Chase Freedom Unlimited® Review

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary

Earn 1.5%–5% cash back

APR

19.99% - 28.74% variable

Annual Fee

Recommended Credit

670–850 (good to excellent)

PROS
- 3% cash back on dining and drugstores
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Welcome bonus
- 0% intro APR offer
CONS
- Requires good/excellent credit
Key Features
- Card Uses: Cash Back, Balance Transfer, Zero Interest
- Annual Fee: $0
- Introductory Offer: Earn a $250 bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- Rewards: 5% cash back on travel through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases.
APR and Fees
- Introductory APRs: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- Regular APRs: 19.99% - 28.74% variable
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable
- Balance Transfer Fees: Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Late Fees: Up to $40
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Perks and Protections
- Zero Liability Protection
- Extended Warranty Protection
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
- Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
- DashPass Membership
- $10 Off Quarterly on DoorDash Non-Restaurant Orders
- Chase Pay Over Time

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card expertly blends cost-efficiency with a rich rewards program, making it a standout choice for savvy spenders. Ideal for frequent travelers, diners and everyday shoppers, this card turns routine expenses into valuable cash back opportunities. Its no-annual-fee structure and generous welcome offer enhance its appeal. The card facilitates significant purchases or balance transfers thanks to its initial zero-interest phase. Additionally, its adaptable cash back system allows for freedom in redemption, appealing to those who value flexibility in their financial tools. However, maximizing its benefits is particularly fitting for individuals with robust credit histories.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Overview

It's helpful to carefully assess a card's features when selecting a new credit card. These attributes can significantly impact your financial habits and rewards – a reality underscored by the diverse offerings of the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card, highlighted below:

Rewards rate: Earn 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
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.
Regular APR: 19.99% - 28.74% variable
Annual fee: $0
Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a 19.99% - 28.74% variable APR after that.

Consider how these features complement your spending and fit into your financial profile.

Freedom Unlimited Cash Back Estimator

Estimate the value of the cash back rewards you could earn with the Chase Freedom Unlimited card. Enter your spending in the categories below to see how much cash back you can earn.

Important Disclaimers:

This calculator is for planning and evaluation purposes and not sponsored or endorsed by Chase.
Some of your purchases may not be eligible for earning points.
The value of points at redemption will vary.

How much do you spend on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services) per MONTH? (4.5% cash back)

How much do you spend on drugstore purchases per MONTH? (4.5% cash back)

How much do you spend on travel through Chase Travel per YEAR? (6.5% cash back in the first year, 5% thereafter)

How much do you spend on other purchases per MONTH? (3% cash back in the first year up to $20,000, 1.5% thereafter)

Total Cash Back Earned:$0

Important Card Details

Exploring the multifaceted features of the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card reveals a blend of convenience and strategic value for diverse spending habits. This analysis delves into how its cash back options, sign-up bonus and redemption flexibility cater to various consumer needs, highlighting the advantages and considerations for potential cardholders.

Cash Back Rewards

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a powerhouse in the rewards landscape. With a generous 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).

Fees

One of the standout features of this card is the absence of an annual fee, which immediately alleviates a common concern among potential cardholders. However, it's essential to remain aware of the regular variable APR, which can range from 19.99% - 28.74% after the introductory period. As always, paying off balances in full is a good practice to avoid any potential interest charges. By doing so, you can truly benefit from the card's rewards without the burden of additional fees.

0% APR Offer

The 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months, applicable to purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74% after that, is a fantastic boon. If you're planning a significant purchase or considering transferring a high-interest balance from another card, this feature can provide substantial savings. After the initial period, the regular APR kicks in, so it's beneficial to plan repayments within the introductory timeframe to optimize the card's advantages.

Other Features

One of the often overlooked features of credit cards is the longevity of rewards. With Chase Freedom Unlimited, your cash back doesn't expire as long as the account remains active, ensuring you won't feel rushed to redeem rewards. Plus, there's no minimum threshold for cash back redemption. This feature offers flexibility and peace of mind, knowing that rewards aren't slipping away and you can use them whenever you deem fit.

How the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Compares

In this comparison, we place the distinct features and benefits of two popular credit cards side by side, offering a clear perspective on how they cater to different financial needs and preferences.

How This Card Compares

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Rewards rate: 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
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.
Regular APR: 19.99% - 28.74% variable
Annual fee: $0
Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, then a 19.99% - 28.74% variable APR after that..
Best for new cardholders planning significant initial spending and seeking varied cash back rates, with the added advantage of a 0% intro APR on new purchases.

Citi® Double Cash Card

Rewards rate: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
Welcome offer: None
Regular APR: 18.74% - 28.74% (variable)
Annual fee: $0
Intro APR offer: None
Best for regular spenders seeking a straightforward rewards program and no annual fee, with added benefits on travel bookings through Citi Travel.

All Chase Freedom Unlimited Card Comparisons

About Grace Pilling

Grace Pilling was the Senior Content Manager for Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. She previously led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com and MoneyUnder30.

Pilling has a bachelor's degree in English from Western Sydney University and a diploma in book editing, proofreading and publishing. She is focused on empowering readers to make informed financial choices that support their best lives, not a company’s bottom line.

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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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