Chase Freedom Unlimited
Cardholders who want a flat-rate cash back card with no annual fee and no category tracking.
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Suggested credit
Good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
Annual fee
No annual fee (confirm current terms with Chase)
APR
Variable purchase and balance transfer APR — see current Chase terms
Foreign transactions
Foreign transaction fee applies — better suited to domestic use
Overview
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is Chase's flagship no-annual-fee flat-rate cash back card. Its long-term value proposition is dual: on its own it earns simple cash back on every purchase, and when paired with a Chase Sapphire or Ink card in the same household, its earnings convert into Ultimate Rewards points that unlock airline and hotel transfer partners. That combination is why many rewards-focused cardholders keep Freedom Unlimited as a foundational everyday-spending card even as they add more specialized products.
Rewards
A flat cash back rate on all purchases with elevated rates in select categories such as travel booked through Chase's portal, dining, and drugstore purchases. Rewards can be treated as cash back or, when paired with an Ultimate Rewards-earning card in the same household, may be pooled and transferred to travel partners.
Benefits
- Complementary travel and purchase protections on eligible purchases
- Rewards can be pooled with a Sapphire or Ink card for transfer partner access
- No minimum redemption threshold for cash back
Pros
- · No annual fee
- · Flat-rate rewards on every purchase — no categories to track
- · Well-suited as a companion card to elevate the value of an Ultimate Rewards ecosystem
Cons
- · Foreign transaction fee makes it a poor choice for international travel
- · Subject to Chase's 5/24 application guideline
- · Travel portal rewards rate requires booking through Chase, not directly with the airline or hotel
Approval guidance
Chase generally requires good-to-excellent credit for Freedom Unlimited approval. Applicants who have opened five or more cards from any issuer in the past 24 months are frequently declined under the 5/24 guideline.
Confirm current terms before applying. APR, welcome offers, rewards rates, and fees change frequently. The definitive source is the issuer's own product page. This overview is educational and reflects the card's typical structure, not a snapshot of any specific offer.
Reasonable alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Freedom Unlimited rewards be transferred to airlines?
Not on its own. Cash back earned on Freedom Unlimited becomes transferable Ultimate Rewards points only when the account holder also has an eligible Ultimate Rewards-earning card such as Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or an Ink Business card.
Does Freedom Unlimited count against Chase's 5/24 rule?
Yes. Freedom Unlimited is a Chase personal card, so an application counts toward your 5/24 total, and applicants at or above 5/24 will typically be declined.
Related resources
- How to use credit cards wisely
- Credit card utilization strategy
- How credit scores work
- Rewards credit card strategy
- Affiliate disclosure
Last updated 2025-01-05. Written by the UseYourCredit Editorial Team.