Chase Freedom Unlimited review: A great card for beginners and pros alike
Editor's Note
Chase Freedom Unlimited overview
The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) is well suited to both occasional and frequent travelers. While many cards offer 1% back on purchases outside of bonus categories, you’ll earn 1.5% back on nonbonus spending with the Freedom Unlimited. And if you pair this with a card that earns premium Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can convert your rewards into fully transferable points. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
At first glance, the Chase Freedom Unlimited might seem like a tame cash-back card. But there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
With no annual fee and a simple earning structure, it’s a great card for beginners, provided they have a credit score of at least 670. It’s also an excellent card pairing for more premium options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), making it a valuable addition to many larger card portfolios.
Let’s examine what makes this card so great, and whether it deserves a spot in your wallet.
Chase Freedom Unlimited pros and cons
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Chase Freedom Unlimited welcome offer
New Chase Freedom Unlimited cardholders can earn $300 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This offer ends Jan. 15, 2026, at 9 a.m. EST.
That's the highest offer on the card since March, making now a good time to apply.
And the bonus is even more valuable if you also have a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, meaning you can convert your cash back to points and move them to one of Chase’s transfer partners.
Since this is a Chase card, do remember that it is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule.
Related: Chase credit cards: Best time to apply based on offer history
Chase Freedom Unlimited benefits
The trade-off for cards without an annual fee is that they tend to come with fewer perks than their more premium counterparts. Still, the Freedom Unlimited has some nice features worth highlighting:
- Rental car protection: You’ll have rental car insurance that covers reimbursement for theft and collision damage secondary to your personal insurance in the U.S.
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: You’ll be covered for up to $1,500 per person and up to $6,000 per trip for eligible travel expenses on your card if severe weather, illness or other covered situations result in the cancellation or interruption of your travel plans.
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the length of warranty coverage by one additional year on original eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Purchase protection: Your purchases are protected against theft and damage for 120 days after the date of purchase, up to $500 per item.
If you don’t have another card with more robust travel insurance and shopping protections, this is a decent amount of coverage for a card with no annual fee.
Related: Why the Chase Freedom Unlimited should be the first card in every student’s wallet
Earning cash back on the Chase Freedom Unlimited
With the Freedom Unlimited, you’ll normally earn:
- 5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3% back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
- 3% back at drugstores
- 1.5% back on all other purchases
While none of the bonus categories are show-stoppers, it is unusual to find a card with bonus categories and a flat rate higher than 1% for all additional purchases. The bonus categories are nice, but the ability to earn 50% more on nonbonus spending makes this card shine.
This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a card that earns more than 1% back on nonbonus spending.
Related: The best cards to pair with the Chase Freedom Unlimited
Redeeming cash back on the Chase Freedom Unlimited
You can redeem the cash back earned on your Freedom Unlimited as a statement credit or for a direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts at a value of 1 cent per point. You can also redeem your rewards for gift cards or use them to book travel through Chase Travel for the same value.
And if you have the right card pairing, you can turn your rewards into transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points and use Chase’s valuable transfer partners for even more value.
Related: New to travel rewards? Here’s the perfect beginner card combo
Transferring cash back with the Chase Freedom Unlimited
Alone, the Freedom Unlimited is a true cash-back card and doesn’t allow you to transfer your rewards to travel partners.
However, if you also have the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees), you can combine your rewards and unlock Chase’s full list of hotel and airline partners.
TPG staffers particularly value the option to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt.
Some of us, like TPG senior director of content Summer Hull, prefer to use these rewards to book higher-end Hyatts that might otherwise be out of budget. Other staffers prefer to stretch our rewards by using them for great deals on Hyatt’s Category 1 properties.
In addition to World of Hyatt, Chase partners with other valuable programs like British Airways Club, Singapore KrisFlyer and United MileagePlus.
Related: Chase Ultimate Rewards points: How to redeem for maximum value
Which cards compete with the Chase Freedom Unlimited?
Depending on what makes up the majority of your spending, though, there may be another card better suited for your needs, even if your focus is on earning cash-back rewards. Like the Freedom Unlimited, these options also earn cash-back rewards and don’t carry an annual fee:
- If you want to earn 5% back on rotating categories: The Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) earns 5% back in quarterly bonus categories (after you activate; on up to $1,500 in combined purchases). Like the Freedom Unlimited, it earns rewards you can transfer to Chase’s partners with the right card pairing. For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
- If you want to earn 3% back on different categories: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns 3% cash back spent at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases and U.S. gas stations each year (up to $6,000 for each category per calendar year, then 1%; cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at amazon.com checkout). For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday.
- If you want to earn more on nonbonus spending: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay). For more details, check out our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
For additional options, check out our lists of the best cash-back cards and the best cards without an annual fee.
Related: Chase Freedom Flex vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited comparison: Rotating categories or flat cash back?
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited worth it?
Since the Freedom Unlimited doesn’t carry an annual fee, you can feel great about earning rewards without justifying what you pay to keep it each year. You can maximize your rewards-earning potential if you already have a Chase Ultimate Rewards points-earning card. However, if you’re focused solely on cash-back rewards, you’ll likely want a card with a higher earning rate.
Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card
Bottom line
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great card for everyday nonbonus spending and can provide incredible value when paired with a more premium Chase card. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro looking for a complementary card to add to your portfolio, the Freedom Unlimited is an excellent choice.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.