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Credit Cards

Chase Freedom Unlimited Review

Updated Mar 07, 2022   |   3 mins read
Reviewed by Jeff Gitlen, CEPF®  
Updated Mar 07, 2022
Chase Freedom UnlimitedNext Steps

LendEDU Rating: 4.9/5

Rewards rate: 1.5% – 5%

Annual fee: $0

Editor’s thoughts: Our top-rated cash back card. Cardholders can earn cash back on all purchases, plus increased rates on common spending categories

Card Details

Pros

  • The flat cash back rate is simple and doesn’t require opting into rotating categories
  • No annual fee
  • Flexible reward redemption options
  • Option to redeem or transfer points through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Tap to Pay functionality

Cons

  • A foreign transaction fee

Recommended Credit Score

Good/Excellent

Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: Our Top Choice for Earning Cash Back

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is our top choice for earning cash back, especially for someone who doesn’t want to track rotating categories.

In this review:

Chase Freedom Unlimited Benefits

Cash Back

The cash back rates offered on the Chase Freedom Unlimited card are as follows:

  • 5% on Chase travel purchases through Ultimate Rewards®
  • 3% on dining
  • 3% at drugstores
  • 1.5% on all other purchases

There’s flexibility not only in how you earn rewards points but how you redeem them with this card. For example, you can receive a statement credit, a direct deposit, or a gift card. You can also book travel directly through Chase Ultimate Rewards or pay for purchases directly on Amazon.com.

Cash back rewards don’t expire as long as the account remains open, and there’s no required minimum for redemption.

Welcome Offer

In addition to the cash back rates above, new cardholders can earn an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases in the first year (up to $20,000 spent).

Other Perks

The Freedom Unlimited card comes with a number of services and shopping perks, including zero liability protection and fraud protection if someone steals your card. The card also includes purchase protection for purchases for up to 120 days against theft or damage up to $500 per claim. Purchases made with the card also receive an extended warranty beyond what the manufacturer guarantees.

>> Read More: Is Chase Freedom Unlimited a good card for college students?

Downsides of the Chase Freedom Unlimited

After its recent update, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card hardly has any downsides. One of the only ones to point out is the foreign transaction fee. This is a fee charged on transactions made outside of the United States.

If you plan on traveling, you may want to consider using a different card to avoid incurring any unnecessary costs.

How It Compares to Similar Cards

The Chase Freedom Unlimited Card is a great cash back credit card. That being said, you may want to compare more options to see what else is out there. Here are a few guides you can check out to help you find the best card for your spending habits.

Bottom Line: Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited Right for You?

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is our top choice thanks to several rewards rates, no annual fee, and a welcome bonus with a small spending requirement. If you find yourself frequently spending on travel, dining, and at drugstores, this card could be right for you.

>> Read More: Best Chase credit cards