Picking which credit cards to have in your wallet is like building a wall. Some cards are the larger rocks that earn bonus points and perks in major categories, such as travel or dining. Other cards are smaller rocks with specific uses, like earning large multiples for your cell phone bill or gas expenses. Then there are the small stones that have a particular use, like providing primary rental car insurance or access to special perks when visiting Disney.
Finally, you need something to hold all those pieces together. That’s where your everyday spending card comes in—the “mortar” of your credit card wall. It’s the one you pull out for all those purchases that don’t fall into a big bonus category. And since this is likely where you spend a decent chunk of money, it makes sense to use a card that earns solid rewards.
Over the years, several cards have competed for that role, but one that’s consistently stood out is the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Since its debut in 2016, it’s remained one of the top choices for non-bonused spending—and it’s only improved with time. Let’s take a closer look at why this card still deserves a spot in your wallet.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
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Annual Fee
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card doesn’t charge an annual fee.
Sign Up Benefits
As of April 2025, the card offers a 25,000-point sign-up bonus if you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. You can redeem 25,000 points for $250 cash back—but they can be worth significantly more if you also hold a premium Chase card. We’ll get to that later.
Not Everyone Can Get The Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is subject to the Chase 5/24 rule. You will not get approved if you’ve opened five or more new card accounts in the past 24 months.
The sign-up bonus is unavailable if you previously held the card and received a new card member bonus within the last 24 months.
Spending Bonus Categories
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card earns bonus points in the following categories:
- 5X/5% on travel purchases booked with the card using the Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
- 3X/3% at drugstores and dining at restaurants (including take-out and delivery)
- 1.5X/1.5% on all other expenses
3% Foreign Transaction Fees
The Freedom Unlimited is not a card to travel internationally with since you’ll pay a 3% fee on any charges not made in US dollars. Try to use a card that avoids these fees when traveling overseas or making charges in a foreign currency.
Travel and Purchase Protections
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card provides some travel protections for delays and cancellations, covers purchases against damage and theft, and even provides extended warranty coverages. The card also provides secondary rental car protections for rentals in the US. This isn’t the card I’d be thinking about when making those purchases, but if you need these coverages, they’re there.
Maximize Your Ultimate Rewards Points
The Freedom Unlimited earns points you can redeem for cash. But if you hold another premium Chase card, such as the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve or Ink Business Preferred, you can transfer points to those cards. When doing so, you multiply the value of the points by 50% to over 200%. By booking through the Chase travel portal, you can get 1.25 to 1.5 cents per point, depending on your card.
You’ll get the best value for your points if you transfer them to one of Chase’s partners. There’s no limit on the value you can get. That’s how we stayed at the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
View from our balcony at the Grand Hyatt Kauai
Check out this article about how and why you should pool your Chase points into the most valuable account (you plan to keep.)
Final Thoughts
The Chase Freedom Unlimited continues to be one of the most versatile cards for everyday purchases. With no annual fee, competitive bonus categories, and strong earning on non-bonused spending, it’s easy to see why it has stayed in so many people’s wallets for years. Its true value shines when paired with a premium Chase card, letting you stretch your points much further through travel redemptions or transfers to partners.
Whether you’re just starting to build your credit card strategy or looking to round out an existing lineup, this card still deserves a serious look. It’s not flashy—but like good mortar, it holds everything together.
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1 comment
Chase FU was my favorite everyday spend card but that changed when C1 introduced the Venture X card in my opinion. I have been using the C1VX card for all everyday spend since getting it. Why? I had a ton of Chase UR points and diversification is always a good idea plus the earnings potential is higher.