Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe offer genuine value.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the most popular no-annual-fee cash back cards in the US. It earns a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no rotating categories to track. For most people who want simple, reliable rewards, it is hard to beat.
Find Your Best Financial Match
Answer a few questions and get personalized loan and credit recommendations from our AI tool.
Chase Freedom Unlimited: At a Glance
- Annual fee: $0
- Base rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Bonus categories: 5% on travel booked through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores
- Welcome bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Regular APR: 20.49% – 29.24% variable
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
Rewards in Detail
- 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstore purchases
- 1.5% on everything else
The 1.5% base rate beats the standard 1% you get from most starter cards. Over time, that extra 0.5% adds up significantly on everyday spending.
Welcome Bonus
New cardholders earn $200 cash back after spending $500 in the first 3 months. That is an easy threshold to hit for most households.
0% Intro APR
The card offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. This makes it useful for a large upcoming purchase you want to pay off over time.
Chase Ultimate Rewards: Cash Back vs Points
Your rewards are technically Chase Ultimate Rewards points. When you redeem for statement credit, 1 point equals 1 cent (1.5% cash back). If you pair the Freedom Unlimited with a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve, you can combine your points and transfer them to airlines and hotels at a higher value.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No annual fee | 3% foreign transaction fee |
| Simple flat-rate rewards | High regular APR |
| Strong welcome bonus | Travel rewards only useful via Chase portal |
| Long 0% intro period | Lower base rate than some competitor cards |
| Pairs well with Sapphire cards | Chase 5/24 rule may prevent approval |
Who Should Get the Chase Freedom Unlimited?
- You want a simple, no-fuss cash back card with no annual fee
- You already have or plan to get a Chase Sapphire card
- You want an intro 0% period for a planned purchase
- You spend a lot on dining and want a bonus rate there
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited a good card?
Yes. For everyday spending with no annual fee, it is one of the best options available. The 1.5% flat cash back is simple and reliable, and the welcome bonus adds strong first-year value.
What credit score do you need for Chase Freedom Unlimited?
Chase typically approves applicants with good to excellent credit — a score of 670 or higher. A score of 720+ gives you the best approval odds.
Does Chase Freedom Unlimited have foreign transaction fees?
Yes. The card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee. If you travel internationally often, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture instead.
Can I transfer Chase Freedom Unlimited points to airlines?
Not directly. You need to pair it with a Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred. Once paired, you can transfer combined points to airline and hotel partners.
What is the difference between Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex?
Freedom Unlimited earns a flat 1.5% on all purchases. Freedom Flex earns 5% on rotating quarterly categories and 1% on everything else. Many cardholders use both together.
Related Articles
- Best Cash Back Credit Cards 2026
- Best Travel Credit Cards 2026
- Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards 2026
- Capital One Venture X Review 2026
- Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit 2026
Rates as of May 2026. Rates change frequently — check the lender’s site for the most current information.