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When used responsibly, credit cards can be a way to earn cash back and supplementary benefits. One of the most generous cashback rewards cards is the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Not only is there a solid rewards program, but there are other credit card perks that can offer extra value.
Overview: Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a cash back card with no annual fee. You can earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
For rewards, you can earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
You can redeem cash back through a statement credit or by having the cash directly deposited in an eligible checking or savings account, and you don’t have to worry about cash back rewards expiring.
It’s important to note that you can’t earn this card's welcome offer if you already have the Chase Freedom Unlimited card or received a sign-up bonus for the Freedom Unlimited in the past two years.
Additionally, if you’ve already signed up for five new credit card accounts in the last 24 months, your chances of being approved for a new Chase credit card are pretty slim. This is what’s known as the 5/24 rule by Chase credit cards.
9 Chase Freedom Unlimited benefits you can’t miss
There are more Chase Freedom Unlimited benefits available than just the cash back rewards program. When you understand what’s on offer, you might be surprised you didn’t get on board with this credit card sooner.
1. A valuable new cardmember sign-up bonus
New cardmembers can earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). This is a decent sign-up bonus for a cash back card. Plus, this is in addition to earning 1.5% on all other purchases.
2. 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases
One of the most valuable Chase Freedom Unlimited benefits is the introductory APR. You can get 0% intro APR on new purchases for the first 15 months of card membership (then 20.49% - 29.24% Variable). This could be convenient if you’d like to slowly pay for a large purchase you plan to make soon.
3. Refer-A-Friend bonus
With the Chase Freedom Unlimited Refer-A-Friend program, you can get $100 cash back for each friend that gets approved, with a maximum of $500 per year. All you have to do is refer friends through your account; when they’re approved, you earn the points.
4. Flexible redemption options
The Freedom Unlimited includes access to the Chase Travel program. When you spend, you earn points that can be redeemed for a number of rewards — not just cash. It’s possible to use your rewards toward Apple merchandise, gift cards, and travel in addition to cash back.
When you redeem for cash, gift cards, and travel, your points are worth $0.01 each ($1 for every 100 points). When you use your points for purchases at participating merchants, though, the points are only worth $0.08 (80 cents for every 100 points).
5. Purchase protection
Made a purchase and the item is damage, stolen, or lost? You could receive compensation of the purchase price of up to $500. This purchase protection can be helpful if something you buy isn’t covered by insurance or exceeds what you can be compensated for.
If you bought the item with your Chase Freedom Unlimited card, you must notify the Benefit Administrator about the claim within 90 days of the problem and have all the completed documentation submitted within 120 days. If you’re claiming stolen property, you’ll also need to file a police report.
6. Extended warranties
Similar to the Chase Freedom Flex℠, items you purchase with your Freedom Unlimited can get a one-year extension on eligible U.S. manufacturer’s warranties of three years or less. You get up to $10,000 per claim, depending on the value of the item.
7. Roadside dispatch
If you find yourself stuck on the side of the road in need of services like a tow, tire change, or gas, call the number provided to get help sent your way. Though the phone call and dispatch is free, you will be responsible for the cost of the car service you receive.
8. Secondary rental car insurance
Use your Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card to pay for a rental and receive secondary coverage for auto collision damage, up to the cash value of the rental car. To qualify, you need to decline the rental company’s loss damage waiver.
9. Trip cancellation insurance
Something preventing you from taking a trip? As long as you use the Chase Freedom Unlimited card to book eligible arrangements, you can be reimbursed by up to $1,500 per traveler. There are a number of scenarios, including severe weather or sickness, that can result in you getting some of your money back.
Bottom line
The benefits of the Chase Freedom Unlimited can be valuable in providing you with peace of mind, flexibility, and a generous rewards program. If you’re looking for one of the best cash back credit cards, this should be one to strongly consider.
Unlimited Cash Back
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Current Offer
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases