Chase Freedom Unlimited® review
- Welcome offer
- $300
- Cash back
- Up to 5%
- Annual fee
- $0
- Intro purchase APR for the first 15 months (then 20.49% to 29.24% variable)
- 0%
Our verdict
The best card you'll find on the market for unlimited cash back.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the beefed-up version of its former self. In the past, you could only earn 1.5% back on all purchases, which is the industry-standard for unlimited cashback cards. But now you also earn 5% back in new categories — including Lyft rides and travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Purchases made at drug stores and restaurants, including takeout and delivery, also earn 3% back. These are rates and categories you'd typically find on a category cashback card, and they're often limited by spending caps.
The simple fact that the Unlimited earns at least 1.5% on all purchases and can reach as high as 5% — including on eligible groceries on up to $12,000 during your first year — makes it one of the most valuable cashback cards on the market.
What's more, the one feature the Chase Freedom Unlimited® was missing, a 0% APR intro period on balance transfers, was recently restored. That means this card can do nearly anything you'd want a credit card to do. Perhaps the only drawback is the recent removal of the welcome offer that let you earn 5% back on grocery store purchases up to a cap for the first year — this was a sizable $600 value on top of the card's other perks and perhaps just too good to last.
All this makes the Chase Freedom Unlimited® one of the most rewarding cashback credit cards you can currently get. If earning rewards on everyday purchases is your priority, you don’t want to miss this card.
Pros
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Earn cash back. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back, 3% cash back on dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery service, on drugstore purchases, as well as 5% cash back on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® where you can redeem rewards for travel, gift cards and more.
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Intro APR on purchases. Enjoy 15 months of 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers. After that, a variable APR of 20.49% to 29.24% applies.
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Special Offer. Earn unlimited matched cash back. At the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
Cons
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Foreign transaction fee. All purchases made abroad or online with foreign merchants cost 3% of the amount.
Details
Features
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Welcome offer | Earn unlimited matched cash back. At the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned. There is no limit to how much you can earn. |
| Rewards | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back, 3% cash back on dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery service, on drugstore purchases, as well as 5% cash back on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® where you can redeem rewards for travel, gift cards and more. |
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 20.49% to 29.24% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 20.49% to 29.24% variable) $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days |
| Minimum credit score | 670 |
| Issuer | Visa |
Fees
| Balance transfer fee | $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days |
| Cash advance rate | 29.99% variable |
| Cash advance fee | $10 or 5% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater |
| Penalty APR | Up to 29.99% variable |
| Foreign transaction fee | 3% of the transaction value |
| Interest free period | Up to 21 days |
| Late payment fee | Up to $40 |
| Returned payment fee | Up to $40 |
| Additional cardholder fee | $0 |
| Security deposit | N/A |
What you should know before applying
Eligibility criteria
- You’re at least 18 years old.
- You’re at least 19 years old if you live in Alabama or Nebraska.
- You’re at least 21 years old if you live in Puerto Rico.
What credit score should I have?
A good to excellent credit score will increase the chances of your application being approved.
How do I apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited®?
- Go to the provider's site to Learn more about how to apply for Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
- Go to the provider’s application.
- Enter your personal contact information and select Next.
- Enter your financial information — including your monthly salary and rental or mortgage payment — and choose Next.
- Enter additional details — including your Social Security number and mother’s maiden name — and hit Next.
- Review your information and submit your application.
How long will it take for me to be approved?
You typically find out about your application’s status minutes after you submit it online if everything can be immediately confirmed. If approved, you’ll get your card in the mail within 10 business days.
Card benefits
- Cash back. The accelerated cashback categories added to this card single-handedly catapulted the value of this card to the top of the unlimited cashback card pack. In fact, this card potentially earns more on travel than the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which is Chase’s mid-level travel option. No other unlimited cashback card offers this much value provided you often spend in the new categories.
- Signup bonus. Earn unlimited matched cash back. At the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
- Lyft and DoorDash benefits. While Lyft perks were added prior to the pandemic, they still pair well with the DoorDash benefits to offer rewards on the evolving spending habits consumers face as we recover.
- No annual fee. Not having to pay a fee each year will help you keep this card around long-term and reap its cashback benefits. It’s something of a steal given the card’s cashback potential and signup bonus.
- Intro period. A 0% intro period for purchases is a handy tool to have if you need to float your finances or otherwise save some money on interest after some upfront purchases. With the Chase Freedom Unlimited® 0% intro APR perk, you pay no interest on purchases or balance transfers during the first 15 months from account opening. After the intro period ends, you’ll have a 20.49% to 29.24% variable APR.
What to watch out for
Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a terrific $0 annual fee card with just a few elements you’ll want to be cautious of.- Foreign transaction fees. You’ll pay a 3% of the transaction value for every transaction you make abroad or online with foreign merchants.
Compare Freedom Unlimited to similar credit cards
The Freedom Unlimited is a strong cashback card, but the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express are competitive as well. Compare annual fees, welcome offers and other features to find the card that’s best for you. (Terms apply, see rates & fees).
Chase Freedom Unlimited® |
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express |
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★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
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Minimum credit score 670 |
Minimum credit score 670 |
Minimum credit score 670 |
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Annual fee $0 |
Annual fee $0 |
Annual fee $95 after the first year intro |
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Purchase APR 0% intro |
Purchase APR 0% intro |
Purchase APR 0% intro |
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Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 20.49% to 29.24% variable) $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days |
Balance transfer APR 19.99% to 29.99% variable Balance transfer fee applies (3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time) |
Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 19.24% to 29.99% variable) Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater |
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Rewards Up to 5% cash back |
Rewards Up to 1.5% cash back |
Rewards Up to 6% cash back |
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Welcome offer Earn unlimited matched cash back. At the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned. There is no limit to how much you can earn. |
Welcome offer $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening |
Welcome offer $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months |
Compare even more credit cards
Best cards to pair with Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a solid card on its own. Combine it with other Chase credit cards and you get a rewards powerhouse. The most common combination of Chase cards is the Chase trifecta, which consists of:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (or Chase Sapphire Reserve®)
Chase 5/24 rule
Before you start applying for the Chase trifecta, keep in mind that Chase has an unwritten 5/24 rule that says Chase will automatically decline your credit card application if you opened five or more credit card accounts in the past 24 months.
This includes personal and business credit cards issued by Chase and other card providers.
How much cashback rewards can I earn with a new Chase Freedom Unlimited®?
Here’s a look at how much cash back you can earn in one month with your new Chase Freedom Unlimited given a few average spending values:
| Category | Money spent in a month | Cash back rate | Cash back earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $1,200 | 5% (on up to $12,000 total your first year. 1.5% back after that) | $60 |
| Dining and takeout | $300 | 3% | $9 |
| Gas | $250 | 3% | $7.50 |
| Lyft rides | $30 | 5% | $1.50 |
| Travel (with Chase travel portal) | $250 | 5% | $12.50 |
| Total | $2,030 | $90.50 |
If you clear the standard signup bonus, that’s another $300 on top for the first year. For more tips on making the most of your Chase Freedom Unlimited, check out our Chase Ultimate Rewards earning guide.
How do I redeem rewards from the Chase Freedom Unlimited®?
Despite being marketed as a cashback card, you actually earn points, which you can redeem for cash. Also, redeem your Chase points for other rewards. Here’s how:
- Log in to your Chase account.
- Choose a redemption option from the dashboard, such as cash, gift cards, travel or products and services from third-party merchants
Chase Freedom Unlimited® customer reviews and complaints
Many cardholders praise the Chase Freedom Unlimited®‘s 1.5% cashback feature. However, a few customers expressed that they had trouble getting their credit limit increased.
JPMorgan Chase Credit Card is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau but it has an C+ rating and a composite score of 1.18 out of 5 stars based on 229 customer reviews as of December 2021. Most customer complaints revolve around poor customer service and hidden costs Chase credit cards in general. Make sure you read your card’s terms and the rewards agreement to avoid issues with your account.
As of December 2021, Chase earns a Trustpilot score of 1.6 out of 5. Most negative reviews cite slow responses to fraud complaints and less-than-helpful customer service. Positive reviews cite the bank’s great mobile app and quick resolutions to their issues. Overall, your mileage may vary with Chase customer support.
I got the card. Now what?
After reviewing your application Chase will issue you either a Signature or Platinum card. If approved for a Signature account, your credit access line will be at least $5,000. If approved for a Platinum account, your credit limit will be at least $500.
- Manage your account online. Register with Chase Online to keep an eye on your spending and payments.
- Steer clear of penalties. Late payments and returned payments can attract fees of up to $40.
- Limit its use overseas. You pay foreign transaction fees each time you use this card outside the US. Learn more about cards that come with no foreign transaction fees.
- Contact customer service. Looking for the Chase Freedom Unlimited® phone number? Don’t hesitate to contact Chase if you need any account-related information. Customer service can be reached at 800-432-3117. Or, connect with Chase on Twitter @ChaseSupport.
Bottom line
If you’re interested in earning cash back on all of your purchases, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best cashback card you can currently get. With the addition of new 5% and cashback categories, this card rises high above flat-reward cards and even shoots beyond category cashback cards in some cases. No matter what kind of spender you are, you’ll find the Chase Freedom Unlimited® well worth the spot in your wallet. If you’re looking for a different kind of cashback card however, you’ll want to compare all cashback card options to find the one that brings you the most value on your spending needs.
Credit card ratings
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor
Our team evaluates credit cards to determine their value against similar cards on the market.
We rank card types — travel, cash back, business — on a set of factors that are most relevant to that type of card. We create these rankings to help you narrow down a credit card that best suits your spending and budget.
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