Question 1

How long is the Chase Freedom Unlimited $300 bonus offer available?

Accepted Answer

The elevated $300 bonus offer is available through January 15, 2026, at 9 AM ET. After this date, the welcome offer will return to the standard $200 bonus for the same $500 spending requirement in the first three months.

Question 2

Is the bonus awarded as cash or points?

Accepted Answer

The $300 bonus is awarded as 30,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. If you only have the Freedom Unlimited, you can redeem these at 1 cent per point for cash back. However, if you have a premium Chase card, you can transfer these points to travel partners for potentially higher value.

Question 3

Does the Chase Freedom Unlimited have an annual fee?

Accepted Answer

No, the Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, making it an excellent long-term addition to your wallet. This is one of the reasons it's considered among the best no-annual-fee credit cards available.

Question 4

What is the introductory APR offer?

Accepted Answer

The card offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then 18.49%-27.99% variable APR. This makes it useful for financing holiday purchases or consolidating debt, provided you can pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.

Question 5

Can I combine Freedom Unlimited points with other Chase cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards card (Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred), you can pool your Freedom Unlimited points and transfer them to Chase's travel partners like United Airlines, World of Hyatt, and Air Canada Aeroplan.

Question 6

What are the best spending categories for the Freedom Unlimited?

Accepted Answer

The card excels at dining (3%), drugstores (3%), and general spending (1.5%). It's particularly valuable for drugstore purchases, where it consistently outearns most competing cards. The uncapped 1.5% rate on everything else makes it a solid everyday card.

Question 7

Does the card charge foreign transaction fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Freedom Unlimited charges 3% foreign transaction fees, making it unsuitable for international spending. Consider using a different card without foreign fees when traveling abroad or making purchases from international merchants.

Question 8

Am I eligible if I've had Chase cards before?

Accepted Answer

The card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (5+ cards from any issuer in 24 months may result in denial) and you cannot receive the bonus if you've received a Freedom Unlimited bonus in the past 24 months. Plan your Chase card applications strategically.

Question 9

What additional benefits does the card offer?

Accepted Answer

Beyond rewards, you get 6 months of free DoorDash DashPass,  rental car protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, extended warranty protection, and purchase protection. These benefits add significant value for a no-annual-fee card.

Question 10

Should I apply for this card if I already have premium Chase cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Freedom Unlimited makes an excellent companion to premium Chase cards. It allows you to earn 3% on dining and drugstores while earning 1.5% on everything else, maximizing your Ultimate Rewards earning potential across all spending categories without paying additional annual fees.

Advertiser disclosure

Loyalty Program: Chase Ultimate Rewards