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Chase Freedom Unlimited® review

At least 1.5% back on everything, more on dining, drugstores and travel, with no annual fee and 15 months of 0% intro APR.

DTBy the DinsToday editorial teamAugust 27, 2026
✓Edited by DinsToday

We are not a bank and we do not issue credit cards. Terms below come from Chase's published materials and were checked on August 27, 2026.

✓

The verdict

A strong first rewards card. You earn above the 1% baseline on everything from day one without paying an annual fee, and the bonus categories cover spending most people already do. The ongoing APR runs above average, so it only pays off if you clear the balance each month.Jump to:The full review
How to apply You will be taken to Chase's official page
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Ongoing APR18.24%–27.74% variable APRverified Aug 27, 2026
Rewards1.5% on everything, 3% on dining and drugstores, 5% on Chase Travel
Credit lineSet at approval
Annual fee$0
Intro APR0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Who it is forGood credit or better
How to applyOnline application

Rates and fees

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Ongoing APR: 18.24% to 27.74% variable
  • Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
  • Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% in the first 60 days, then $5 or 5%, whichever is greater
  • Foreign transaction fee: 3%
  • Full terms on Chase's official page

More details

  • Welcome offer: $200 after $500 of spending in the first three months, though Chase has run higher limited-time offers
  • Purchase protection up to $500 per item for 120 days
  • Extended warranty on warranties of three years or less
  • Secondary auto rental coverage
  • Rewards can be pooled with other Chase cards
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Pros and cons

What we like

  • Above-average rewards with no annual fee

  • 15 months of 0% intro APR on purchases and transfers

  • Bonus categories cover everyday spending

  • Rewards combine with other Chase cards

What to watch

  • 3% foreign transaction fee

  • Transfer fee rises to 5% after 60 days

  • Ongoing APR above average

  • The rewards structure takes some remembering

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The full review

The Freedom Unlimited pays 1.5% on everything, 3% on dining including takeout and eligible delivery, 3% on drugstore purchases and 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel. There is no annual fee, so every dollar of that is profit from the first purchase.

New cardholders get 0% intro APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, then a variable 18.24% to 27.74%. The welcome offer has been $200 after $500 of spending in three months, and Chase has run higher limited-time versions, so check the current offer before you apply.

Two costs to keep in mind: a 3% foreign transaction fee makes it a poor travel companion, and the balance transfer fee climbs from 3% to 5% after the first 60 days.

» MORE: Compare all five cards side by side

» MORE: Not sure which card fits? Take the quiz

The basics

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: 1.5% base, 3% dining and drugstores, 5% Chase Travel

Welcome offer: $200 after $500 in 3 months

Intro APR: 0% for 15 months

Credit needed: good or better

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How it compares

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
How to apply
Ongoing APR18.24%–27.74% verified Aug 27, 2026
Credit lineSet at approval
Rewards1.5% base, 3% dining and drugstores
Who it is forGood credit or better
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
How to apply
Ongoing APR18.49%–28.49% verified Aug 27, 2026
Credit lineSet at approval
RewardsFlat 2% on everything
Who it is forGood to excellent credit
Discover it® Cash Back
How to apply
Ongoing APR17.49%–26.49% verified Aug 27, 2026
Credit lineSet at approval
Rewards5% rotating, 1% base
Who it is forGood credit

Issuer terms verified Aug 27, 2026. APRs vary by creditworthiness.

Compare before you applyEvery application leaves a mark on your credit file. Check the five cards side by side first.
See the comparison

Frequently asked questions

What credit score do I need?
Chase does not publish a minimum, but the card is generally aimed at applicants with good credit or better.
Is there an annual fee?
No, the annual fee is $0.
Can I use it abroad?
You can, but a 3% foreign transaction fee applies to purchases in foreign currency.

About the author

DT

DinsToday editorial team

We read the issuer's terms, check the numbers against the published rates and date every figure we publish.