Are you in search of a credit card that delivers excellent cash back rewards on your everyday spending without the burden of an annual fee? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® might be the perfect fit for you, offering impressive rewards rates and valuable benefits for those who are savvy with their spending.
Overview of Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a popular choice for those who want to earn cash back on everyday purchases while enjoying additional perks. It’s designed to reward you across several popular spending categories.
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Rewards Rate: Earn 5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
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Welcome Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year), which could translate to up to $300 cash back.
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Intro APR: 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, with a regular APR of 19.74% - 28.49% variable.
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Annual Fee: $0
Pros and Cons of Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Let’s dive into the advantages and potential downsides of the Chase Freedom Unlimited® to determine if it’s the ideal card for your financial needs.
Pros:
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High Rewards Rates: The card offers elevated cash back rates in key categories such as dining and drugstore purchases.
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Intro APR Offers: Features a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, which is valuable for managing large expenses or consolidating debt.
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Valuable Perks: Includes benefits such as a complimentary DashPass subscription and travel insurance.
Cons:
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Foreign Transaction Fees: The 3% fee on international purchases may impact the value of cash back earned when using the card abroad.
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Limited Enhanced Categories: It does not offer additional rewards for general travel and grocery purchases, which are significant spending areas for many.
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High Interest Rates: The regular APR ranges from 19.74% - 28.49%, which could lead to substantial interest charges if you carry a balance after the intro period.
Everything Chase Freedom Unlimited® Can Do For You
With the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you can turn your everyday spending into rewarding cash back and enjoy a range of benefits tailored to various spending habits. Here’s how you can make the most of this card:
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Dining and Drugstore Purchases: Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery and 3% cash back on drugstore purchases, covering everything from prescriptions to everyday essentials.
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Travel and Lyft: Enjoy 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel and 5% cash back on Lyft rides (through March 2025), which can add up quickly if you use Lyft regularly for transportation.
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Welcome Offer: New cardholders can earn up to $300 cash back by getting an extra 1.5% back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year). This offer boosts your cash back potential significantly during the first year of card membership.
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Everything Else: Earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases, making every swipe go farther.
Unique Benefits of Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is not just about earning cash back; it comes with several unique perks that enhance its value beyond the standard rewards program.
DashPass Subscription
Receive a complimentary DashPass subscription for three months, which waives delivery fees on orders over $12. After the initial period, you’ll get 50% off the monthly rate for the next nine months, making food delivery more affordable.
Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty
Enjoy purchase protection, which covers damage or theft of items bought with the card for 120 days for up to $500 per claim. Extended warranty coverage adds an extra year to eligible U.S. manufacturers’ warranties of three years or fewer, providing added peace of mind on your purchases.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
If your travel plans are disrupted due to covered reasons, you can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for non-refundable fares and prepaid expenses. This benefit is especially valuable for frequent travelers who need protection against unforeseen disruptions.
Things to Look Out For
While the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a range of appealing features, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Here’s what you should be aware of:
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Foreign Transaction Fees: The 3% fee on international purchases can diminish the value of your cash back if used abroad.
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Interest Rates: The regular APR is on the higher side, ranging from 19.74% to 28.49%, which could result in significant charges if balances are carried over.
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Complexity in Maximizing Rewards: While earning rewards is straightforward, fully leveraging Chase Ultimate Rewards points may require additional effort, such as understanding the Chase Travel portal and possibly using a premium Chase card for enhanced value.
Conclusion
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a robust rewards program and valuable benefits for those looking to maximize their cash back earnings without an annual fee. With its impressive rewards rates, flexible redemption options, and helpful perks, it stands out as a strong choice for savvy spenders.
Discover how the Chase Freedom Unlimited® can turn your everyday purchases into rewarding cash back and exciting benefits today!
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
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