chase freedom unlimited card travel benefits

Chase Freedom Unlimited ® credit card

New cardmember offer, earn a $200 bonus, at a glance, earn cash back for every purchase..

Cash Back Rewards & Benefits

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. * Opens offer details overlay

This product is available to you if you do not have this card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months.

Unlimited 1.5% cash back is just the beginning

Earn 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services * Opens offer details overlay

Earn 3% on drugstore purchases * Opens offer details overlay

Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM . * Opens offer details overlay

Earn 1.5% on all other purchases. * Opens offer details overlay

Low intro APR

0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> After the intro period, a variable APR of 20.49 Min. of (8.50+11.99) and 29.99 %– 29.24 Min. of (8.50+20.74) and 29.99 %. † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> Balance transfer fee applies, see pricing and terms for more details. † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> † Opens pricing and terms in new window -->

No annual fee

You won't have to pay an annual fee † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> † Opens pricing and terms in new window --> for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited ® card.

Cash Back rewards do not expire

Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open. * Opens offer details overlay And there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.

Explore Additional Card Rewards & Benefits

Refer friends.

if you already have a Chase Freedom Unlimited ® Card!

Earn up to $500 cash back per year

You can earn $50 cash back for each friend who gets any participating Chase Freedom ® credit card. Click the button below to start referring.

Can you have Chase Freedom Unlimited ® and Chase Freedom Flex ® ?

Yes, you can have both the Chase Freedom Flex ® and Chase Freedom Unlimited ® credit cards.

Does Chase Freedom Unlimited ® have travel insurance?

The Chase Freedom Unlimited ® credit card offers Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance. For eligible travel purchases made with your Chase Freedom Unlimited ® credit card, you can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares, if your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations.

How to get cash back with the Chase Freedom Unlimited ® credit card?

The Chase Freedom Unlimited ® credit card awards 1.5% cash back for every $1 spent on all purchases. You also earn 5% cash back on travel purchases made through Chase Travel SM and 3% cash back on dining purchases at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and drugstores. Cash back points can be redeemed through Ultimate Rewards ® with no minimum.

What are the Chase Freedom Unlimited ® cash back benefits?

Freedom Unlimited ® cardmembers will earn:

• 5% cash back on all travel purchased through Chase Travel SM
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases

Also, Freedom Unlimited ® cardmembers will continue to earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases, and No Annual Fee.

Cardmember Reviews

Great card for everyday purchases and racking up bonus points!

Chase review excellent

Excellent customer service, awesome reward points, very good fraud protection, one of the best cards ive ever had. Would highly recommend.

Best Credit Card Out There!

What's not to love about about this card!? Easy balance payment, cashback on all transactions that you can redeem easily at any time, no annual fees. Plus my credit limit doubled after the first 6 months! Love this credit card.

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Redeem your cash back rewards, redeem for cash back.

There is no minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts.

Shop with points at Amazon

Link your Chase Freedom Unlimited card to your Amazon.com account and instantly redeem your Cash Back rewards to pay for all or part of your eligible Amazon.com orders at checkout, including tax and shipping. * Opens offer details overlay

Redeem for a variety of gift cards and certificates for shopping, dining and entertainment, and more.

Book your travel with Chase Travel SM for competitive rates and flexible ways to pay.

Service & protection

Zero liability protection.

Means you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information. * Opens offer details overlay

Purchase Protection

Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account. ** Same page link to disclaimer

Extended Warranty Protection

Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer's warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less. ** Same page link to disclaimer

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

You can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares, if your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations. ** Same page link to disclaimer

24/7 Fraud Monitoring

We help safeguard your credit card purchases using sophisticated fraud monitoring. We monitor for fraud 24/7 and can text, email or call you if there are unusual purchases on your credit card. * Opens offer details overlay

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage is provided for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad. In the U.S., coverage is secondary to your personal insurance. ** Same page link to disclaimer

Travel and Emergency Assistance Services

If you run into a problem away from home, call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance. (You will be responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.) ** Same page link to disclaimer

** Same page link to disclaimer reference These benefits are available when you use your card. Restrictions, limitations and exclusions apply. Most benefits are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies who are solely responsible for the administration and claims. There are specific time limits and documentation requirements. Once your account is opened we will send you a Guide to Benefits, which includes a full explanation of coverages.

Contactless - Just Tap To Pay

For fast, easy and secure checkout simply tap to pay where you see the Contactless symbol. For more information, please see www.chase.com/contactless Opens in a new window .

Partner benefits

The best of your neighborhood. $0 delivery fee.

5% Cash Back on Lyft Rides

Instacart+ Benefit

Apply for a card, use it the same day.

Receive instant access to your card by adding it to a digital wallet, like Apple Pay ® , Google Pay ™ or Samsung Pay. Find out how at chase.com/digital/spend-instantly Opens in a new window .

Free credit score with Chase Credit Journey

Credit Journey provides you with personalized insights to help you build, monitor and protect your credit health. Access your weekly score for free anytime, and dive into our resources like our score simulator and score factor breakdown to understand where you stand. We'll alert you of any new activity on your credit report and usage, in order to help detect any potential fraud. * Opens offer details overlay We're here for you 24/7, 365 days a year if you ever need support, and we'll work together to help you get back on your feet.

My Chase Plan

For more information, please visit chase.com/mychaseplan Opens in a new window .

Offer Details

Offers may vary depending on where you apply, for example online or in a branch, and can change over time. to take advantage of this particular offer now, apply through the method provided in this advertisement. review offer details before you apply..

$200 Cash Back After You Spend $500 On Purchases In The First 3 Months From Account Opening: This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. You will receive 20,000 bonus points with this bonus offer, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. To qualify and receive your bonus, you must make Purchases totaling $500 or more during the first 3 months from account opening. ("Purchases" do not include balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.) After qualifying, please allow 6 to 8 weeks for bonus points to post to your account. To be eligible for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment.

Cash Back And Points: Rewards Program Agreement: For more information about the Chase Freedom Unlimited rewards program, view the latest Rewards Program Agreement (PDF) Opens in a new window . We will mail your Rewards Program Agreement once your account is established. If you become a Chase Online customer, your Rewards Program Agreement will also be available after logging in to chase.com/ultimaterewards Opens in a new window . Cash Back and Points: "Cash Back rewards" are the rewards you earn under the program. Cash Back rewards are tracked as points and each $1 in Cash Back rewards earned is equal to 100 points. You may simply see "Cash Back" in marketing materials when referring to the rewards you earn. You may also see, "points" or "Ultimate Rewards points" when referring to the points you can use. How you can earn points: You'll earn points on purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds, made with a Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card by you or an authorized user of the account. Buying products and services with your card, in most cases, will count as a purchase; however, the following types of transactions won't count and won't earn points: balance transfers, cash advances and other cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable. 1.5% Cash Back: You'll earn 1.5% Cash Back rewards for each $1 spent. 3% Cash Back rewards total for each $1 spent on purchases in the following rewards categories: drugstores and dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services (1.5% additional Cash Back rewards on top of the 1.5% Cash Back rewards earned on each purchase). 5% Cash Back rewards total for each $1 spent on purchases made using your card through Chase Travel (3.5% additional Cash Back rewards on top of the 1.5% Cash Back rewards earned on each purchase). 5% total Cash Back on qualifying Lyft rides through 03/2025: You'll earn an additional 3.5% Cash Back for each $1 spent when your card is used for qualifying Lyft products and services purchased through the Lyft mobile application through 03/31/2025 . Qualifying Lyft products and services include rides taken in Classic, Shared, Lux, or XL modes; bike and scooter rides; and subscription and membership products. Purchase of gift cards, car rentals, vehicle service centers, miscellaneous fees, and other Lyft products and services are excluded from this promotion. Future Lyft products or services may not be eligible for additional Cash Back. You may see "5% Cash Back rewards" in marketing materials to refer to the 3.5% Cash Back rewards earned in addition to the 1.5% Cash Back rewards earned on all purchases. The additional 3.5% Cash Back rewards will appear on your billing statement in a separate line from the 1.5% Cash Back rewards. Lyft is not responsible for the provision of, or the failure to provide, Chase benefits or services. How you can use your points: You can use your points to redeem for any available reward options, including cash, gift cards, travel, and pay with points for products or services made available through the program or directly from third parties. Redemption values for reward options vary. Points expiration/losing points: Your points don't expire as long as your account remains open, however, you will immediately lose all your points if your account status changes, or your account is closed for program misuse, fraudulent activities, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or other reasons described in the terms of the Rewards Program Agreement. Rewards Categories: Merchants who accept Visa/Mastercard credit cards are assigned a merchant code, which is determined by the merchant or its processor in accordance with Visa/Mastercard procedures based on the kinds of products and services they primarily sell. We group similar merchant codes into categories for purposes of making rewards offers to you. Please note: We make every effort to include all relevant merchant codes in our rewards categories. However, even though a merchant or some of the items that it sells may appear to fit within a rewards category, the merchant may not have a merchant code in that category. When this occurs, purchases with that merchant won't qualify for rewards offers on purchases in that category. Purchases submitted by you, an authorized user, or the merchant through third-party payment accounts, mobile or wireless card readers, online or mobile digital wallets, or similar technology will not qualify in a rewards category if the technology is not set up to process the purchase in that rewards category. For more information about Chase rewards categories, see chase.com/RewardsCategoryFAQs Opens in a new window .

Amazon Shop With Points: When using points at checkout, each point is worth $0.008, which means that 100 points equals $0.80 in redemption value. Amazon.com Shop with Points service terms apply . Amazon, the Amazon.com logo, the smile logo, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com , Inc. or its affiliates.

Zero Liability: Zero Liability Protection does not apply to use of an account by an authorized user without the approval of the primary cardmember. If you think someone used your account without permission, tell us immediately by calling the Cardmember Services number on your card or billing statement.

Account Alerts: Delivery of alerts may be delayed for various reasons including technology failures and capacity limitations. There is no charge from Chase, but message and data rates may apply. Complimentary 3 months of DashPass/50% Discounted DashPass for 9 months: When the membership is activated for the first time by 12/31/2024 your Chase Freedom Unlimited account will receive 3 months of complimentary DashPass for use on both the DoorDash and Caviar applications during the same membership period based on the first activation date. After your complimentary period ends, you'll be automatically enrolled for 9 months at 50% off the then current monthly DashPass rate until you cancel. After the DashPass discounted period ends, you will continue to be enrolled and charged the then current monthly DashPass rate until you cancel. You can cancel anytime on DoorDash or Caviar. Membership will be registered in the name of the primary cardmember or an authorized user, whoever activates the benefit first. Membership period for the user on the Chase credit card account referenced above will begin and end based on when the first user activates the membership on DoorDash or Caviar. The same log in credentials must be used on DoorDash and Caviar in order for the DashPass benefit to be used on both applications. To receive the membership benefits, the primary cardmember and authorized user(s) must first add their applicable Chase credit card as a default payment method on DoorDash or Caviar, and then click the activation button. Once enrolled in DashPass, you must use your Chase Freedom Unlimited card for payment at checkout for DashPass-eligible orders to receive DashPass benefits. Benefits of DashPass include no delivery fee on orders above the minimum subtotal (as stated in the DoorDash and Caviar apps and sites) from DashPass-eligible merchants (amounts subject to change). However, other fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity on orders may apply. Current value of the DashPass membership is as of 04/01/2022. Membership must be activated with a United States address. Payment through third-party payment accounts, or online or mobile digital wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), or memberships purchased through third parties are excluded from this offer. Mobile applications, websites and other information provided by DoorDash or Caviar are not within Chase's control and may or may not be available in Spanish. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or the failure to provide, DoorDash or Caviar benefits and services. If you product change to another Chase credit card during the promotional period, your benefits may change. You may experience a delay in updating your applicable benefits in the DoorDash application; please note, once you product trade, the benefits from your previous credit card are no longer available for your use. Your applicable Chase credit card account must be open and not in default to maintain membership benefits. See full DoorDash terms and conditions at: https://help.doordash.com/consumers/s/article/offer-terms-conditions?language=en_US .

All deliveries subject to availability. Must have or create a valid DoorDash account. Qualifying orders containing alcohol will be charged a $0.01 Delivery Fee. No cash value. Non-transferable. See full terms and conditions at: help.doordash.com/consumers/s/article/offer-terms-conditions .

Complimentary Instacart+ Membership: You will receive one complimentary Instacart+ membership per eligible card account for 3 months (for Freedom, Freedom Unlimited, Freedom Flex, Freedom Student, Freedom Rise, Slate, and Slate Edge cardmembers) when the membership is activated on http://www.instacart.com/chase with an eligible card between 6/15/2022 and 7/31/2024. ("You" and "your" mean you as the primary cardmember or any authorized user, depending on which user activates first). This offer is non-transferrable . Membership must be activated with a United States address. Payment through third-party payment accounts, or online or mobile digital wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), or memberships purchased through third parties are excluded from this offer. Benefits of Instacart's membership include no delivery fee on orders that total over $35 (amount subject to change – see Instacart.com for current minimum); however, other fees, taxes, and/or tips may apply. Delivery subject to availability. If you do not currently have a paid or trial Instacart+ membership, by activating your Instacart+ membership, you agree to the Instacart+ Terms and you agree that after the complimentary Instacart+ membership period ends, you will be automatically enrolled in an annual Instacart+ membership and billed at $99/year or the then current annual Instacart+ membership rate for each membership activated, unless you have not placed any orders or you cancel during your complimentary Instacart+ membership period. If you currently have a paid or trial Instacart+ membership, you agree that your existing membership will be paused for the duration of this benefit and resume upon expiration. Your existing membership will automatically renew based on the Instacart+ Terms previously agreed upon unless you cancel. Your membership fees will be billed to any active payment method on file until you cancel. You can cancel your Instacart+ membership prior to the end of your complimentary Instacart+ membership period or at any time thereafter by selecting "Cancel Membership" in your Account Settings. Cancellation goes into effect during the next billing cycle. You may cancel within the first 15 calendar days of your paid Instacart+ membership and receive a refund of the Instacart+ membership fee you paid, but only if you have not placed any orders using your Instacart+ membership. If you change to another Chase credit card during the promotional period, your benefits may change. Mobile applications, websites and other information provided by Instacart are not within Chase's control and may or may not be available in Spanish. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or the failure to provide, Instacart benefits and services. Your complimentary membership benefits may be removed if your eligible credit card account is closed or in default.

Statement Credit on Instacart Purchases: Earn up to $10 per calendar quarter (for Freedom, Freedom Unlimited, Freedom Flex, Freedom Student and Freedom Rise cardmembers) in statement credits on qualifying Instacart purchases from 8/1/2022 through 7/31/2024 when you activate a complimentary Chase Instacart+ membership on Instacart.com/chase with your eligible Chase credit card. Calendar quarters are Jan – March, April – June, July – September, October – December, and the partial calendar quarters at the beginning and end of the promotional period. You can check the status of your enrollment in the Chase benefit within the Instacart+ section of the Instacart mobile app. You will continue to receive statement credit benefits regardless of whether you choose to renew your Instacart+ membership at the end of your complimentary period. Qualifying Instacart purchases include only those orders purchased by you, or an authorized user, with a Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card through Instacart.com or the Instacart mobile application (gift cards excluded). Statement credit(s) will post to your account within 48 hours of your qualifying Instacart purchase posting to your account and will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles. Statement credits will be issued for the calendar quarter in which the transaction posts to your account. For example, if you pay for an Instacart order, but Instacart does not post the transaction until after the current calendar quarter ends, the cost of the Instacart purchase will be allocated towards the next calendar quarter's maximum, or will not qualify if the promotional period has ended. If you change to another Chase credit card during the promotional period, your benefits may change. Mobile applications, websites and other information provided by Instacart are not within Chase's control and may or may not be available in Spanish. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or the failure to provide, Instacart benefits and services. Accounts must be open and not in default at the time the statement credit posts to your account. My Chase Plan: An eligible purchase transaction for My Chase Plan is a purchase of at least $100, but may not include certain transactions, such as (a) cash-like transactions, (b) any fees owed to us, including Annual Membership Fees, and (c) purchases made under a separate promotion or special finance program. Eligible purchases will be identified within your transaction history on chase.com Opens in a new window or the Chase Mobile App. Chase Mobile App: Chase Mobile ® app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply.

The Contactless Symbol and Contactless Indicator are trademarks owned by and used with the permission of EMVCo, LLC.

Chase Freedom Unlimited credit cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Offer subject to change.

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UNDERSTAND YOUR BENEFITS

Your Guide to Benefits has what you need to know about the travel and purchase protection benefits that come with your card* – what's covered, not covered, and how to file a claim.

* Certain restrictions, limitations, and exclusions apply.    Please see your Guide to Benefits for details.

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• Chase Freedom Unlimited Card

Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Chase Freedom Unlimited [2023]

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Basic Card Information

Does the freedom unlimited card offer travel insurance benefits, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, roadside dispatch, travel and emergency assistance services, other credit cards, travel insurance policies, final thoughts.

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The Chase Freedom Unlimited ® is arguably the most popular no-annual-fee rewards credit card in the U.S. It was a huge hit when it was first released and Chase has continued to boost the value proposition of this card through its regular refreshes.

This credit card is best known as a cash-back credit card, but one of the secret features of this card is that its rewards can be converted to Ultimate Rewards points with the right credit card pairing.

Incredibly, the Freedom Unlimited card comes with basic travel insurance , which is surprisingly rare considering the no-annual-fee nature of this card.

In this guide, we outline all of the details of the Freedom Unlimited card’s travel insurance coverage.

Travel insurance is one of the features of the Freedom Unlimited card , but there are so many other reasons why you’d want to hold this credit card.

Here’s a table summarizing the Freedom Unlimited card’s high-level perks:

Chase Freedom Unlimited ®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

The Chase Freedom Unlimited ® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1.5% back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Earn big on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• Everyday bonus on dining and drugstores
• Straightforward cash-back on all other purchases
• Ability to pool points
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 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.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited ® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

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The Freedom Unlimited card absolutely offers travel insurance benefits.

To set expectations, though, the suite of travel insurance benefits is a tiny fraction of what is offered on more premium cards such as  The Platinum Card ® from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve ® .

But the answer is  yes , the Freedom Unlimited card offers travel insurance benefits.

Travel Insurance Coverage

So now that we’ve established that the Freedom Unlimited card offers travel insurance benefits, the next logical question is: what types of coverage are offered?

In this guide, we break down each of the benefits, one by one.

Arguably, the most important travel insurance perk offered by the Freedom Unlimited card is trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

If there’s a covered loss or event, including severe weather, sickness, or other covered situations, you can get reimbursed for your prepaid nonrefundable passenger fares. Covered fares include those on common carriers such as airlines, buses, cruise ships, or trains.

Trip cancellation coverage begins on the initial deposit or booking date of the trip and ends at the point and time of departure on your scheduled departure date.

Meanwhile, trip interruption coverage begins on the scheduled departure date and ends on your scheduled return date.

The maximum coverage you can get through this benefit is $1,500 per covered person with a cap of $6,000 per trip.

Also, trip interruption covers up to $250 in ground transportation expenses for necessary medical treatment, to the airport, terminal, or station of departure, and/or between the arrival airport, terminal, or station and covered travelers’ residences.

Covered people include the cardholder and immediate family members, even if the cardholder is not traveling with them.

You must pay for all or a portion of your trip using your Freedom Unlimited card or using rewards from your Freedom Unlimited card. If you redeem points, Chase will reimburse you at a value of 1 cent per point.

Here are some examples of covered incidences:

• Severe weather that prevents the start or continuation of a covered trip
• Accidental bodily injury, loss of life, or sickness experienced by the covered person or traveling companion that prevents the covered person or companion from traveling on the trip
• Accidental bodily injury, loss of life, or sickness of an immediate family member of the covered person or companion when the injury or sickness is considered life-threatening and requires hospitalization or an immediate family member requires the care of the covered person or companion
• An organized strike affecting public transportation that affects the covered person’s ability to commence or continue on a covered trip
• Changes in military orders of the covered person or his/her spouse/domestic partner
• Terrorist action or hijacking

Here are some of the exclusions:

• Travel arrangements canceled or changed by the common carrier, tour operator, or travel agency (unless it’s a result of severe weather or an organized strike affecting public transportation)
• Preexisting conditions
• Traveling against the advice of a physician
• Changes in plans or financial circumstances
• Declared or undeclared war
• Trips that exceed 60 days in duration
• Financial insolvency of the cardholder’s travel agency, tour operator, or travel supplier

Filing a Claim

You can file a claim 100% online or start the claims process over the phone:

• You can also call the Benefits Administrator at 888-320-9656 (or 804-673-1691 to call collect outside the U.S.) to file a claim.
• Call the Benefit Administrator or start the claim process within 20 days of your cancellation or interruption.
• If filing over the phone, answer a few questions with the Benefits Administrator so that they can provide you with the right claim forms and required documentation.
• Provide the required documentation and all completed forms within 90 days or as soon as reasonably possible (no later than 1 year after the 90-day deadline).

Some examples of required supporting documentation include:

• Travel itinerary
• Documentation confirming the reason for trip cancellation or interruption, such as medical documents or a death certificate
• Freedom Unlimited card statement reflecting the last 4 digits of the account number and proof of expenses incurred and prepaid nonrefundable travel arrangements
• Copies of the cancellation or refund policies of the providers involved in the trip
• Unused vouchers, tickets, or coupons

The Freedom Unlimited card provides secondary rental car insurance while you’re traveling. To use it, you will always need to decline the rental car agency’s loss damage waiver (LDW) or collision damage waiver (CDW).

Also, you must pay for the entire rental car transaction using your Freedom Unlimited card. If you book your rental car using your rewards points, you can still qualify for coverage.

Once you do that, you will have:

• Secondary rental car coverage for damage and theft for U.S. domestic car rentals
• Primary rental car coverage for damage and theft on international car rentals (some exclusions apply)

To get coverage, you must use a Freedom Unlimited card with your name embossed on the card.

Your rental period must be a maximum of 31 consecutive days to get coverage.

Other drivers can get coverage on the car rental, but only if these additional drivers are listed on your auto rental agreement.

There is a series of excluded vehicles:

• Exotic and antique cars (over 20 years old or that have not been manufactured for 10 years or more)
• Selected models of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Infiniti, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, and Range Rover are covered
• Motorcycles, mopeds, motorbikes
• Passenger vans with seating for more than 9 people, including the driver
• Recreational vehicles
• Trucks (other than pick-up trucks)
• Vehicles with open cargo beds

Many travelers mistake liability coverage with credit card rental car insurance. There aren’t any credit cards that offer liability coverage, so you’ll still be 100% responsible for charges and damages if you are at fault  for the incident.

Here’s what’s covered:

• Theft and/or damage to the covered rental car
• Loss-of-use charges imposed by the rental company, including administrative fees
• Reasonable towing charges that occur while you’re responsible for the vehicle

Here are some of the exclusions for coverage:

• Any obligation you assume under any agreement
• Any violation of the auto rental agreement
• Confiscation by authorities
• Damage due to off-road operation of the vehicle
• Depreciation of the rental vehicle
• Expenses reimbursable by your insurer, employer, or employer’s insurance
• Injury of anyone, including you, or damage to anything inside or outside the rental vehicle
• Items not installed by the original manufacturer
• Leases and mini leases
• Loss or theft of personal belongings
• Personal liability
• Rental periods that exceed 31 days
• Theft or damage due to hostility of any kind, including war, invasion, rebellion, insurrection, or terrorist activities
• Theft or damage due to intentional acts or driver(s) being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, intoxicants, or due to contraband or illegal activities
• Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or mechanical breakdown

The list goes on, but you’ll notice that these are very niche or unusual exclusions. Just use the rental car as intended, and you shouldn’t run into any major issues.

Filing a claim is easy; just follow these steps:

• You must begin the claim process no later than 60 days after the incident date.
• You’ll need to also report the incident and file a police report, if available. Next, photograph as much of the incident as possible, especially the damaged vehicle. After that, get a copy of the repair estimate and itemized repair bill.
• The Benefits Administrator will provide the list of required documentation to complete your claim.
• Collect all of the relevant documentation, sign and complete the claim forms, and submit all of the documents within 100 days after the incident date, even if all other required documentation isn’t yet available.
• You may be requested to provide more documentation by the Benefits Administrator. All documentation must be postmarked within 365 days of the theft or damage date in order to qualify for reimbursement.

You’ll also likely need to provide the credit card statement showing the last 4 digits of your Freedom Unlimited card and the car rental purchase to substantiate the rental car booking.

The Freedom Unlimited card includes Roadside Dispatch in its benefits list, which can be used 24/7 as needed. Although the benefit isn’t free, you’ll be able to access roadside assistance on a pay-per-use basis.

For a flat fee of $69.95 per service call , you can access these services:

• Fuel delivery (up to 5 gallons, plus the fuel cost)
• Jump-starting
• Lockout service (no key replacement services)
• Standard towing (up to 5 miles included)
• Standard winching
• Tire changing (must have a good, inflated spare)

You just need to call 800-847-2869 when you need roadside assistance, and they’ll ask for your location and further details. After that, you’ll have your services arranged and delivered to you.

The last element of the Freedom Unlimited card’s travel insurance is travel and emergency assistance services.

Essentially, this benefit is designed to help you if you need legal, medical, or other major assistance while you’re away from home.

It doesn’t cover the cost of the services ; rather, it connects you to referrals and firms that can help offer these services.

Available 24/7, 365 days per year, travel and emergency assistance services cover the primary cardholder, the cardholder’s spouse or domestic partner, and any dependent children under the age of 22.

Covered services include:

• Emergency message services record and relay emergency messages for travelers, immediate family members, and business colleagues
• Medical referral assistance provides medical referrals, monitoring, and follow-up
• Legal referral assistance provides referrals to English-speaking attorneys, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates
• Emergency transportation assistance helps make arrangements for emergency transportation home or to the nearest medical facility
• Emergency ticket replacement helps process and assist replacement tickets should you lose your ticket
• Lost luggage locator service helps through claim procedures or arranging shipment of replacement items if your airline or common carrier loses your checked luggage
• Emergency translation service provides telephone assistance in all major languages and locates local interpreters
• Prescription assistance and valuable document delivery arrangements helps you fill or replace prescriptions and arrange for pickup and delivery of prescriptions, as well as transport critical documents you left at your home or elsewhere
• Pre-trip assistance gives information about currency exchange rates, weather reports, health precautions, required passport visas, necessary immunizations, and ATM locations

How Coverage Compares

That wraps up the overview of travel coverages offered by the Freedom Unlimited card. Now, let’s see how it stacks up with other options!

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card often gets compared to the Freedom Unlimited card.

The Freedom Unlimited card generally outperforms because of its substantial trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

Trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance are benefits that aren’t offered on most annual fee credit cards — so the fact that Chase offers it on a card with no annual fee is impressive.

Generally, no-annual-fee credit cards only offer 2 benefits: secondary rental car insurance and travel accident insurance. The main benefit missing from the Freedom Unlimited card that would make it the undisputed travel insurance leader in the no-annual-fee realm is  travel accident insurance .

The travel insurance provided by the Freedom Unlimited card pales in comparison to a full travel insurance policy .

Travel insurance policies usually also cover:

• Delayed baggage insurance
• Emergency evacuation coverage
• Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage insurance
• Medical and dental coverage
• Primary rental car insurance
• Trip delay insurance

So using the Freedom Unlimited card is by no means a replacement for a travel insurance policy.

That said, travel insurance policies usually cost around 10% of the coverage amount, so that would entail an additional cost you’ll need to budget for.

The Freedom Unlimited card is a great rewards credit card with no annual fee and many useful benefits.

Its travel insurance, in particular, is about as good as you can get for a card with no annual fee.

In fact, the Freedom Unlimited card outperforms its competitors in the travel coverage realm.

Just remember that there are almost no instances in which the Freedom Unlimited card’s travel coverages and protections can actually replace a complete travel insurance policy purchased separately.

The information regarding the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered travel for the freedom unlimited card.

The Freedom Unlimited card doesn’t offer a bonus multiplier on “travel” as the Chase Sapphire Reserve card does. However, you can earn 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Your travel must be booked and paid for specifically through Chase Ultimate Rewards to qualify, however.

Does Chase insure all travel?

Chase does not insure all travel. In fact, the travel insurance benefits you get are dependent on what card you have, the type of travel you booked, and more.

Is the Freedom Unlimited card good for travel?

The Freedom Unlimited card is a great introductory card for travel. You can earn up to 5% cash-back on travel purchases and utilize travel insurance benefits such as secondary rental car coverage and trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

Who is covered by Chase travel insurance?

In general, it depends on what travel insurance benefit you’re referring to. On the Freedom Unlimited card’s trip cancellation and trip interruption benefit, the cardholder (name must be embossed on the Freedom Unlimited card) and immediate family members are covered. Immediate family members include your spouse, spouse’s parents, sons and daughters (including adopted children and stepchildren), parents (including stepparents), brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, domestic partners, and legal guardians or wards.

Does the Freedom Unlimited card waive foreign transaction fees?

The Freedom Unlimited card does not waive foreign transaction fees. You’ll need to pay a 3% foreign transaction fee if you make a foreign purchase using your Freedom Unlimited card.

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Key takeaways

• The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a variety of rewards categories, including 5 percent cash back on travel, 3 percent on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5 percent on all other purchases.
• In addition to cash back rewards, the card also features an intro APR offer, travel benefits and purchase protection.
• The Freedom Unlimited can be paired with other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards to maximize rewards and transfer points to travel partners for added value.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the top no-annual-fee cash back credit cards on the market today — and for a good reason. It started out as a flat-rate cash back credit card offering 1.5 percent cash back on each purchase, but today, with the addition of boosted rewards categories, you can earn as much as 5 percent cash back on certain purchases.

The perks don’t stop at earning cash back rewards. To really maximize the value of a Chase Freedom Unlimited card, read on to learn about all of the card’s benefits.

Chase Freedom Unlimited rewards and sign-up bonus

To start, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers:

• 5 percent cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 5 percent back on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3 percent back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1.5 percent cash back on all non-category purchases

The sign-up bonus, also called a welcome bonus , can boosts earning even more. New cardholders earn and extra 1.5 percent on all purchases up to $20,000 spent in the first year. That means you could earn an additional $300 cash back if you max out the spending during your first year as a cardholder.

Importantly, although the Chase Freedom Unlimited is advertised as a cash back credit card , it technically earns Rewards points that can be redeemed at a 1:1 ratio for cash back or, for maximum value, combined with Ultimate Rewards you earn with a premium Chase card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited intro APR benefits

The Freedom Unlimited is an especially good choice for financing a large purchase or paying off existing credit card debt without paying additional money in interest.

It offers an introductory 0 percent annual percentage rate (APR) for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a variable APR between 20.49 percent and 29.24 percent. While this isn’t the longest zero-interest offer on the market, the card’s solid rewards rates and added perks will continue to bring you value long after your debt or purchase is paid off, which earns this card a spot among the best balance transfer cards .

There is a balance transfer fee if you go the debt payoff route: $5 or 3 percent of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. This fee is valid for the first 60 days of card ownership, after which it jumps to 5 percent or $5, whichever is greater.

Chase Freedom Unlimited travel benefits

The market is full of luxury rewards cards for travel enthusiasts, and while the Freedom Unlimited isn’t quite geared toward premium travel perks there’s still plenty to like for those who take the occasional trip. The card’s travel benefits include:

Auto rental insurance

If you’re renting a car, you can get rental car insurance against theft or collision damage if you pay with your card. This coverage is secondary to your own car insurance, so if you need it, you’ll need to file a claim with your own car insurance first.

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Another nice perk is trip cancellation and interruption insurance . With this benefit, if your trip is canceled or cut short because you got sick or caught in a snowstorm, for example, you can be reimbursed for up to $1,500 per person (max of four people) and $6,000 per trip against fares and tickets you’ve already paid.

Travel and emergency assistance services

Ever run into a problem while you’re traveling or commuting? You can call Chase’s Benefit Administrator for emergency help, as well as for medical and legal referrals. Note, you will have to pay for the costs of these services, but access to help is free.

Chase Freedom Unlimited purchase and fraud benefits

It’s frustrating to have an expensive purchase break or get stolen not long after you bought it. Thankfully, the Freedom Unlimited offers purchase protection and extended warranty protection, both of which can help you recover from these sorts of unfortunate events. Further, you’ll stay protected against fraud with Chase’s zero liability fraud protection.

Purchase protection

If your purchase is stolen or damaged within 120 days of buying it, you can be reimbursed for up to $500 per claim ($50,000 per account) with Chase’s purchase protection perk.

Extended warranty protection

If your purchase had a warranty with it, you might be eligible for an extended warranty through Chase. This one’s a little tricky, though, as it only applies to U.S. manufacturers’ warranties of three years or less. But if your item is eligible, Chase will give you an additional year of warranty on that item.

For example, if you used your card to buy a $300 Fitbit that originally came with a one-year warranty and it dies after 18 months, you may be able to get reimbursed with Chase’s extended warranty benefit.

Zero liability protection

If any unauthorized purchases are made with your Freedom Unlimited card or account information, Chase won’t hold you responsible.

Chase Freedom Unlimited entertainment benefits

If you’re a foodie — whether you enjoy ordering takeout or getting groceries delivered for a special dinner at home — be sure to take advantage of these Freedom Unlimited perks:

Free DashPass membership

With the Freedom Unlimited, you’ll get a complimentary three-month DoorDash DashPass membership, after which you’ll be automatically enrolled for an additional nine months at 50 percent off (if you choose to keep the service). This membership gets you access to unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee on orders over $12 along with reduced service fees, but you’ll need to activate the perk by Dec. 31, 2024.

Free Instacart+ membership and statement credits

Similar to the DoorDash benefit, you’ll receive three complimentary months of Instacart+ membership, then be automatically enrolled for an annual membership (should you choose to keep it). Instacart+ membership gets you unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees. To use this benefit, you’ll need to enroll by July 31, 2024.

After enrollment, you can get up to $10 in quarterly statement credits when you make eligible purchases through Instacart with your card (through July 31, 2024).

Maximizing your Chase Freedom Unlimited benefits

There’s a lot to love when it comes to the Chase Freedom Unlimited, and it can bring you even more value if you pair it with a premium Chase credit card .

One of the best ways to boost your rewards is to pair Freedom Unlimited with another card in the Chase Ultimate Rewards product suite, because you can transfer your points between Chase cards.

For example, your points are worth 25 percent more with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card when you redeem toward Ultimate Rewards travel and a whopping 50 percent more toward Ultimate Rewards travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . These cards come with annual fees , though, so you’ll need to decide if applying is worth the increased redemption value.

For the best possible value, you’ll want to transfer your points to a travel partner. According to Bankrate’s latest valuations , Chase Ultimate Rewards are worth about 2.0 cents each when transferred to a high-value Chase travel partner . You can only transfer your Freedom Unlimited points, though, if you also hold a premium Chase card, such as one of the Sapphires or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card . Combine your Freedom Unlimited points under one of those cards to pursue the most redemption value.

Additionally, boosted rewards from the welcome bonus can also be quite useful to you, especially since it lines up with the intro APR offer on purchases. You can earn rewards on big purchases and take advantage of the intro APR period to pay off your balance interest-free for the first 15 months (20.49 percent to 29.24 percent APR applies after the intro period). Remember, you won’t earn rewards on balance transfers.

The bottom line

While it’s one of the best cash back cards on the market, Chase Freedom Unlimited’s benefits may be enough to pique the interest of occasional travelers, too — especially if you already own (or are looking to own) a Chase Sapphire travel card. And if you’re hoping to finance a large purchase that you can pay off within a low-interest introductory period, pay off existing credit card debt or take advantage of additional travel and purchase protections, even better.

Either way, as long as you pay your bills responsibly and on time, Chase Freedom Unlimited can help you reach your financial goals.

Why I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited

Straightforward cash back makes the Chase Freedom Unlimited an easy winner for me

Chase Freedom Flex vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited worth it?

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card Review

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THE CASHBACK CARDS THAT WORK FOR YOU

With Chase Freedom, you’ll earn cash back rewards on every purchase and enjoy the freedom to redeem your rewards however you like. Why would you cashback any other way?

• Explore Chase Freedom
• Freedom Unlimited
• Freedom Flex
• Freedom Rise
• Learn about credit

CASH BACK WITHOUT THE COMPLICATIONS

$0 annual fee.

No secret “surprise” charges. You can relax and focus on earning as you spend.

Everyday Benefits

Get cash back on every purchase, every day. Genius.

Rewards Never Expire

Rewards shouldn't have an expiration date. That means your cash back is yours to keep.

A CARD FOR EVERY CASHBACKING STYLE

Freedom unlimited ®️.

For the everyday earner

Earn big without having to think about it. Freedom Unlimited rewards you automatically with 1.5% cash back on every purchase, plus 5% on travel purchased through Chase and 3% on dining and drugstores.

• Apply to Freedom Unlimited
• Tell me more , about Freedom unlmited

Freedom Flex ®️

For the strategic shopper

Earn 1% on everything you buy, then earn even more with 5% cash back on quarterly rotating bonus categories like gas stations and grocery stores, and on quarterly partnerships with major retailers.

• Apply to Freedom Flex
• Tell me more , about Freedom flex

Freedom Rise℠

For the credit newbie

Just starting out? Then Freedom Rise is for you. Build credit while earning 1.5% on every purchase, and get built-in rewards for timely payments and increased spending power as your credit history grows.

Learn more about how credit works .

• Apply in branch
• Tell me more , about Freedom rise

MAKE CASHBACKING WORK FOR YOU

Maximum rewards.

Chase Freedom cards have no annual fee and earn you cash on every purchase, every day. Buying a coffee is now part of your financial plan.

Minimum hassle

Forget complicated points structures. With Freedom, your rewards never expire and there’s no minimum to redeem for cash back.

My Chase Plan ®

Break up card purchases into budget-friendly payments with no interest—just a fixed monthly fee.

The power of Chase

Get purchase protection, 24/7 fraud monitoring, extended warranties, and more when you're a Chase customer.

WE MADE REDEEMING EASY, TOO

Cashbacking means money in your pocket. If you spend more, you’ll earn more.

Treat yourself. Redeem points for gift cards or shop with points at your favorite retailers.

No blackout dates. Ever. Trips are easy to book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards ® Portal. Get out of town.

MORE FROM CHASE

For premium travel benefits chase sapphire preferred ®.

Earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining, and 2x on other travel purchases.

FOR EVERYDAY BANKING NEEDS Chase Total Checking

Dependable banking that gives you access to more than 15,000 ATMs and more than 4,700 branches, along with Overdraft Assist℠ and Zero Liability Protection.

FOR SMART MONEY MANAGEMENT Chase Credit Education

Not sure how to build credit? Learn the benefits of credit, what your credit score means, how to build your credit history, and explore the options available to you.

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Credit Cards

A guide to Chase Freedom Unlimited benefits

Robin Saks Frankel

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 10:56 a.m. UTC Nov. 14, 2023

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Phiwath Jittamas, Getty Images

• The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers an easy-to-earn welcome bonus and an introductory APR promotion to new cardholders.
• In addition to excellent rewards, the card also offers some basic protections for when you’re traveling and shopping, as well as entertainment and dining perks.
• Thoroughly understanding the card’s rewards structure can help you maximize the card’s value.

Chase Freedom Unlimited basics

For new cardholders, 1.5% back on everything bought in the first year on up to $20,000 in spending, which is worth up to $300 on the Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card .

You’ll also get a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% to 29.24%. An intro transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies in the first 60 days. After that, a fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer applies. This can give you extra time to pay down one or more large purchases or high-interest credit card debt.

Service and protection benefits

The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers some protections to keep your account safe. For starters, you’ll get zero-liability fraud protection, which means you’ll never be on the hook for unauthorized charges made with your card.

Chase also engages in 24/7 fraud monitoring to prevent such unauthorized charges and will text, email or call you if it detects unusual transaction attempts.

You can also sign up for Chase Credit Journey, the card issuer’s complimentary credit monitoring service, which comes with access to your VantageScore credit score, identity monitoring and personalized insights.

They’re not quite the same: Here’s the difference between a FICO Score and a VantageScore .

Travel benefits

Although the Chase Freedom Unlimited is a cash-back credit card , it offers a handful of benefits that can make it a good travel companion:

• Auto rental collision damage waiver: You can activate this perk on a rental car when you decline the car rental agency’s collision or loss damage waiver coverage, and it will cover costs associated with theft, damage, loss-of-use charges, administrative fees and reasonable and customary towing charges. The coverage is secondary to any personal auto insurance coverage you may have.
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: If a trip is canceled or interrupted due to a covered reason, you and your immediate family members may receive reimbursement of up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip worth of non-refundable prepaid travel expenses made with the card. Some of the covered reasons include accidental bodily injury, loss of life, illness, severe weather, terrorist incidents and warnings and more.
• Travel and emergency assistance services: If an emergency occurs while you’re traveling, the card’s benefits administrator can help you arrange medical referrals, transportation, ticket replacement, translation service, prescription assistance and more. Keep in mind, though, that it doesn’t cover the cost of these services.
• Roadside dispatch: If you encounter trouble on the road, the card’s benefits administrator can help arrange standard towing, tire changes, jump starts, lockout service, fuel delivery and standard winching. Note that there is a set price per service.
• Lyft rewards: If you opt for rideshare while traveling, the card offers 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025.

It’s important to note that each of these benefits comes with a set of limitations and exclusions, so it’s crucial to review your cardholder agreement to understand what’s covered and what isn’t.

Shopping benefits

The card also offers a couple of insurance protections that can give you some peace of mind when you shop. It also offers some savings on online grocery purchases:

• Purchase protection: When you purchase an eligible item with your card, you’ll be protected against theft, damage and involuntary and accidental separation from the item for 120 days after the purchase date. You can get up to $500 in coverage per claim and up to $50,000 in total.
• Extended warranty protection: When you buy an eligible item with a manufacturer’s warranty of three years or less, your card will automatically extend that warranty period for an additional year. Your coverage matches the original value of the item, less shipping and handling fees, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 in total.
• Instacart benefit: You can receive a three-month complimentary Instacart+ membership with enrollment, which includes a $0 delivery fee and reduced service charges on eligible orders. Enrollment ends July 31, 2024. You’ll also receive up to $10 in statement credits each quarter through July 31, 2024 on eligible Instacart purchases made with the card.

As with the card’s travel protections, its shopping protections have some limitations and exclusions to check before you make a purchase.

Entertainment and dining benefits

The card offers a complimentary three-month DoorDash DashPass membership, which includes a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders with DoorDash and Caviar upon enrollment. After the first three months, you’ll receive 50% off your membership for the next nine months. Enrollment ends December 31, 2024.

How to maximize your cash-back value

When the Freedom Unlimited was first introduced, the card offered a flat 1.5% cash back rewards rate on every purchase. Now, the card earns 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on eligible dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Here are some ways you can make the most of your cash-back value with the card:

• Use the card for its bonus categories: Familiarize yourself with the card’s rewards structure, so you can ensure that you’re always getting the most out of each purchase. This is particularly important if you use multiple cards for different expenses.
• Avoid less valuable redemption options: Most redemptions with the Chase Freedom Unlimited, including cash back, statement credits, gift cards, travel and Apple product purchases, will net you 1 cent per point. In some cases, you can even get 1.1 cents per point on gift card redemptions. However, if you use your rewards to shop online via Amazon or PayPal, you’ll get just 0.8 cents per point.
• Pair it with another Ultimate Rewards® credit card: Chase allows cardholders to pool their points earned with their Ultimate Rewards® credit cards, which can be particularly beneficial if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card * The information for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . Each of these cards offers bonus value when you redeem your rewards for travel through Chase, and they also allow you to transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to several airline and hotel loyalty programs, where you may be able to get even more value.

To ensure that you get the most value out of your everyday spending, compare the rewards rate on the Freedom Unlimited with other top credit cards to find the best option for your spending habits.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Yes, the Freedom Unlimited can be a great credit card for people looking for their first rewards credit card . The card offers a high base rewards rate and solid benefits for no annual fee.

That said, if you don’t have some kind of credit history — such as responsible use of a non-rewards credit card or a history of on-time payments on an auto loan — or an existing relationship with Chase, you might have a better chance of approval for the Chase Freedom Rise℠ * The information for the Chase Freedom Rise℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . The Freedom Rise is specifically designed for people without credit history.

Chase doesn’t disclose a maximum credit limit for the Freedom Unlimited credit card, and you won’t know yours until you apply and get approved.

To determine your limit, Chase will look at your credit score, payment history, income, current accounts, debt and other factors.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ * The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases. In contrast, the Freedom Unlimited earns 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on eligible dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is best for people who want to earn bonus rewards without getting stuck with a measly 1% cash back on non-bonus spending. It can also be a great option for people who have multiple Chase Ultimate Rewards ® credit cards and want to make the most of their Ultimate Rewards points.

Keep in mind that you may not get approved for the card if you’ve opened five or more new credit card accounts, including authorized user accounts, from any issuer in the past 24 months. This is known as the Chase 5/24 rule .

You can use the Freedom Unlimited to maintain good credit by using the card responsibly and paying your bills on time. However, the card does require good or excellent credit to get approved, so it may not be a good starter card if you’re new to credit or you’re looking to rebuild a bad credit score .

*The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠, Chase Freedom Rise℠ and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Ben Luthi is a freelance writer who covers all things personal finance and travel. His work has appeared in dozens of online publications. Ben lives in Salt Lake City with his two children and two cats.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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The Vacationer • Travel Credit Cards • Credit Card Reviews

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card Benefits & Review for 2024

Featuring 1.5% cash back minimum on every purchase and no annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is among the best beginner credit cards. Additionally, it offers 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases and various travel benefits. Here is what you need to know about the Chase Freedom Unlimited card and if you should apply.

Table of Contents

Who is the Chase Freedom Unlimited For?

While it is a great card for those new to credit card points, the Freedom Unlimited is also an important tool for current Chase Sapphire cardholders. Points can be transferred to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to be redeemed at higher values. Sapphire Reserve points are worth up to 50% more (1.5 cents per point) depending on the redemption. Sapphire Preferred points are worth up to 25% more (1.25 cents per point) depending on the redemption. Points can also be transferred to various partner airlines and hotels where they are worth as much as 2 cents per point.

Those not interested in points can treat it strictly as a cash back card and redeem for cash, statement cards, and gift cards. For a card with no annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited beats many other similar cards. Here are some of the many benefits.

Featured Chase Freedom Unlimited Benefits

While the Chase Freedom Unlimited card has many benefits, here are the best ones.

No Annual Fee

Unlike competing cards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee. For a card that offers a minimum of 1.5% cash back and the ability to earn up to 5% cash back, that is a great deal. And the best news is the annual fee is not just waived the first year — it is permanently $0. For comparison purposes, here are the annual fees for similar Chase cards

• Chase Sapphire Reserve – $550 per year
• Chase Sapphire Preferred – $95 per year
• Chase Freedom Flex℠ – No Annual Fee

Further reading: Best Credit Cards with No Annual Fee .

0% Intro APR

The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. To keep the 0% intro APR offer, you must pay your minimum balance on time. The Chase Freedom Flex offers the same 0% intro APR deal.

Current Bonus: Earn an Additional 1.5% Cash Back (up to $20,000 spent in the first year)

You can earn an additional 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent in the first year. This is equal to 30,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points or $300 in cash back. To qualify, you must not currently have the Chase Freedom Unlimited. You also cannot have received a sign-up bonus from this card in the past 24 months.

As a cash back card, the most obvious redemption method may appear to be cash. While that is one option, the best way to get maximum value is to transfer the 30,000 points to either the Chase Sapphire Reserve (50% more value) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred (25% more value).

1.5% Cash Back Minimum on Purchases

The 1.5% cash back (or 1.5 points per dollar spent) minimum on all purchases is where the Chase Freedom Unlimited’s real value can be found. While it and other Chase cards offer more than 1.5% cash back for various categories, the Freedom Unlimited fills in all of the gaps. Other Chase cards offer 1% cash back on all non-special category purchases, so the Freedom Unlimited is the obvious choice in situations like that. As always, transfer to a Sapphire card for even more redemption value.

The Vacationer Tip

If nothing else, view the Chase Freedom Unlimited as a card to always get you at least 1.5% cash back. It may not seem like a lot of cash back, but it has real value for many purchases. It goes great paired with the Chase Freedom Flex and either the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

3% or More Cash Back on Various Categories

Introduced in 2016, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases for its first few years. That all changed in the middle of September 2020. Chase refreshed the card and increased the cash back percentages for the following categories.

• Travel Purchased Through Chase Ultimate Rewards – The Freedom Unlimited earns 5% cash back (5 points per dollar spent) on travel purchased via the Ultimate Rewards portal. This includes flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. The 5% cash back is equal to what the Chase Freedom Flex offers.
• Lyft Rides – The Freedom Unlimited earns 5% cash back (5 points per dollar spent) on Lyft rides through March 2025. The 5% cash back is equal to what the Chase Freedom Flex offers.
• Dining – The Freedom Unlimited earns 3% cash back (3 points per dollar spent) at restaurants. This includes takeout, fine dining, fast food, and more. It also includes third-party delivery services such as DoorDash, GrubHub, and UberEats. The 3% cash back is equal to what the Chase Freedom Flex offers.
• Drugstores – The Freedom Unlimited earns 3% cash back (3 points per dollar spent) at drugstores. This includes CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and others. The 3% cash back is equal to what the Chase Freedom Flex offers.

Ultimately, the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex both offer the same cash back for those special categories. The biggest difference is the Freedom Unlimited offers 1.5% cash back on all other purchases while the Freedom Flex offers 1% cash back. The Freedom Flex also offers 5% cash back on quarterly rotating categories.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Travel Benefits

The Freedom Unlimited offers a few essential travel benefits.

Secondary Rental Car Insurance

Photo: Pixabay

Freedom Unlimited cardholders enjoy secondary rental car insurance for vehicle damage and theft. To qualify, cardholders must put the entire rental on their Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card. Cardholders must also decline the rental car company’s usually very expensive collision insurance policy. Since this is secondary coverage, you must still file a claim with your personal auto insurance company first. The Chase Freedom Flex offers the same secondary coverage.

If you are looking for primary rental car insurance, sign up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Further Reading: Credit Cards Offering Rental Car Insurance and Best Credit Cards for Car Rentals .

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

Cardholders are eligible for both trip cancellation and interruption insurance up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip. Here are the differences between the two travel insurance options.

• Trip Cancellation Insurance – This kicks in when a covered reason prevents you from traveling on or before the departure date. The covered reason must also be the cause your trip got canceled.
• Trip Interruption Insurance – This kicks in when a covered reason interrupts your trip on the way to the destination or after departure. It also covers fees if a covered reason forces you to postpone your trip.

The cardholder and immediate family members are covered for pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares. Covered reasons include severe weather, terrorism, strikes, and accidental bodily injury, sickness, or death.

Further reading: Best Credit Cards for Travel Insurance

Travel & Emergency Assistance

Cardholders are eligible for emergency assistance and/or referrals when traveling. Chase provides legal and medical referrals, but you must pay the cost of the service obtained. This service is available 24 hours per day and 365 days per year.

Other Chase Freedom Unlimited Benefits

In addition to the benefits discussed above, here are a few more benefits the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers.

Complimentary DashPass Membership for 3 Months (50% Off After)

Cardholders are eligible for a free three-month DashPass membership. DashPass is DoorDash’s premium subscription service. It offers reduced service fees and a $0 delivery fee on eligible orders over $12. Caviar members are also eligible.

To qualify, you must enroll by December 31, 2024. After the free trial ends, you will automatically be enrolled for another nine months at 50% off. To activate, simply add your Chase Freedom Unlimited card to your DoorDash or Caviar account. The app will prompt you to enroll in your complimentary three-month membership.

Purchase Protection (up to $50,000)

Cardholders are eligible for purchase protection when using their Chase Freedom Unlimited card. New purchases made in the past 120 days are eligible for up to $50,000 ($500 per claim) in reimbursement against theft or damage. The reimbursed amount is after any insurance claims are paid. Certain restrictions apply, so be sure to review your Guide to Benefits.

Extended Warranty Protection (up to $50,000)

Cardholders are eligible for extended warranty protection when using their Chase Freedom Unlimited card. This benefit extends the manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on warranties under three years. Boats, pre-owned items, and computer software are a few of the excluded items. The cardholder and recipients of gifts purchased by the cardholder are eligible for up to $10,000 per claim and up to $50,000 per account in reimbursement.

Redeeming Cash Back/Points

Earning points with the Chase Freedom Unlimited is only half the battle. Here are all the ways to redeem Chase points.

Redeem at 1 Cent Per Point or Less

If you wish to simply treat your Chase Freedom Unlimited card as a cash back card, here are your redemption options.

• Cash Back – You can request cash back via a deposit into your checking or savings account. Points are worth 1 cent per point. For example, 1,810 points are worth $18.10.
• Statement Credit – Instead of cash back, you can redeem your points for a statement credit at 1 cent per point. For example, 2,600 points are worth $26.
• Chase Travel – Points can be redeemed by booking travel via the Chase portal at 1 cent per point. Flights, hotels, car rentals, and other activities qualify. For example, 12,000 points are worth $120 towards your booking.
• Gift Cards – Points can be redeemed at 1 cent per point when purchasing a variety of different gift cards.
• Chase Dining – Points can be redeemed at 1 cent per point when making purchases through the Chase Dining portal.
• Amazon – Points can be redeemed at 0.8 cents per point when making purchases at Amazon. We do not recommend redeeming points this way.

Ideally, you transfer all of your cash back and points to a Sapphire card. If you do not have a Sapphire card, we recommend requesting cash back to your checking or savings account. The other methods (excluding Pay Yourself Back for charitable purchases) offer no more value than simply taking the cash.

Redeem at More Than 1 Cent Per Point

This is where the real value is. Using the Pay Yourself Back Program or transferring points to a Sapphire card allows you to redeem points at more than 1 cent per point.

Pay Yourself Back Program – Points can be redeemed at 25% more, or 1.25 cents per point using this method. Only select charitable contributions are eligible, however. Valid through 12/31/2023.

Transfer to a Chase Sapphire Reserve Card – Points are worth as much as 50% more (1.5 cents per point) when transferred to a Sapphire Reserve card. Using a spend of $100 with your Freedom Unlimited card, for example, you will earn $1.5 in cash back at the 1.5% rate. That $1.5 is worth $2.25 when transferred to a Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Transfer to a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card – Points are worth as much as 25% more (1.25 cents per point) when transferred to a Sapphire Preferred card. Using a spend of $100 with your Freedom Unlimited card, for example, you will earn $1.5 in cash back at the 1.5% rate. That $1.5 is worth $1.87 when transferred to a Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Transfer to a Partner Airline or Hotel – To be eligible for this method, you must first transfer your points to a Sapphire card. After doing this, you can then transfer your points to a variety of partner airlines and hotels. Depending on the partner, points can be redeemed as high as 2 cents per point or more! This is the best way to redeem Chase Freedom Unlimited points. Using a spend of $100 with your Freedom Unlimited card, for example, you will earn $1.5 in cash back at the 1.5% rate. That $1.5 is worth $3 or more when transferred to a partner airline or hotel.

No, the Chase Freedom Unlimited does not currently have an annual fee.

No, points do not expire as long as the account remains open.

The current introduction offer is an additional 1.5% cash back earned on up to $20,000 spent in the first year. That is equal to $300 cash or 30,000 points.

The 1.5% cash back is the minimum amount the Freedom Unlimited earns. For example, the card earns 3% cash back on dining and at drugstores. It earns 5% cash back on Lyft rides and when booking travel via Chase.

Yes, 0% Intro for 15 months on purchases.

Yes, you should. If you have opened 5 or more cards in the past 24 months, you will likely get denied.

The best way to redeem points is to transfer them to a Chase Sapphire card where the redemption value can be as high as 50% more (1.5 cents per point). Points are worth as much as 2 cents per point when transferring to a partner hotel or airline.

Yes, you can have the Freedom Unlimited even if you already have other Chase cards.

Points are worth 1 cent ($0.01) per point when redeemed for cash.

You should have Good to Excellent credit when applying for the Chase Freedom Unlimited. That means your credit score should be at least 670, but the higher the better.

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

If you are serious about maximizing your Chase points, you should apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited. I personally use it to fill in the gaps where my other Chase Cards (Sapphire Reserve and Freedom Flex) do not offer at least 2% cash back or at least 2x points. The minimum 1.5% cash back comes in handy more often than you may think. I then transfer the points to my Sapphire Reserve and redeem them at a much better value.

Don’t have a cash back credit card yet? Check out the CardMatch tool (Read More: Learn How to Use CardMatch ) to see what cards and offers you may already be prequalified for. You can also see our recommend picks of the best travel credit cards and the best starter travel credit cards for beginners .

Editorial Disclosure:   Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.  

By Phil Dengler

In addition to being a co-founder of The Vacationer, Phil Dengler is also the head of editorial and marketing. Previously, he ran a popular holiday deals website where he was a trusted source for all things Black Friday. With The Vacationer, Phil combines his knowledge of deals with his love of travel to help you plan the perfect vacation.

Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card Benefits & Review for 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Benefits & Review for 2024

How Chase Ultimate Rewards points and an airline alliance made my holiday vacation possible

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

I swore by the simplicity of cash-back credit cards for years. Airline miles? Flexible points you transfer to partners? That all seemed complicated—and don’t even get me started on the annual fees many travel cards charge. Suffice it to say, I never expected to be transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards to Virgin Atlantic then using Virgin points to book flights on Delta Air Lines, but that’s what you do when your wife wants to visit New York City during the holiday season.

Here’s what I learned about leveraging airline alliances to book nearly free holiday travel.

How I compared award ticket availability with various airlines

This may come as a surprise, but most of my award ticket research was not done through Chase, even though I knew I wanted to redeem Chase points. Instead, I started my search by plugging the desired travel dates into the mobile app of a competitor, the Bilt Mastercard.

That’s because the Bilt app provides access to point.me, a tool you’d normally have to pay for to be able to search award availability with multiple loyalty programs in one place. And, since Bilt and Chase have significant overlap in the airline partners they offer, I was able to plug my desired dates into the Bilt app and see what redemptions were available with Chase partners such as British Airways (on American Airlines flights) and Virgin Atlantic (on Delta).

My flights from Charlotte to New York on Delta Air Lines

There aren’t many credit card rewards currencies that transfer to Delta. Typically, if you want to earn Delta SkyMiles with a credit card, you’ll either need one of the Delta co-branded cards issued by American Express or an Amex card that earns American Express Membership Rewards points, since Membership Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 rate to Delta. 

But, you know where you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points? To the British airline Virgin Atlantic. And, because Virgin and Delta are both part of the SkyTeam alliance, you can search redemption options for Virgin miles—through your Flying Club/Virgin Red loyalty account on Virgin’s website—and look for partner space on flights operated by Delta. 

I requested the points transfer online via my Chase account and it processed almost instantly.

All told, we spent 34,000 points and $22.40 for two adults traveling from Charlotte to New York and back. We traveled light, sticking to just a carry-on and backpack per person, in order to avoid pesky baggage fees.

Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is worth the annual fee

Three words explain why I’ll pay the $95 annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card this year, even though I’m usually very fee-averse in choosing my credit cards: monster welcome bonus. 

The Sapphire Preferred’s bonus at the time of this writing is 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months. When I applied, it was elevated to 80,000 points thanks to a limited-time offer. (Sadly, I missed out on an even more eye-popping offer of 100,000 points back in 2021, but there’s no sense crying over spilled points.)

To put that in context, you can redeem Ultimate Rewards points at 1 cent each for cash back. But if you have a Sapphire Preferred, you can redeem them for 25% more value to book on Chase Travel℠  or transfer them at a 1:1 rate to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners.

That means 80,000 points, like I socked away from the welcome bonus, are worth at least $1,000 in travel through the portal. If you’re willing to put a little extra work into searching for award flights or stays with Chase’s transfer partners, that number could be even higher.

After my first year comes around, I might call the issuer and ask to downgrade my Sapphire Preferred to a no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited ® card. While the $50 annual credit for hotels booked in the Chase portal is a nice feature, I don’t know that I’ll use the card enough to justify the $95 cost on a regular basis. But for a $1,000+ value during year one? That’s a trade I’m willing to make.

Examples of airline alliances you can take advantage of

There are three major airline alliances you should know about if you’re interested in using credit card rewards for award travel . We’ve mentioned SkyTeam, and the other two are Oneworld and Star Alliance. Here are some examples of how you could leverage these alliances:

• Book a Delta flight with Virgin points (perhaps transferred from a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards or one that earns Capital One Miles) thanks to the SkyTeam alliance.
• Fly to a European destination on KLM using Delta SkyMiles, also thanks to SkyTeam.
• Book a flight on American Airlines using Avios, the currency of the British Airways Executive Club loyalty program, since both airlines are part of Oneworld. 
• Fly on United Airlines with Air Canada Aeroplan miles thanks to the Star Alliance. 
• Book to a European destination on Lufthansa with United miles (Star Alliance). 

Be aware that you’ll want to search through the website of the airline program you’re redeeming miles with. To refer back to my own trip as an example, I booked through Virgin Atlantic’s site, not through the Delta Air Lines site, even though I ended up on a Delta-operated flight. 

Also, know that this process isn’t without potential complications. Some airlines are known for providing partners with limited space, so you’re gambling on being able to find what you need. With that in mind, be sure to find your flights on the website you will be using before transferring your points. 

The takeaway

My visit to the Big Apple might not have been as eventful as Kevin McCallister’s infamous trip to the same city, but it was an adventure in its own right. I got to browse the Harry Potter New York store and marvel at the Hippogriff statue, chow down on a mouthwatering pastrami on rye from Katz’s Deli, and glimpse the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t taken the time to learn a little something about how airline partnerships work. 

I won’t claim to be a true expert in the world of travel hacking just yet—but I like to think this experience proves that, with a small investment of time and research, your credit card rewards can help you land (pun intended) flights you might not have realized at first were even an option. 

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.  

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

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Chase’s 5% Bonus Categories for Q2 2024: Dining, Amazon, Select Hotel Bookings

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Whether you're going on a far-flung adventure this spring or plan on sticking closer to home, the quarterly bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the original Chase Freedom® give you plenty of opportunities to earn elevated rewards on everyday purchases and maybe some splurges, too. And if you have the Flex version of the card, the quarterly categories are especially rich.

Holders of the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase Freedom® earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending in bonus categories that change every three months. From April 1 through June 30, 2024, the bonus categories are:

Select hotel bookings.

If you have the Chase Freedom Flex℠ , you may notice that a couple of those categories can already earn extra cash back because of the card's fixed bonus rewards. The quarterly bonus rates "stack" on top of those. That means Flex cardholders (but not holders of the original Freedom) can earn up to 9% back on hotels when booked through Chase, and up to 7% back on dining purchases. More on that below.

To receive elevated rewards, cardholders need to activate the bonus categories online by June 14. Rewards will apply retroactively, so as long as you activate by the deadline, you'll earn extra cash back on all eligible purchases made throughout the quarter.

Stacked rewards let Flex cardholders score big

Amazon is a mainstay bonus category for quarterly rewards, and the sheer breadth of items you can buy through the online marketplace makes it an easy way to earn extra rewards. But the other two categories — dining and select hotel bookings — have the potential to be much more valuable for Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders, thanks to the card's ongoing rewards. Here's how.

In addition to the bonus cash back cardholders can earn in rotating categories, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ also has the following "fixed" bonus categories that don't change:

5% back on travel booked through Chase. 

3% back at restaurants.

3% back at drugstores.

5% back on qualifying Lyft services purchased through the Lyft app (through March 31, 2025). 

1% back on all other purchases.

Hotels booked through Chase already earn elevated rewards throughout the year (5% back), as do dining purchases (3% back). The quarterly bonus doesn't replace those rewards; it "stacks" on top of them, meaning you can earn up to 9% back on hotels booked through Chase, and up to 7% back on dining purchases. (Bookings made direct with the hotel earn 5%.)

The original Chase Freedom® (which is no longer available to new applicants) has the same 5% rotating bonus calendar but does not have the fixed categories. So holders of that card will earn 5% in all of the quarterly categories.

Why 7% and 9%? When Chase awards 5% cash back in its quarterly categories, it does so using this logic: Purchases that normally get 1% cash back are now earning an additional 4% cash back — so the quarterly bonus is 4% on top of the usual rewards . So for the second quarter of 2024, restaurant spending that usually earns 3% with Chase Freedom Flex℠ earns 4% on top of that, for a total of 7%. Hotels booked through Chase usually earn 5%, so adding 4% to that gets you to 9% cash back.

» MORE : Best credit cards for restaurants

Watch out for foreign transaction fees

These elevated rewards on dining and hotels make the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom® ideal travel companions for spring and early summer trips. But if you're traveling internationally, you might want to think twice before you whip out either card to pay for a meal or a hotel reservation.

Chase generally charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on its nontravel credit cards, which will cut into the value of any rewards you earn. The reward rates are high enough that you can still come out ahead, but you may need to do a little math first.

» MORE: Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

The information related to Chase Freedom® credit card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

on Chase's website

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 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.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1%-5% Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

$200 Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance (2024 Guide)

This page includes information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and its benefits. The information featured in this guide was collected by the MarketWatch Guides team and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

Alex is a MarketWatch Guides team writer that covers automotive and personal finance topics. She’s worked as a content writer for over a dozen car dealerships across the U.S. and as a contributor to several major auto news websites.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, you can access a wide variety of travel insurance benefits when you book a trip using the card. Chase travel insurance can reimburse certain expenses in less-than-ideal travel scenarios involving trip cancellations, trip interruptions, lost baggage and more.

Learn more about the coverage offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card so you can decide whether its benefits can cover your travel needs — or if you need a separate travel insurance policy for your vacation.

Our Thoughts on Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance

Chase offers travel insurance through the Sapphire Preferred credit card if you use the card to purchase trip expenses such as cruise bookings, airline tickets, hotel accommodations and more. The company’s travel insurance offering includes coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions and delays, accidents and more.

But while Chase has competitive luggage loss limits when compared with the top travel insurance providers, the Sapphire Preferred Preferred card doesn’t offer emergency medical and evacuation coverage like some other travel cards. And although Chase provides free travel insurance benefits with the Sapphire Preferred card, there is a $95 annual fee.

If you’re a Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card holder, we encourage you to compare its coverage with plans offered by competitors. This can help ensure you have travel protection that fits your vacation and your unique needs as a traveler.

How To Qualify to Use Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance

Qualifying for Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance is a relatively simple process based on our experience. If you do not have a credit card already, you will need to visit Chase’s website to fill out an application. You’ll need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, home address, contact information, Social Security number, individual tax ID number, employment status and annual income. Chase states that if you have a high credit score, you can likely apply for any card of your choice — so prepare for the company to consider your credit score when applying for this card.

Available travel insurance when you book using your Chase Sapphire Preferred card includes protection for rental car damage, cruise line reservations and airfare, to name a few. Benefits also apply to the cardholder and their immediate family during their travels. Note that if you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you can also qualify for travel protection benefits. However, the benefits differ between the two cards, which we will address further in this article.

How Does Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance Work?

Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance coverage offers several protections at no extra cost to cardholders who book trips using their credit card. Benefits include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement. Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders also receive travel and emergency assistance services if they need legal and medical referrals.

Chase notes that unaffiliated insurance companies underwrite the travel benefits, and these companies are solely responsible for the administration and claims of cardholders. Those so-called benefit administrators may enforce specific time limits and documentation requirements that apply to the claims process. Chase should provide cardholders with this information when they first open their account.

Coverage Benefits of Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance

Chase provides extensive travel insurance benefits through its Sapphire Preferred credit card, including protections you’d find with a traditional travel insurance policy . See the table below for a detailed breakdown of the Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance benefits and associated coverage limits.

* Information about benefits provided by the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card was collected by the MarketWatch Guides team and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

Trip Cancellation

If you must cancel your trip for a reason covered under your policy, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. This often covers expenses such as lost airline tickets, cruise bookings, prepaid tours and hotel reservations.

Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance covers trip cancellations due to traveler sickness, severe weather and other situations, with reimbursement up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

Trip Interruption

If you must cut your vacation short and return home, trip interruption insurance can provide a refund for unused, prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses.Much like trip cancellation insurance, coverage also applies to situations such as the injury, illness, or death of a family member or traveler.

Chase covers Chase Sapphire Preferred travelers up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

Trip Delay Insurance

Trip delay coverage applies to travel delays caused by planes, buses, trains and other types of transport to your destination. Benefits for a covered trip will vary depending on the travel insurance plan but can extend to hotel rooms, meals and other necessities incurred if you must wait to resume your trip. Delay coverage does not extend to missing a flight due to poor planning or time management on behalf of the traveler. 

Chase will reimburse up to $500 per common carrier travel ticket purchased using your Chase Sapphire Preferred card if you experience a delay of more than 12 hours or require an overnight stay.  

Baggage Delay or Loss

Baggage coverage can pay for your travel bags if they become lost, stolen, delayed or damaged during your trip. Coverage is usually capped at a certain amount per bag, with some travel insurance plans offering higher limits than others. If you intend on bringing expensive or valuable items in your baggage, you might consider a policy with a high maximum coverage amount for lost luggage reimbursement or delays.

Chase provides Sapphire Preferred cardholders $100 per day for up to five days if they experience baggage delays with a common carrier such as an airline. If your carry-on or checked bags get lost, stolen or damaged, you could receive a reimbursement of up to $3,000 per person to cover your personal effects.

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Car rental collision damage coverage is not a standard offering from travel insurance companies. This waiver provides Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders with reimbursement up to the actual cash value of a rental car, minus certain high-value and exotic car models. 

To qualify for this waiver, you will need to decline the rental car insurance provided by the rental company and charge the entire cost of your rental to your Sapphire Preferred card. This waiver covers both theft and collision damage.

Travel Accident Insurance

Travel accident insurance through Chase provides accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage when you pay for your air, bus, train or cruise transportation using your card. Coverage includes up to $500,000 in accident protection.

Emergency Travel Medical Coverage

Travel medical coverage helps cover medical bills if you fall ill or get injured during your vacation. It does not cover routine medical services — only sudden illnesses or injuries considered emergencies or that require treatment by a healthcare provider. Some emergency medical benefits also include emergency dental coverage.

While many travel insurance providers offer this type of coverage, Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders do not have access to these protections with the card’s benefits. You can, however, find this coverage with the Sapphire Reserve card.

If you’re looking for comprehensive travel medical insurance, we recommend International Medical Group (IMG), as the company offers coverage up to $8,000,000. IMG plans average $217 per trip.

Emergency Evacuation and Transportation

Emergency evacuation and transportation insurance can provide peace of mind if you need transportation to a hospital or medical facility while traveling. For example, if you fall ill or become injured in a remote location and require transportation or evacuation to a medical facility equipped to care for your needs. Chase doesn’t provide this coverage for Sapphire Preferred cardholders and their immediate family members.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Insurance

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is not the only credit card Chase offers with travel insurance benefits. Chase’s Sapphire Reserve card also provides benefits for cardholders who book their trips with their credit card. See the table below for a comprehensive breakdown of what each Chase credit card offers in travel insurance benefits.

* Information about benefits provided by the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cards were collected by the MarketWatch Guides team and have not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

How To File a Travel Insurance Claim with Chase

Filing a travel insurance claim with Chase will vary based on your credit card and the type of coverage you’re filing a claim for. But the typical process follows these steps:

Generally, the first step is to contact the appropriate number listed in your credit card’s benefits guide. You can also file a claim online through eclaimsline.com if you prefer a fully digital experience.

Chase will likely ask you to prepare documentation that proves your losses to support your claim. These documents may include receipts for prepaid expenses, proof of lost, damaged or stolen items, or proof of travel delays from your airline or other transportation carriers.

Once you’ve submitted your claim, you then wait for approval and reimbursement, which may vary in time. Note that Chase enforces specific time limits in addition to documentation requirements for claims filing, so submitting your claim as soon as possible is recommended.

Should You Get a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card For Travel Insurance?

Signing up for a Chase Sapphire Preferred card strictly for its travel insurance benefits is a personal decision. However, getting a credit card for travel insurance is not your only option — you may also opt for a policy with a standard carrier such as Travelex . Chase’s coverage limits are not as high as limits from some other providers offering comprehensive travel insurance policies. Taking on an additional expense in the form of the Sapphire Preferred card’s $95 annual fee may also not be worth it if you don’t plan on using the card for anything other than infrequent travel.

If you’re looking for coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuations and more, you may consider a plan from some of the other dedicated travel insurance companies. Chase does not specialize in travel insurance and lacks unique protections such as cancel for any reason (CFAR) and extreme sports coverage that other travel insurance companies may provide. 

If you already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and feel satisfied with its travel insurance coverage limits, you can take advantage of these benefits by booking your trip using the card. Regardless, we recommend considering your travel needs and budget before choosing travel insurance coverage.

Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions

Does chase travel insurance cover family members.

Yes, Chase travel insurance through its Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards covers the cardholder and immediate family members traveling with them.

What reasons for trip cancellation does Chase cover?

Covered cancellations related to trip cancellation insurance vary by travel insurance provider. Chase states that covered cancellations for trips purchased with Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards include sickness, severe weather and other situations. Check your card benefits guide for more information on specific scenarios.

Do I need travel insurance if I have a credit card?

If you have a credit card with a company such as Chase, Citi or Capital One, your card may come with travel insurance benefits if you use the card to purchase your trip components. If you’re unsure whether your credit card comes with these perks, check with your card issuer.

What other benefits come with the Chase Sapphire card?

The Chase Sapphire card comes with more than just travel rewards. It also includes benefits such as the ChaseUltimate Rewards program, which adds points for qualifying purchases that cardholders can redeem toward future travel expenses. In addition, new card members can receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of card ownership.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

Our team researched and reviewed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the Internet, to better understand the customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers offering a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades. Providers that offer six or more plans will earn top marks in this category.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the standard coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage will earn full points, with a focus on baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons such as accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that will reimburse customers after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

AM Best Disclaimer

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Can you pay taxes with a credit card?

Editor's Note

With a new tax season looming ahead, you may wonder if you can pay your taxes with a credit card. After all, charging your taxes to a rewards credit card could mean you earn cash back , points or miles toward travel.

Although you will generally get dinged with service charges and other fees for using a credit card to pay your taxes, it may still be worthwhile for a few reasons.

For instance, you might need to hit a minimum-spending threshold to earn the welcome bonus on a new card or to score a spending-based perk like elite-qualifying miles with an airline card or a free night award with a hotel card.

Or maybe you have a card offering a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases for a certain period, so you have some breathing room to pay off your tab.

There are plenty of reasons you might want to pay your taxes with a credit card , but also several caveats. Here's what you need to know as you consider your options.

The best credit cards for paying your taxes

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for earning a large welcome offer
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express : Best no-annual-fee option for small businesses (see rates and fees )
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for consumers with an Ultimate Rewards-earning card
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card : Best for businesses with an Ultimate Rewards-earning card
• Discover it® Miles : Best for cash back during the first year
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best starter travel rewards card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best personal card for straightforward rewards
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best premium card for straightforward rewards
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business : Best business card for straightforward rewards
• PayPal Cashback Mastercard : Best for paying with PayPal

The information on the Discover it Miles and PayPal Cashback Mastercard have been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

Comparison of the best credit cards for tax payments

Below, you'll find the general earning rates for the top credit cards you can pay your taxes with, along with TPG's valuations of the rewards you can earn.

The potential return is based on current TPG valuations and maximizing the earnings through the method mentioned in the "Caveat" section — though it doesn't include the value of any welcome offer you could earn. We also assume a 1.82% fee for paying by credit card (more on that below).

If you can claim your convenience fees as a tax deduction on your business (speak with your tax adviser about this possibility), your gains would be even greater.

Different ways to pay your taxes

If you owe taxes to the IRS, you can choose from several payment methods. Most people opt for one of the following:

• You can make a direct payment from your bank account, and the IRS won't charge any extra fees for this type of payment
• You can wire the money from a bank account, although this option usually incurs a fee
• You can mail a check or money order to the IRS without any fees aside from postage and possibly the money order (depending on where you get it)

If you need more time to pay your taxes, you can file for an extension with the IRS or set up an installment agreement with a payment plan. You will, however, be expected to pay penalties and interest on that payment plan.

You can also pay your taxes with a debit card. While the fee is minimal, you generally won't earn valuable travel rewards or cash back unless you have a product like the Amex Rewards Checking debit card , which earns 1 point for every $2 spent on eligible debit card purchases. That spend rate plus other conditions might mean it's better to use another Amex Membership Rewards-earning card .

The information on the Amex Rewards Checking debit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

Fortunately, the IRS lets you pay your tax bill with a credit card through several third-party payment processors. But be warned: These companies can — and usually do — tack on their own fees to your payments. You can see a list of these companies and their convenience fees on the IRS website .

The cost of paying taxes with a credit card

When you use a credit card to pay your taxes, the fee is calculated as a percentage of the amount paid.

Currently, those fees range from 1.82%-1.98%. So if you owe $10,000 and want to pay via credit card, you'll be on the hook for an extra $182-$198 in fees, depending on the service you use.

Reasons to pay your taxes with a credit card

Despite those surcharges, there are plenty of reasons why paying your taxes with a credit card can make sense.

First, doing so can help you earn valuable rewards and give you more time to pay off a high tax bill if you have a 0% APR offer on a new card or are targeted for a no-fee, pay-over-time plan. However, if your purchase is subject to normal credit card interest rates , you should strongly consider other options, as paying your purchase off over time could be exceedingly pricey.

Here are some of the times it makes sense to use a credit card for your taxes.

Earning a big credit card sign-up bonus or welcome offer

Many rewards cards extend welcome offers worth hundreds (and sometimes $1,000+) in cash back or tens of thousands of points if you spend a certain amount on your new card within a specific time frame.

The single most significant reason to use a credit card when paying a sizable tax bill is that you can earn a points windfall from your initial spending with a new card. That's because the value of the points you earn can help offset the cost of fees for using your card for your taxes.

Some travel rewards cards have especially high minimum spending requirements for earning a bonus, so a tax payment might be just the thing to put you over that threshold.

You usually only come out ahead using a card to pay taxes when you're attempting to qualify for a large welcome offer at the same time as you are earning rewards at everyday rates. And if you can otherwise hit the minimum spending requirement without paying taxes with the card (and incurring those fees), it's better to cut a check to the IRS.

Before you choose to pay your taxes with a credit card, make sure you can pay your card balance off in full since, if you don't, you can get hit with interest charges and late fees that quickly wipe out the value of any rewards you might earn. Accruing 20-25% interest on your credit card bill will easily negate a 3-4% return on spending through the points you earn.

Meet a credit card spending threshold

Many credit cards offer benefits that trigger after you reach a particular spending threshold . These might be based on the calendar year or your cardmember anniversary, but, in either case, making large tax payments could help you earn these rewards when that amount of spending might be out of range otherwise. For example:

• Spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in a calendar year to earn a complimentary night certificate
• Earn an additional free night award good at any Category 1-4 property after you spend $15,000 on your World of Hyatt Credit Card every year after your cardmember anniversary

With perks like this, putting your taxes on the right credit card can help you earn valuable extras like a boost toward elite status, free night awards and more.

Spend toward elite status

Several credit cards allow you to boost your elite status — or earn status outright — through spending on a credit card. Putting a large tax payment on one of these credit cards could help you, such as the following:

• United℠ Business Card : Earn 25 Premier qualifying points (PQPs) for every $500 in card spending on up to 1,000 PQPs in a calendar year. This can be applied to Premier 1K elite status
• American Airlines credit cards : Earn 1 Loyalty Point per eligible dollar spent on these cards, boosting your elite status through credit card spending
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card : Earn five tier-qualifying night credits for each $10,000 spent on the card, helping you attain elite status with World of Hyatt
• World of Hyatt Credit Card : Receive five tier-qualifying night credits each year you hold the card, plus earn two additional tier-qualifying night credits for each $5,000 spent on the card

Use multiple cards to maximize earnings

If you have a large tax bill, you don't have to spend the entire amount on one credit card.

The IRS page explaining credit card payments says you can only use debit or credit cards to make up to two payments per tax period (year, quarter, or month, depending on the type of taxes you're paying), but that means you could use two different cards to make two different payments.

For example, say that you have a $25,000 tax payment due. You could apply for both The Business Platinum Card from American Express and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card . By putting $15,000 within three months of approval on the Amex Business Platinum Card, you'd have spent enough to earn the 120,000-point introductory offer.

Plus, since the purchase is more than $5,000, you could earn 1.5 points per dollar (up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year), which means you'd earn 22,500 points on the purchase itself. Then, you could charge the additional $10,000 balance due (within three months of approval) on the Ink Business Preferred and earn its 100,000-point sign-up bonus and an additional 10,000 points for the spending itself (1 point per dollar on everyday purchases).

In this scenario, you'd end up with more than $5,000 in travel rewards, according to TPG's valuations.

Buy some extra time to pay your taxes

One of TPG's 10 commandments for earning credit card rewards is never to pay interest charges. It's paramount that you never bite off more than you can chew.

When paying your taxes with a credit card, note when the first day of your new statement period begins on the card you want to use. This way, you may have up to 30 days until your statement closes and nearly 60 days until you must pay off your balance in full.

Some credit cards even offer 0% APR for an introductory period on new purchases, which can provide 12-18 months of interest-free payments on your tax bill. You must pay off the entire balance in full before the promotional period ends or risk exorbitant interest charges.

Finally, be sure to check your eligibility for a pay-over-time installment plan, as issuers sometimes provide introductory offers.

For example, TPG senior editorial director Nick Ewen was targeted last year for a no-fee My Chase Plan on his Chase Sapphire Reserve® . For any purchase over $100, he could've created his first plan by Sept. 30, 2023, and paid no fees and no interest over the life of the plan (generally between six and 18 months) — all while still earning rewards.

This could be a great way to finance a large tax bill over time without incurring massive interest charges.

Read more: A comparison of the top 'buy now, pay later' services — and what to watch out for

The downside of using a credit card to pay your taxes

Despite the benefits listed above, using a credit card to pay your taxes can be a reckless strategy, as the interest rate on most rewards credit cards can severely hurt your finances should you have to pay it.

If you don't have a no-fee, 0% APR option and cannot pay your statement balance in full after charging your taxes to a credit card, you should reconsider using a credit card to pay your taxes.

Instead, consult your tax professional about your options. The IRS offers payment plans with lower interest rates than most credit cards would extend.

Bottom line

Paying your taxes with a credit card can be a lucrative way to earn points and miles as part of a large welcome offer. Having a 0% APR card may also give you more time to pay off a higher tax balance without the need to worry about high credit card interest rates but make sure you do your own math to ensure the benefits you receive are worth the cost.

The last thing you want is to be stuck paying back your taxes on top of sky-high credit card interest to boot.

For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here .