Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 0% intro for 15 months, then 18.49%–29.99% variable
• Rewards: 1.5% unlimited + 3% dining/drugstores + 5% Chase Travel
• Bonus: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months
• Best For: Simple, set-it-and-forget-it cash back on everything
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a straightforward no annual fee cash back credit card offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus elevated rates of 3% on dining and drugstores, and 5% on Chase Travel. With a 0% intro APR for 15 months and a $200 welcome bonus, it's an excellent choice for everyday spending without category restrictions.

Unlike rotating category cards that require activation and tracking, the Freedom Unlimited delivers consistent rewards on every purchase. It's ideal for those who want simplicity without sacrificing value, and it pairs exceptionally well with Chase Sapphire cards for enhanced redemptions through the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening, then 18.49%–29.99% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening, then 18.49%–29.99% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: The generous 15-month 0% intro APR period is excellent for large purchases or balance transfers, but avoid carrying balances after it expires.

Benefits Overview

Travel Benefits

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $1,500 per person)
• Travel accident insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver (primary coverage)
• Emergency card replacement worldwide
• Travel and emergency assistance services

Everyday Benefits

• Purchase protection (120 days, up to $500 per claim)
• Extended warranty protection (adds 1 year to warranties of 3 years or less)
• Free Chase Credit Journey (credit score monitoring and insights)
• 24/7 fraud monitoring with zero liability protection
• Card lock/unlock feature via Chase Mobile app
• Instant card access via digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)

Lifestyle Benefits

• 6 months complimentary DashPass membership
• 2% cash back on Lyft rides through September 30, 2027
• Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• Ability to combine points with Sapphire cards for travel redemptions

Rewards & Cash Back

• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases (unlimited, no caps)
• No expiration on cash back rewards as long as your account is open
• No minimum redemption threshold — redeem anytime
• Redemption options: Statement credit, direct deposit, Chase Pay, Amazon purchases, gift cards, or travel

Simple and straightforward: no categories to track, no activation required, no earning limits. Just consistent cash back on everything you buy.

Welcome Bonus

Earn $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

This is one of the most accessible welcome bonuses available, with a very low spending requirement that most cardholders will meet naturally through everyday purchases.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Simple rewards seekers who want consistent cash back without tracking categories
• Everyday spenders making frequent purchases across diverse categories
• Restaurant enthusiasts earning 3% on dining year-round
• Chase ecosystem users planning to pair with Sapphire cards
• Balance transfer seekers needing 15 months at 0% APR
• Anyone wanting premium benefits without an annual fee

Not Good For

• Category maximizers who prefer rotating 5% bonuses (consider Freedom Flex)
• International travelers (3% foreign transaction fee is costly)
• Those wanting higher flat rates (some cards offer 2% unlimited)
• Balance carriers after the intro period (high variable APR)

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee makes it accessible for everyone
• Simple unlimited 1.5% cash back with no spending caps or limits
• Elevated 3% on dining and drugstores with no activation required
• Strong 5% cash back on Chase Travel bookings
• Extended 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
• $200 welcome bonus with minimal $500 spending requirement
• Chase ecosystem integration for enhanced point redemptions
• Instant card access via digital wallets
• Robust travel and purchase protections unusual for no-fee cards
• 6 months DashPass membership and Lyft benefits

Cons

• Lower flat rate (1.5%) compared to some 2% unlimited cards
• Lower than rotating category cards on bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fee limits international use
• Welcome bonus restricted to new Chase cardholders (24-month rule)
• Variable APR up to 29.99% after intro period
• Balance transfer fee applies (5% or $5 minimum)
• No intro 0% APR on cash advances

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

If you spend $12,000 per year on typical expenses:

Total Estimated First Year Value: $443

Ongoing Annual Value (after Year 1): $243

This assumes typical spending patterns. The beauty of this card is you'll earn rewards on every single purchase without needing to track categories or activate bonuses.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If…

• You want simple, automatic cash back on everything without tracking
• You spend significantly on dining and drugstores year-round
• You value set-it-and-forget-it rewards over maximizing categories
• You need 15 months at 0% APR for purchases or balance transfers
• You're part of the Chase ecosystem or planning to add Sapphire cards
• You want robust purchase protections without an annual fee
• You prefer consistent earning over fluctuating bonus categories

You Should Skip It If…

• You're willing to track rotating categories for higher rewards (get Freedom Flex)
• You frequently travel internationally (3% foreign fee adds up)
• You already have a Chase Freedom card and can't get the welcome bonus
• You want a higher flat rate like 2% unlimited cash back
• You're looking for a card with no balance transfer fee
• You need 0% APR on cash advances

Apply Now

Apply for Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.