5 reasons I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited as a credit card beginner
Editor's Note
It’s no secret that stepping into the world of credit card points and miles can be intimidating. Intricate rewards structures, hefty annual fees and unattainable sign-up bonuses are hard enough for the pros to grasp. But for a beginner like myself, it can feel impossible.
That said, when it came time to sign up for my first credit card, one stood out among the rest, alleviating every reservation I previously held about credit cards.
Here are five reasons why I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) as a credit card beginner.
Straightforward earning
With many credit cards using rotating bonus categories and complex tier structures, I worried about choosing a card I could fully maximize. I have a lot on my mind, and keeping track of which spending category switched this month is simply not on my to-do list.
Thankfully, the Chase Freedom Unlimited eliminates the guesswork with its straightforward yet lucrative rewards structure:
- 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
For me, the 3% back on dining has been the MVP in terms of my spending. I’m always on the go, meeting up with friends, so eating out has become a regular part of my lifestyle. I can confidently make the most of my restaurant excursions with the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
The 1.5% back on all other purchases should also not be understated. Even the points and miles experts get excited about it. Most cards in the market only offer 1% outside of bonus categories, putting the Chase Freedom Unlimited a step above. I can earn at least 1.5% back on every purchase, every day, without any limitations. Now, that’s definitely something to write home about.
Related: The complete guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards
Hassle-free sign-up bonus
Another feature that attracted me to the Chase Freedom Unlimited as a credit card beginner was its unique sign-up bonus.
With this card, you can earn $300 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Earning back 60% of an initial spending requirement is ultra valuable, and potentially even more significant if you can pair it with a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular Chase credit cards based on offer history
No annual fee
Now, points and miles experts often talk about how the benefits of their cards, such as lounge access, hotel statement credits and airline companion passes, make up for the annual fee. And they’re right — if you’re a frequent traveler.
As a beginner, though, I’m not jetting across the globe frequently to take advantage of these perks. So, signing up for one of those elite cards would actually cost me money. I simply want to earn rewards on my trips to McDonald’s and maybe a flight to Florida next year.
That’s why the fact that the Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee is a game changer for me. I don’t have to worry about any extra costs year after year.
Related: The complete guide to credit card annual fees
Personalized Chase Offers
One often overlooked feature that I absolutely love is the Chase Offers program. As a cardholder, I can simply add offers — like 5% back or $20 off — to my account and save even more. It’s a no-brainer, right?
In the past, I've earned 5% back on my fuel purchase at Kroger, my go-to gas station. I’ve also saved on purchases at Little Caesars, OfficeMax and Arby’s. These tailored offers make me feel like I’m getting exclusive deals that fit my lifestyle perfectly.
Related: How to book travel (and save points) with Chase Travel
Future pairing power
While I may be a beginner now, that doesn’t mean I’m not aiming to become a pro in the credit card game. Therefore, it was crucial for me to choose a card that would have long-term value in my wallet. Fortunately, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is the perfect fit, as it pairs seamlessly with several other cards in the Chase lineup.
One excellent candidate for pairing is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), which happens to be the card I plan to add to my wallet next. On its own, the Freedom Unlimited maximizes earnings with its 1.5% back on all non-bonus purchases. However, when you pair it with the Sapphire Preferred, you can transfer these points to any of Chase’s 14 travel partners for maximum value.
In my view, the Freedom Unlimited helps you accumulate points, while the Sapphire Preferred allows you to redeem those points more advantageously. It’s a winning combination that will set me up for success in the long run.
Related: Better together: The ultimate guide to the best credit card pairings
Bottom line
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers surprisingly great earning rates with no annual fee, making it the perfect starter credit card for a beginner like me. As I look toward the future of my points and miles game, I’m eager to pair the Freedom Unlimited with a higher-tier Chase card to maximize my points even more. The Chase Freedom Unlimited can truly be your catalyst to becoming a points and miles pro, just like it has for me.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
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.