Quick Summary
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is our top-rated cashback credit card, offering an exceptional flat-rate rewards structure with no annual fee. Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstores, and an impressive sign-up bonus. When paired with a Chase Sapphire card, your points become even more valuable through the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. It's the ideal everyday spending card.
Score Breakdown
What We Like
- ✓ No annual fee with strong rewards
- ✓ 1.5% flat rate on all purchases
- ✓ 5% on Chase Travel, 3% on dining/drugstores
- ✓ Generous sign-up bonus
- ✓ Points transferable in Ultimate Rewards ecosystem
What Could Improve
- ✗ Foreign transaction fees apply
- ✗ Rewards maximize when paired with Sapphire card
- ✗ Credit score requirement is above average
Features
The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5% on general purchases, 5% on travel through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining including takeout and eligible delivery, and 3% at drugstores. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, or transferred to partners if you hold a Sapphire card. Purchase protection, extended warranty, and trip cancellation insurance are included.
Pricing
No annual fee makes this card accessible to all. The sign-up bonus typically offers $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months. The intro APR is 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable 20.49%-29.24% APR. There is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Usability
The Chase mobile app and website provide clear spending tracking and reward management. Point redemption is straightforward through the Ultimate Rewards portal. Auto-pay and spending alerts help manage your account. The card integrates well with digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Key Specifications
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Cash Back Rate | 1.5% - 5% |
| Sign-Up Bonus | $200 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 15 months |
| Regular APR | 20.49% - 29.24% |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% |
| Credit Score Needed | Good to Excellent |
Final Verdict
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is the best everyday cashback card for most people. Its combination of a competitive flat rate, bonus categories, no annual fee, and access to the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem is unmatched. It's particularly powerful when combined with a Chase Sapphire card for maximum point value.