In-Branch Only: Chase Freedom Unlimited Offering 3x on the First $20,000 Spent

March 18, 2019

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3 min read

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Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great card for everyday use, as it earns you 1.5% cash back on all purchases — or 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points if you also have a more premium Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Ink Business Preferred Credit Card. If you're earning 1.5x on every purchase, that equates to a 3% return on spending based on TPG's valuations — hard to beat among personal credit cards for purchases that don't qualify for bonus rewards.

The Freedom Unlimited's standard sign-up bonus is $150 back/15,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $500 in the first three months. However, a new offer is now available in Chase branches that makes this no annual fee card even more appealing. New card holders who apply and are approved for the Freedom Unlimited in-branch can earn 3% cash back on all purchases in the first year, on up to $20,000 spent. After that, they'll earn the standard 1.5%/1.5x on all purchases.

This offer has many of us who already have the Freedom Unlimited — or who don't have any 5/24 slots open — experiencing some major envy. If you also have a credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, the 3% back on the first $20,000 you spend translates to 3x Chase points — worth an amazing 6% based on TPG's valuations. Maxing out this offer by spending a full $20,000 in the first year would earn you $600 in cash back, or 60,000 Chase points, worth $1,200.

TPG values Chase points so highly because of the Ultimate Rewards program's strong transfer partners, including British Airways, Hyatt, IHG, Southwest and United. All transfers are at a 1:1 rate, and it's not hard to find redemptions that get you at least 2 cents per point in value. And given the well-rounded selection of airline and hotel partners, you shouldn't have trouble finding use for your points, either.

This offer is currently only available in Chase branches, though the issuer did share with us that it will be available online at some point in April. It's a great opportunity to rake in the UR points if you can max (or get close to maxing) out the $20,000 spend cap. And it means this card should be at the forefront of your wallet for everyday, non-bonus purchases even more than before.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.