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 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 Balance transfer fee applies, see pricing and terms for more details. † 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 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.

Chase Pay Over Time SM

Chase Pay Over Time * Opens offer details overlay lets eligible Chase customers break up credit card purchases into budget friendly payments. There are two potential ways to pay over time:

After purchase: Pay off an eligible purchase you've already made of $100 or more * Opens offer details overlay in smaller, equal monthly payments. No interest - just a fixed monthly fee † Opens pricing and terms in new window with plan durations that range from 3-24 months. Start a plan by selecting an eligible purchase with the "Pay Over Time" option next to the transaction amount in your credit card account activity.

At checkout: Chase credit card members may have the option to create a payment plan at checkout on Amazon.com. Orders totaling $50 or more * Opens offer details overlay using your eligible Chase credit card at Amazon.com could be eligible for Chase Pay Over Time. You will be able to view Chase Pay Over Time plan options (including the fixed APR and durations) at checkout.

Keep in mind: Even though you may have an eligible card, access to Chase Pay Over Time is not guaranteed. Your ability to create a Chase Pay Over Time plan is based on a variety of factors, such as your creditworthiness, credit limit and account behavior, and may change from time to time.

For more information on Chase Pay Over Time features, please visit chase.com/chasepayovertime 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.

Cardmembers Eligible for Chase Pay Over Time: Eligible cardmembers are those with access to Chase Pay Over Time who use a participating Chase credit card for eligible purchases. Access to Chase Pay Over Time is not guaranteed, is based on a variety of factors such as creditworthiness, credit limit and account behavior, and may change from time to time. Participating Chase credit cards are consumer credit cards issued by Chase, small business cards are excluded at this time. For Chase Pay Over Time at checkout on Amazon.com, Amazon Visa and Prime Visa cards and Chase Mastercard credit cards are also excluded. Purchases Eligible for Chase Pay Over Time Set Up After Purchase: Purchases of at least $100 are eligible, excluding 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. Purchases Eligible for Chase Pay Over Time at Checkout on Amazon.com: Orders totaling at least $50 of eligible items on Amazon.com are eligible. Amazon may designate any item as ineligible, such as Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, Amazon Prime Now, 1-Click Purchases and Subscribe & Save. If your order includes a recurring subscription, then only the first month's subscription fee will be eligible. If available for your account, the option to choose "financing offers available" will appear at checkout. Amazon, the Amazon.com logo, the smile logo, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com , Inc. or its affiliates.

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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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:

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% 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
• 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
• Credit Card Reviews
• Cash Back Credit Cards
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• No Annual Fee Cards

Chase Ultimate Rewards

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

Chase Freedom Unlimited review: A great card for beginners and pros alike

Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® overview

The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited is perfect for beginner and advanced award travelers. While many cards offer 1% back on purchases outside of bonus categories, you'll earn 1.5% back on non-bonus spending with the Freedom Unlimited. And if you pair this with a card that earns premium Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can convert your rewards into fully transferable points, doubling their value. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

At first glance, the Chase Freedom Unlimited might seem like a tame cash-back card. But there's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

With no annual fee and a simple earning structure, it's a great card for beginners, provided they have a credit score of at least 670 . It's also an excellent card pairing for more premium options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve , making it a valuable addition to many larger card portfolios.

Let's examine what makes this card so deceptively great, and whether it deserves a spot in your wallet.

Chase Freedom Unlimited welcome offer

With the Chase Freedom Unlimited , new cardholders can 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.

And it's even more valuable if you also have a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, meaning you can transfer your cash back to points and move them to one of Chase's transfer partners.

Also, since this is a Chase card, remember it's subject to Chase's 5/24 rule .

Related: The best time to apply for these Chase cards based on offer history

Chase Freedom Unlimited benefits

The trade-off for cards without an annual fee is that they tend to come with fewer perks than their more premium counterparts . Still, the Freedom Unlimited has some nice features worth highlighting:

• Rental car protection: You'll have rental car insurance that covers theft and damage up to the actual cash value of most rented cars
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: You'll be covered for up to $1,500 per person and up to $6,000 per trip for eligible travel expenses on your card if a loss results in the cancellation or interruption of your travel plans
• Roadside dispatch: You'll get access to pay-per-use roadside assistance that will connect you with service providers when you have issues on the road
• Extended warranty protection: You can extend the time period of warranty coverage by one additional year on original eligible warranties of three years or less
• Purchase protection: Your purchases are protected against theft and damage for 120 days after the date of purchase

If you don't have another card with more robust travel insurance and shopping protections , this is a decent amount of coverage for a card with no annual fee.

Related: Why the Chase Freedom Unlimited is great for college students

Earning cash back on the Chase Freedom Unlimited

With the Freedom Unlimited , you'll normally earn:

• 5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
• 3% back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
• 3% back at drugstores
• 1.5% back on all other purchases

While none of the bonus categories are show-stoppers, finding a card with bonus categories and a flat rate higher than 1% for all additional purchases is unusual. The bonus categories are nice, but the ability to earn 50% more on non-bonus spending makes this card shine.

Related: The best cards to pair with the Freedom Unlimited

Redeeming cash back on the Chase Freedom Unlimited

You can redeem the cash back earned on your Freedom Unlimited as a statement credit or for a direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts at a value of one cent per point. You can also redeem your rewards for gift cards or use them to book travel through the Chase Travel portal for the same value.

You can also pay directly with your points at Amazon.com, but you'll get a lower value going this route.

With the right card pairing , you can turn your rewards into transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points and utilize Chase's valuable transfer partners for even more value.

Related: Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Freedom unlimited are the perfect beginner card combo

Transferring cash back with the Chase Freedom Unlimited

Alone, the Freedom Unlimited is a true cash-back card and doesn't allow you to transfer your rewards to travel partners.

However, if you also have the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card , you can combine your rewards and unlock Chase's full list of 14 hotel and airline partners .

TPG staffers particularly love the option to transfer our Chase Ultimate Rewards to World of Hyatt . Some of us, like TPG director of content Summer Hull , prefer to use these rewards to book higher-end Hyatts that might otherwise be out of budget. Alternatively, some are like me and prefer to stretch our rewards by using them for great deals on Hyatt's Category 1 properties .

In addition to World of Hyatt, Chase's other transfer partners include valuable options like United MileagePlus , British Airways Executive Club and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer . You'll find excellent options with Chase's transfer partners, regardless of your travel style and preferences.

Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards for maximum value

Which cards compete with the Chase Freedom Unlimited?

One option might be a better fit if you want to focus on earning cash-back rewards . Like the Freedom Unlimited , they earn cash-back rewards and don't carry an annual fee.

• If you want to earn 5% back on rotating categories: The Chase Freedom Flex earns 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in quarterly bonus categories after you activate. Like the Freedom Unlimited, it earns rewards you can transfer to Chase's partners with the right card pairing. For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex .
• If you want to earn 3% back on different categories: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns 3% back spent at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online purchases and U.S. gas stations each year (up to $6,000 for each category, then 1%) and 1% on all other purchases. For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday .
• If you want to earn more on non-bonus spending: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ) earns 2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay). For more details, check out our full review of the Citi Double Cash .

For additional options, please see our lists of the best cash-back cards and the best cards without an annual fee .

Related: Chase Freedom Flex vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited worth it?

Since the Freedom Unlimited doesn't carry an annual fee, you can feel great about earning rewards without justifying what you pay to keep it each year. You can maximize your rewards-earning potential if you already have a Chase Ultimate Rewards points-earning card. However, if you're focused solely on cash-back rewards, you'll likely want a card with a higher earning rate .

Related: How to choose a cash-back card

Bottom line

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great card for everyday, non-bonus spending and can provide incredible value when paired with a more premium Chase card. Whether you're a beginner or a pro looking for a complementary card to add to your portfolio, the Freedom Unlimited is an excellent choice.

Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited , 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.

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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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• 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 highest cash-back credit card with no annual fee

How the freedom flex works, how much could you earn, what happens once the rewards rotate, push your rewards even higher with the chase sapphire preferred or reserve, the bottom line, earn 7% cash back at restaurants with the chase freedom flex this spring.

This card's rotating categories hit the sweet spots for spring travel with unparalleled cash back reward rates.

Evan Zimmer

Staff Writer

Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

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There are a lot of great travel credit cards you could bring with you on your spring trips, but few have the same breadth as the Chase Freedom Flex℠ *. 

The card has potentially the highest cash-back rates when you activate on two of the best parts of traveling: food and board. It doesn’t charge an annual fee, either, helping you maximize your savings.

But you’ll need to act quickly. These rewards will only last through June 2024.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

What makes the card’s current offer so enticing is its unparalleled cash back rate at restaurants and hotels -- so long as you can book the latter through Chase Travel℠. 

The Freedom Flex typically offers 3% cash back at restaurants, but combined with its rotating 5% cash back (on the first $1,500 spent in quarterly combined purchases, then 1%) bonus categories when you activate, the Freedom Flex boosts that number to 7% cash back.

And, since the card earns 5% cash back for travel booked through Chase Travel already, combined with its current 5% cash back offering for hotels, you could earn 9% cash back on your hotel booking if you can make it through Chase. 

The math doesn’t quite add up -- if you earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and the bonus categories typically earn 5% cash back, shouldn’t that be 8% cash back on dining?

Here’s a breakdown of how Chase explained the rewards rates:

• Hotels booked through Chase Travel: Earn 4% cash back from rotating rewards and 5% back from the standard bonus category -- 9% cash back total .
• Hotels booked directly: Earn 4% cash back from rotating rewards and 1% from the card’s base rate -- 5% cash back total .
• Restaurants: Earn 4% cash back from rotating rewards and 3% from the standard category -- 7% cash back total .
• Amazon.com: Earn 5% cash back from rotating rewards.
• Drug stores: Earn 3% cash back from the standard bonus category.
• All other purchases: Earn 1% cash back.

However, there are a few caveats. First, these rates won’t last -- the Freedom Flex only offers 5% cash back at Amazon.com, hotels and restaurants when you activate from April to June 2024.

Second, the rotating reward category has a spending cap of $1,500 in combined quarterly purchases. So once you hit that limit, your restaurant rewards will fall to 3%, your Amazon.com purchases will fall to 1%, and your hotel rewards rate will fall to 5% for hotels booked through Chase Travel and 1% for hotels booked directly through the hotel brand.

The Chase Freedom Flex offers rotating rewards that change quarterly , or about every three months. Its current rotating bonus categories cover purchases made at Amazon.com, hotels and restaurants. Keep in mind you’ll need to manually activate these rewards each time they change.

Luckily, you can set alerts to inform you when it’s time to activate. And, if you do forget, you can still activate by June 14, 2024. You’ll even earn retroactive rewards for any purchases made in the featured categories before you activated -- something that gives this card an edge over the Discover it® Cash Back* .

In addition to its rotating rewards, the Freedom Flex offers a few static bonus categories. These categories cover restaurants, drug stores and travel booked through Chase.

With its spending cap of $1,500 in combined purchases, you could earn a total of $75 across the quarter at the 5% cash-back rate when you activate, before it falls to 1%. 

However, even once you hit that cap, you’ll still earn 5% cash back on hotels booked through Chase and 3% cash back at restaurants, which is among the best rates found on a cash-back credit card with no annual fee .

As an example, suppose you spent $750 on both your hotel and restaurants, making a combined total of $1,500, the Freedom Flex’s spending cap:

You could earn upwards of $120. Remember, these are merely estimates. How you spend might not be an even split, so your rewards could look different.

The Freedom Flex also features a welcome bonus -- you can earn $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening. Based on the example above, you’d hit the required spending threshold, adding another $200 to your rewards. That totals $320, which should be enough to help cover some part of your travel, whether it’s a night at a fancy hotel, your rental car or a good dinner out.

Once the Freedom Flex’s bonus categories change on July 1, you’ll still have a powerful rewards credit card to use for whichever purchases Chase decides to feature next. Past categories have included Target, fitness memberships, groceries and gas, among others.

Chase offers the opportunity to increase how much your rewards are worth by pooling them with other credit cards in its Chase Ultimate Rewards family.

You could earn the Chase Freedom Flex’s higher cash-back rates, for example, and then pool your rewards with either the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Note that both of those credit cards charge an annual fee , the Preferred comes in at $95 and the Reserve at $550. However, they both offer annual travel credits that help soften the blow of their fees. They have two other great perks -- a 1:1 point transfer rate to Chase’s hotel and airline partners , as well as a 25% and 50% point redemption bonus respectively for travel booked through Chase Travel.

It’ll take a bit more work, and an additional credit card, but if you can use the Chase Trifect strategy , you could increase the return you earn on your travel spending exponentially.

If you’ve got travel plans this spring, you should consider adding the Chase Freedom Flex to your card collection. 

Even if you don’t want to take the extra step of using it in tandem with a Chase Sapphire card, it’ll be a rewarding and inexpensive choice. You might even earn an extra $320 to spend on your travels.

*All information about the Chase Freedom Flex and Discover it   Cash Back has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

Best Card to Pair with the Chase Sapphire Reserve: Boost Your Rewards with the Right Credit Card Combo

Vault’s viewpoint.

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a travel rewards credit card that can provide value to frequent travelers.
• Pairing the Chase Sapphire Reserve® with another credit card can allow you to maximize your credit card rewards.
• If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® can make an excellent addition to your wallet.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Having the Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® can allow you to potentially earn more rewards. Here are some reasons why you may want to pair these two Chase cards together.

Earn More Rewards for Everyday Purchases

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has several bonus categories that allow cardholders to earn at a higher rate. But cardholders only earn 1X points for purchases outside those categories. Meanwhile, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns 1.5% cash back on spending outside select bonus categories.

With both credit cards in your wallet, you can earn more rewards to get closer to your redemption goals.

Here’s how to prioritize spending with this credit card combo to maximize your rewards:

• Use the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for dining and travel purchases
• Use the Chase Freedom Unlimited® for all other purchases

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Has No Annual Fee

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a pricey annual fee of $550. But the Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee. This credit card pairing is smart because you won’t pay additional yearly fees to earn more rewards.

Combine Your Points to Get Maximum Value

The Sapphire Reserve is a dream rewards credit card for frequent travelers. When redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel through the Chase Travel portal, cardholders get 50% more value from their rewards.

For example, redeeming 50,000 points will get you $750 worth of travel by that figure. Meanwhile, 50,000 points are generally only worth $500 when redeemed as a statement credit. That’s why many travelers with the Chase Sapphire Reserve avoid redeeming for a statement credit.

But cardholders with other Chase credit cards earning Ultimate Rewards points can combine their points and transfer them to their Chase Sapphire Reserve® rewards account. This will give them more points to redeem when they’re ready to use them, and they can maximize the value by booking eligible travel through Chase Travel.

Without the Chase Sapphire Reserve® in your wallet, 50,000 points earned from the Chase Freedom Unlimited® would only be worth $500 in cash back rewards. So, having both of these cards is a wise strategy to boost the value of your rewards.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

On Bankrate Credit Cards's secure site

Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy with your card (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Why Would You Want to Pair One Card with Another?

Choosing the right card to pair alongside your Chase Sapphire Reserve® is necessary to maximize your rewards and get the most out of your credit card perks. Here are two reasons the right credit card combo can be beneficial:

Earn More Rewards

With the right pairing, you can boost your credit card rewards. As you research other cards, consider how the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns rewards. Doing this will allow you to choose an alternate rewards credit card that earns in other bonus spending categories or at a higher rate for purchases beyond select bonus categories. The more rewards you earn, the more you can benefit when redeeming your rewards.

Maximize the Value of Your Credit Card Rewards

The right pairing can also give you more value from your rewards. As you explore credit card options, consider the card’s rewards program. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is part of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

Pairing this travel credit card with another rewards credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be a win. Why? You can transfer your rewards from another Chase credit card to your Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card account to maximize your rewards.

One way to do this is to redeem your rewards for travel through the Chase Travel Portal to get a 50% rewards boost. You can use your points to redeem hotels, flights and rental cars. This redemption strategy could make an upcoming vacation more affordable.

Other Cards to Consider

Not the ideal credit card combo for you? Here are some alternative best credit cards to pair with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is another card that pairs nicely with the Chase Sapphire Reserve. It has no annual fee and earns a flat-rate 2% cash rewards on all purchases with no spending caps. Since the Chase Sapphire Reserve only earns 1X points on purchases outside the card’s bonus categories, this is an ideal card to swipe for non-travel or dining spending.

This flat rate cash back card also includes cell phone protection insurance, which protects against covered cell phone theft or damage. Cardholders qualify for up to $600 per claim and can make up to two claims per 12-month period. A $25 deductible applies to each claim. You must pay your monthly mobile phone service bill with your credit card to use this perk.

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is another pairing option for the Chase Sapphire Reserve. This rewards card has no annual fee and offers up to 5% cash back rewards. The best part is it provides customizable rewards. Here’s how this card earns rewards:

• 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases every quarter on two spending categories of your choosing (home utilities, electronic stores, fast food, cell phones, department stores, select clothing stores, furniture stores, ground transportation, sporting goods stores, movie theaters, gyms and fitness centers or TV, internet and streaming)
• 2% cash back on one everyday spending category of your choice (grocery stores and grocery delivery, restaurants or gas stations and EV charging stations)
• 1% cash back on other purchases

Using this cash back credit card for your top everyday spending categories outside of dining and travel can allow you to maximize the rewards you earn. The 2% rewards have no spending cap, so this would be a solid card to swipe for gas or grocery spending.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ has no annual fee and earns rewards in the following categories:

• 5% cash back on rotating quarterly bonus categories with activation (on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter)
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Travel portal
• 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases

The 5% cash back rewards apply to up to $1,500 in spending per quarter for a maximum of $75 cash back rewards per quarter. Since these bonus categories rotate, stay alert to these categories so you don’t miss out on the chance to activate and earn more rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is amex gold or chase sapphire reserve better.

The American Express® Gold Card is another popular rewards credit card. But it differs from the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The Amex Gold Card has an annual fee of $250 ( see rates and fees ) and rewards purchases at restaurants worldwide (plus on takeout and delivery in the U.S.), U.S. supermarkets spending and on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a higher annual fee of $550 and rewards for travel (not just flights) and dining purchases. To determine which rewards credit card is best for you, consider your rewards goals, budget, and typical spending habits.

Does Chase Sapphire Reserve Get You Into Airport Lounges?

Yes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve includes a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. After enrolling in this benefit, primary cardholders and authorized users get complimentary access to participating Priority Pass lounges. Each cardholder and authorized user can bring a maximum of two accompanying guests for free per lounge visit. A fee of $27 per guest will apply to any additional guests per visit.

Do You Get Priority Boarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve?

No, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a travel rewards credit card. Since it’s not an airline credit card it doesn’t include priority boarding benefits. Travelers seeking priority boarding may want to apply for a credit card from their favorite airline or achieve elite status through a frequent flyer program to access this travel perk.

The post Best Card to Pair with the Chase Sapphire Reserve: Boost Your Rewards with the Right Credit Card Combo first appeared on Newsweek Vault .

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

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Chase Freedom Points Worth More This Month Only

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Beginning May 1, 2024, Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders can redeem rewards for juicier deals on Apple products. Plus, this “Month of More” promotion also gives added deals when you redeem your points for gift cards, and higher bonuses when you shop through Chase’s bonus mall shopping portal .

Usually, cardholders can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for 1 cent each toward Apple merchandise. But through May 31, 2024, your points will be worth 10% more when you purchase Apple products through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.

Here’s the full details of this month-long promotion for those who hold the Chase Freedom Flex℠ :

Apple : Redeem points on the Apple Ultimate Rewards® store for 1.1 cents each, a 10% boost.

Gift cards : Save up to 15% on merchants like Macy’s, REI, Petco and Nordstrom Rack when you redeem your points for gift cards.

Shop Through Chase: Start your online shopping transaction through Chase’s portal and earn up to 15% bonus cash back from select stores.

There's an original Chase Freedom® version that is no longer accepting applications, but existing cardholders are still eligible for this promotion.

» SEE: Best credit cards to use at Apple

on Chase's website

1.5%-5% 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.

Up to $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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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.

Chase's Sapphire Reserve and Preferred, 2 of the best travel credit cards of all time, are offering intro bonuses worth up to $1,125

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• The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve are two of the best travel rewards credit cards ever.
• Right now, new applicants can earn 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points — up to 50% more than usual.
• 75,000 points are worth up to $1,125 in Chase travel or significantly more through travel partners.

It's time to plan your summer travels — and a new credit card sign-up bonus could earn you more than $1,100 in travel rewards. 

For a limited time, new applicants of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® can earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. These points are worth $900 or $1,125 toward travel purchased through Chase, depending on which card you get.

Chase's Sapphire credit cards are specifically designed with travelers and foodies in mind. These sleek metal credit cards come in two flavors: the everyday favorite Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and premium-tier Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve: the main differences

Both cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards and come with generous travel insurance benefits, no foreign transaction fees, bonus points on dining and travel expenses, and travel credits each year. You can redeem Ultimate Rewards points through Chase Travel℠ , or transfer them to more than a dozen airline and hotel chains for even better deals. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is Business Insider's top choice for the  best travel rewards credit card for value, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns an honorable mention. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.8 cents apiece according to Business Insider's valuations, and can be worth significantly more if transferred to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners . 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® costs $550 each year but comes with many benefits including a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access, monthly DoorDash and Instacart credits, and the best credit card travel insurance you'll find.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can redeem Ultimate Rewards points for 1.5 cents apiece through Chase's travel booking portal, so the 75,000-point welcome offer is worth $1,125.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a much lower annual fee of $95, with lesser benefits to match. Cardholders get a $50 annual credit toward hotels booked through Chase Travel℠, quarterly DoorDash and Instacart credits, and generous travel insurance benefits.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders can redeem Ultimate Rewards points for 1.25 cents apiece through Chase's travel booking portal, so the 75,000-point welcome offer is worth $900.

Which Reserve card is better for you?

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with either card. You'll get the most return for your investment by signing up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, especially during this limited-time promotion, because the sign-up bonus is worth more than 9x what you'll pay in annual fees. But the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers top-tier travel benefits that can be worth thousands of dollars per year for frequent travelers. 

You can't sign up for both cards for double the bonus, however, since cardholders can only have one Chase Sapphire card at a time. You also can't earn the welcome bonus if you've earned a bonus from either the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® within the last 48 months.

Not sure which product is best for you? Read our comparison of the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve , or read our Chase Sapphire Preferred review and Chase Sapphire Reserve review to learn more about each card. And if you aren't eligible for another Chase Sapphire credit card, read our guide to the best Chase credit cards to find your next best option. 

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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