secured credit card provides an opportunity for those with limited or poor credit to build their credit history. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus and requires a minimum security deposit of just $300.
How to Apply for a Chase Credit Card
To apply for a new Chase credit card, you need to:
- Check Your Credit Health: Review your credit report for errors and understand your credit score to find cards you qualify for
- Research Card Options: Identify cards that match your spending habits and offer the best rewards and benefits
- Gather Necessary Information: Ensure all personal and financial information is accurate and up-to-date
- Ensure Online Security: Apply using a secure, private network and an updated web browser
- Submit Your Application: Apply online for the quickest response, ensuring a stable internet connection
How to Apply for a KeyBank Credit Card
To apply for a KeyBank credit card, start by visiting the official KeyBank website
- Locate the Key Cashback Credit Card page to begin your application process
- Complete the online application form by entering your personal and financial details, including your Social Security Number, address, and annual income
- Ensure all information is accurate before submitting your application for review
Pros and Cons
When it comes to the pros and cons, Chase emerges as the clear winner.
Chase
- Pros
- Offers an extensive card lineup
- Provides a valuable rewards program
- Includes generous sign-up bonuses
- Comes with premium travel benefits
- Excels in customer service
- Features a robust mobile app and online banking
- Enjoys wide acceptance (As Visa cards, Chase credit cards are widely accepted both domestically and internationally)
- Provides shopping protections
- Cons
- Charges high annual fees on premium cards (Cards like the Sapphire Reserve ($550) and United Club Infinite ($525) come with steep annual fees)
- Requires strict approval criteria
- Imposes a 5/24 rule
- Features complex rewards structures
- Has higher APRs
- Applies foreign transaction fees on some cards
- Offers limited balance transfer offers
- Presents a risk of rewards devaluation
KeyBank
- Pros
- Offers no annual fees
- Provides competitive cash back
- Features long 0% intro APR periods
- Helps with credit building
- Includes access to FICO Score
- Integrates with KeyBank accounts
- Has straightforward rewards structures
- Waives foreign transaction fees on some cards
- Cons
- Limits card selection
- Lacks premium travel cards
- Offers a less valuable rewards program
- Provides smaller sign-up bonuses
- Delivers fewer perks and benefits
- Maintains geographic limitations
- Omits co-branded cards
- Lacks integration with digital wallets
Customer Reviews
Based on available reviews and ratings, Chase appears to have a slight edge in overall customer satisfaction, particularly for their premium rewards cards. Chase credit cards generally garner positive reviews, particularly praised for its robust rewards programs, attractive sign-up bonuses, and extensive travel benefits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards stand out prominently in the realm of travel rewards.
In contrast, customer reviews for KeyBank credit cards are more limited, likely due to its smaller market presence compared to Chase. While existing feedback offers some insights into cardholder experiences, specific ratings for KeyBank cards are not widely available. This makes direct comparisons of customer satisfaction levels with Chase challenging.
>>>GET SMARTER: Capital One Review
Competitors
While Chase and KeyBank offer a range of credit card options, they’re far from the only players in the market. Here’s a look at some key competitors and how they stack up:
American Express
American Express is renowned for its premium rewards cards and exceptional customer service. Its Membership Rewards program rivals Chase’s Ultimate Rewards in flexibility and value. Obtain luxury travel benefits, generous welcome bonuses, and the unique Amex Offers program. However, cons include higher annual fees on premium cards and less widespread acceptance compared to Visa/Mastercard.
Capital One
Capital One offers a variety of cash back and travel rewards cards known for their simplicity and flexibility. Pros include easy-to-understand rewards structures, no foreign transaction fees on any card, and competitive sign-up bonuses. Cons include fewer premium card options and less valuable transfer partners compared to Chase and high annual fees for some cards.
Discover
Discover focuses on cash back cards with no annual fees and strong customer service. Pros include a first-year cash back match on all cards, rotating 5% cash back categories, and U.S.-based customer service. However, cons include a lack of premium or travel rewards cards and limited acceptance outside the U.S.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo has expanded its credit card offerings, featuring competitive cash back and low-interest options. Pros include solid cash back cards with no annual fees, cell phone protection on some cards, and good 0% APR offers. Cons include limited travel rewards options and fewer premium benefits compared to Chase.
Bank of America
Bank of America offers cash back and travel cards with additional benefits for banking customers through the Preferred Rewards program. Pros include boosted earning rates with Preferred Rewards, good cash back options, and travel and purchase protections on premium cards. Cons include less valuable sign-up bonuses compared to Chase, limited premium travel card options, and a less flexible travel rewards program than Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Pro Tips
When choosing between Chase, KeyBank, or any other credit card issuer, consider these pro tips:
- Evaluate your spending habits
- Calculate the net annual value
- Consider your credit score
- Look beyond the sign-up bonus
- Evaluate redemption options
- Check for synergies (Having multiple cards within the same rewards program (e.g., Chase trifecta) can maximize your earning potential)
- Read the fine print
- Consider your banking relationship
Recap
Chase generally outshines KeyBank in the credit card arena, offering a diverse range of cards with strong rewards programs, substantial sign-up bonuses, and premium travel benefits. KeyBank, while offering no-annual-fee cards and straightforward options like low-interest and secured credit cards, lacks the variety and allure of Chase’s offerings.
KeyBank may appeal to you if you seek simplicity and lower costs, especially existing customers, but if you’re aiming to maximize rewards and benefits, Chase remains the preferred choice. Ultimately, Chase’s extensive and versatile card options make it superior for most consumers compared to KeyBank’s more limited selection.
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