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The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) is a top-tier no-annual-fee cash-back card from Chase. The Freedom Unlimited was one of my first credit cards, and it’s still a card I use every single week.
With solid earning on everyday spending and simple cash-back rewards, the Freedom Unlimited offers a solid value proposition for beginners and experienced points and miles fans alike.
For added value, you can transfer the rewards you earn on this card to one of Chase’s 14 loyalty partners if you also hold an eligible Chase Ultimate Rewards card.
It’s a card I regularly recommend, so let’s explore the reasons why. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Chase Freedom Unlimited: The basics
Unlike premium cards with numerous statement credits to track, the Freedom Unlimited keeps it simple. Its main appeal is in its earning rates, with its 1.5% cash-back rate on nonbonused spending making it stand out among other no-annual-fee cards.
I recommend earning more than 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar spent whenever possible. The Freedom Unlimited is a great no-annual-fee choice for what I call a “catchall card” — a card you use for any purchases that don’t fall within your other cards’ bonus categories.
Freedom Unlimited cardholders are eligible for six months of complimentary DoorDash DashPass, a nice perk for those wishing to try out the service (activate by Dec. 31, 2027). If you’re enrolled in DashPass, you’ll receive up to $10 off each quarter on nonrestaurant orders through the end of 2027.
You’ll also receive a few protections with the Freedom Unlimited, including purchase protection, extended warranty protection and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
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It’s important to note that the Freedom Unlimited charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so you’ll want to use a card with no foreign transaction fees instead.
Chase Freedom Unlimited pros and cons
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Chase Freedom Unlimited benefits
For a no-annual-fee card, I believe the Freedom Unlimited provides exactly what you’d expect. You won’t receive meaningful statement credits or elite status, but that’s entirely reasonable for a card that you don’t need to pay to hold.
The complimentary six-month DoorDash DashPass benefit is nice for anyone who wants to explore whether this subscription service is worth it for them. Alternatively, it’s a great way to save some money if you’re already a DashPass subscriber.
I’ve been a frequent DoorDash user since college, so I appreciated this perk back when I opened my Freedom Unlimited. (Activate by Dec. 31, 2027.)
Considering this card has no annual fee, taking advantage of the complimentary six-month DashPass membership and up to $10 per quarter in credits for nonrestaurant orders (such as those from grocery stores and convenience stores) is a strong value proposition.
Since DoorDash DashPass is valued at $9.99 per month, that’s $80 in total value when combining both perks across six months.
Receiving purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and trip cancellation and interruption insurance will give cardholders peace of mind, especially for those just starting their credit card journey who may not otherwise have those protections.
While the Freedom Unlimited’s strongest appeal is in its rewards (more on that shortly), I view its other benefits as a solid offering for those able to properly use them.
How to earn and use your rewards
Earning rewards on the Freedom Unlimited is relatively straightforward. On its own, it’s a cash-back card.
It earns:
- 5% cash back on Chase Travel℠ purchases
- 3% cash back on dining purchases (including takeout and delivery) and at drugstores
- 2% cash back on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
While the 1.5% cash-back rate on this card is significant, it’s worth calling out that this is a great card for dining. There are cards out there that earn in this category at a higher rate, but 3% cash back (or 3 points per dollar spent with an eligible Ultimate Rewards card) is strong.
When paired with an eligible Ultimate Rewards card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), you can combine your rewards and transfer them to one of Chase’s transfer partners.
If you don’t have an Ultimate Rewards card like the Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve, you’ll be able to redeem your Freedom Unlimited rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel through Chase Travel and Amazon purchases.
As I mentioned earlier, when paired with the right Chase card, you can use the most lucrative redemption option of all: transferring points to Chase’s travel partners. This is how you’ll be able to net TPG’s April 2026 valuation of Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents per point.
Last year, I transferred 40,000 Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt for a two-night stay at the Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor. Prices at this property average around $300 per night, so using points to book a stay here saved me quite a bit of cash.
Related: How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt
Where the Chase Freedom Unlimited could fall short
The Freedom Unlimited can work great as a beginner card or as a catchall card for a more established wallet. That said, it doesn’t offer the same deep value potential as a more premium credit card.
You won’t receive substantial travel benefits, such as a statement credit for travel purchases or the ability to earn strong rewards on travel booked outside of Chase Travel, with this card. You also will be charged foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the U.S., so this isn’t a card worth bringing on your international travels.
Your redemption options are also fairly limited without a qualifying Ultimate Rewards card, but that could be a plus for anyone seeking a basic cash-back-only card.
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Chase Freedom Flex
The Freedom Unlimited has a close sibling in the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees). These cards share a lot of similarities. Both have no annual fee; earn the same on Chase Travel, dining, drugstore and Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027) purchases; and offer similar protections.
The Freedom Flex’s claim to fame is its rotating quarterly categories. Each quarter, cardholders can earn 5% cash back in a selection of categories, on up to $1,500 of purchases each quarter (activation required). I’ve used my Freedom Flex‘s rotating quarterly categories to stack up quite a few points, particularly when PayPal, veterinary services and Amazon have been featured.
The Freedom Flex also comes with cellphone protection when you pay your monthly phone bill with it; the Freedom Unlimited lacks this benefit.
Personally, I recommend adding both of these cards to your wallet. They complement each other well and can form a powerful trifecta when partnered with a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve.
To learn more, check out our showdown between the Freedom Unlimited and the Freedom Flex.
When to apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited
For a limited time, new Freedom Unlimited cardholders can earn a $250 cash-back bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
If you have a Sapphire card or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees), this welcome bonus is worth approximately $513, according to TPG’s valuations. That’s an incredible return on your spending.
We tend to see a variety of welcome bonuses on the Freedom Unlimited, including double cash back for your first cardholder year and 5% back on groceries for your first cardholder year (offers currently unavailable). The current offer is very solid, making now a good time to apply.
Just keep Chase’s application restrictions in mind, particularly its 5/24 rule. This rule states that you can’t be approved for a new Chase card if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards in the past 24 months.
Other cards to consider instead of the Chase Freedom Unlimited
While the Freedom Unlimited is a great add to many wallets, it may not be for you. Here are some other cards to consider instead:
For additional options, check out our picks for the best cash-back cards and the best no-annual-fee cards.
Bottom line
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has been one of my favorite cards since I opened it in 2023. It’s a great card for your nonbonused spending, plus any dining purchases you make if you don’t have a better option for that category.
When paired with the right Ultimate Rewards card, the Freedom Unlimited becomes a powerful no-annual-fee card with huge value potential thanks to Chase’s transfer partners. I recommend all credit card enthusiasts consider it, whether they’re looking for their first credit card or another way to power up their wallet.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
