Chase Freedom Unlimited^® Review [2025]: Earn More on Dining and Everyday Spending

Chase Freedom Unlimited basics

Who should get the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®?

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of my favorite credit cards, and anyone who appreciates simple cashback rewards would agree. I'd probably recommend it to you if:

• You need a cash back credit card with a higher base rewards rate than most cards.
• You go out to eat and order delivery often.
• You don't travel a lot but would be open to using the Chase Travel℠ portal when you do.

This card might be right for you as well if you don't want to think about activating quarterly bonuses or worrying if a purchase will qualify. With the Freedom Unlimited, I know I'm earning at least 1.5% cash back, and there's no annual fee I have to worry about offsetting. This is also what makes this one of the best Chase credit cards for beginners.

Apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited^® if you're a frequent diner who makes regular drugstore runs. The card's 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service makes it quite rewarding for spending in these categories.

It's also worth mentioning that the card made our list of the credit cards with the best customer service. If you have any issues or questions, it should be simple to get them resolved. 

When the Chase Freedom Unlimited might not be good for you

If you spend heavily on gas or groceries, you might be better served by a card with bonus rewards in those categories. For example, the Chase Freedom Flex^® offers quarterly rotating categories that earn 5% cash back. Previous categories included gas stations and grocery stores. However, you don't necessarily need to choose just one card, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited^® can be a great companion to the Chase Freedom Flex^®.

Additionally, frequent international travelers may want to consider a card without foreign transaction fees like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day and has a $0 annual fee.

Check out our Chase Freedom Unlimited^® vs. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card comparison to learn more about how these cards stack up.

Chase Freedom Unlimited benefits

3% or 5% bonus cash back on useful categories

The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers useful bonus categories that often align with my spending habits, making it super easy to rack up rewards. The fact that the card has bonus categories at all, but especially as many as it does, sets it apart from more basic flat-rate cash back rewards cards, like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.

I especially like the 3% back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service since I order takeout embarrassingly often.

The 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ is great too. Using this rewards rate is always rewarding and helps offset the cost of trips. And, of course, earning 1.5% back on all other purchases is the cherry on top.

Using the calculator below, you can customize your monthly spending by category to get a better idea of what you might earn with the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

Credit Card Rewards Calculator

Enter your monthly expenses into the calculator below to see how much you could earn in rewards!

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Monthly Category Spending	Value
Travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ $ Earn 5% Cash Back Value
Drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service $ Earn 3% Cash Back Value
All other purchases $ Earn 1.5% Cash Back Value

Estimated Monthly Earnings

Redemption flexibility to fit your needs

Chase makes it quite easy to redeem my Freedom Unlimited rewards. I can take the cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit it into my bank account, or use it to buy gift cards, book travel through Chase, or even shop on Amazon.

Since I also have the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, I usually transfer my points over to that card so I can earn up to 1.5x more value when I use them for select redemptions via Chase Travel.

Intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers

With the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you get:

• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 18.49% - 27.99% Variable APR)
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 18.49% - 27.99% Variable APR)

Keep in mind that there's a balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. If you need to finance a large purchase or save on high-interest debt via a balance transfer, this card will give you plenty of time to do so.

Lyft and DoorDash perks

The Lyft and DoorDash benefits that come with the Freedom Unlimited are a nice perk. You earn 2% total cash back on Lyft rides through September 2027 and a free DashPass membership for six months. After six months, you'll be auto-enrolled at the current monthly rate (activate by December 31, 2027).

Protections and coverage for peace of mind

While the Chase Freedom Unlimited^® may not have the most robust travel protections, the purchase protection and extended warranty are valuable. These protections can help you with defective electronics or other eligible items that you buy using this card. Just be sure to read the fine print to understand the limitations.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited also offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance that kicks in if your trip is canceled, you're too sick to go, severe weather conditions occur, or more. Keep in mind that the trip must have been charged to your card.

Earning and redeeming cash back

One of the things I like about the Chase Freedom Unlimited is how straightforward the rewards program is. It's easy to understand how to maximize your cash back, and if you're strategic about your redemptions, you can potentially get even more value from your points.

Potential earnings in years one and two

To give you a better idea of how much cash back you could earn with the Freedom Unlimited, here's a look at the potential earnings for the first two years.

Keep in mind, these calculations assume a point value of 1 cent per Ultimate Rewards point. The actual value will depend on your personal spending habits and how much you charge to the card.

Year one earnings: $853

Year two earnings: $653

These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model, which takes a look at points earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. If you take advantage of the special earnings in year one, then you could earn even more with this card.

Best ways to earn

The beauty of the Freedom Unlimited lies in its combination of an elevated base earning rate and lucrative bonus categories. This means you're getting great rewards potential on nearly every purchase you make without having to jump through hoops to maximize your cash back.

Maximizing your redemptions

When it comes to redeeming your rewards, you've got options. If you choose to cash in your points for straight cash back, gift cards, or travel through the Chase portal, each point is worth a solid 1 cent. However, if you use your points to shop on Amazon, the value drops to 0.8 cents per point, so I'd avoid that redemption option.

Now, here's a pro tip: If you have a premium Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, you can transfer your Freedom Unlimited points to that card. Why? Because these cards could offer a redemption bonus on travel redemptions made through the Chase Travel portal.

Even better, you could potentially get an even higher value by transferring your points to one of Chase's airline or hotel partners. It's a smart way to really stretch the value of your rewards.

Drawbacks of the Chase Freedom Unlimited

No bonus rewards on gas and groceries

The Freedom Unlimited doesn't offer bonus rewards on gas or groceries, which is a bit surprising. Consider pairing this card with the Chase Freedom Flex^® if you'd like access to more bonus categories.

Foreign transaction fees

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^®'s foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars can add up if you frequently travel abroad. On a $500 hotel stay, that's an extra $15 in fees. Consider a card like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card to avoid these fees and save money overseas.

Other cards to consider

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® might not be the best fit for everyone. Here are some strong alternatives to check out instead.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

If you're looking for a no-fuss, flat-rate cash back card, the Citi Double Cash card is worth considering. It has a $0 annual fee and offers 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. Holding this card also gets you direct access to Citi's transfer partners.

And if you're looking to pay down some high-interest debt, the card offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months (then 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable)), which gives you a little more time than the Freedom Unlimited, which offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months (then 18.49% - 27.99% Variable).

Take a look at our head-to-head comparison of the Citi Double Cash vs. Freedom Unlimited to see which one better aligns with your spending habits.

Earn Cash Back Twice

Citi Double Cash^® Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Simple flat-rate cash back on all your purchases
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable) APR
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• 3% foreign transaction fee for international purchases
• No introductory APR on purchases

Card Details

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.74% - 27.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

For more details, read our full Citi Double Cash^® Card(Rates and fees) review.

Chase Freedom Flex^®

The Chase Freedom Flex offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

These rotating categories give you an opportunity to earn bonus cash back in different areas throughout the year, which could be a nice complement to the Freedom Unlimited. And like the Freedom Unlimited, the Freedom Flex has a $0 annual fee.

Be sure to compare the Freedom Unlimited vs. Freedom Flex to see if one, or both, might be a good fit for your wallet.

Seriously Powerful Cashback Card

Chase Freedom Flex^®

4.7

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Chase Freedom Flex^®

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• $0 annual fee
• Flexible rewards redemption
• Some travel perks and purchase protection
• Can earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Drawbacks

• 5% cash back on rotating categories capped at $1,500 per quarter
• Must remember to activate categories
• Foreign transaction fee: 3%
• Base rewards rate of 1% cash back

Card Details

• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49%-27.99%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Check out our full Chase Freedom Flex^® review to learn more.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

If you want to keep your rewards earning as simple as possible, the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card could be a much better fit for you than the Freedom Unlimited. In lieu of bonus categories, it lets you earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

That's one of the highest flat cash back rates we've found for all purchases, and without the complication of giving you half after you spend and half after you pay off your balance (like the Citi Double Cash).

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash

Drawbacks

• Foreign transaction fee of 3%
• No bonus categories

Card Details

• Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Check out our full {{cc_389.name}} review to learn more.

Should you pair the Chase Freedom Unlimited with other Chase cards?

It can definitely make sense to have the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you already have other Chase credit cards, and the reason is Ultimate Rewards points.

While the Freedom Unlimited earns cash back by default, those rewards are actually earned as flexible Ultimate Rewards points. This means you can transfer them to a premium Chase travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve^® to unlock additional redemption options. This includes booking travel through the Chase Travel portal at a potentially elevated value or transferring to airline and hotel partners.

That's why this ability to strategically pool rewards across multiple cards is a major advantage of the Chase ecosystem. Just be aware of the Chase 5/24 rule before you get to applying.

FAQs

Bottom line

As a $0-annual-fee card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited^® offers great value for people who want a straightforward way to earn rewards on everyday purchases.

Plus, the fact that the card technically earns Ultimate Rewards points rather than plain, old cash back means you can transfer your earnings to Chase cards with elevated redemption rates to get even more out of what you earn on spending.

If you're still unsure which cash-back card is right for you, check out our list of the best cash back credit cards to compare more options and find the perfect fit for your spending habits.

Unlimited Cash Back

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

4.7

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Base rewards rate of 1.5%
• $0 annual fee
• Ability to transfer cash back to other Ultimate Rewards cards
• Intro APR offers for purchases and balance transfers

Drawbacks

• Has a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
• No bonus categories for gas or groceries

Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC