The Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card stands out as a strong “everyday carry” option for U.S. consumers seeking cash-back rewards without an annual fee. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes it compelling — and what to watch out for.
What it does well:
No annual fee: You pay $0 each year to keep the card.
Upfront bonus offer: The current sign-up bonus is: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Reward structure:
- 5% cash back (or “points” in the Chase Ultimate Rewards system) on travel booked through the Chase Travel portal.
- 3% back at restaurants (including takeout & eligible delivery) and 3% back on drugstore purchases.
- 1.5% back on “everything else” — purchases not falling into the bonus category.
This tiered approach provides both bonus category rewards and broad-based value.
Flexible redemption: Rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposit, gift cards, travel, etc. When paired with other Chase cards (e.g., a Sapphire card), you may even move points to travel-partners for greater value.
Introductory APR: For those needing time to pay off purchases or consolidate through a balance transfer, there’s a 0% introductory APR (typically 15 months) on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
What to consider / limitations
Foreign transaction fee: If you use this card abroad, you’ll incur a 3% fee on each transaction in U.S. dollars. That makes it less ideal for international travel.
Base rate of 1.5% on non-bonus spend: While solid, some competing no-annual-fee cash-back cards offer flat 2% on all purchases — so if you spend heavily outside bonus categories, you may find higher return elsewhere.
Requires good to excellent credit: You’ll generally need a strong credit profile to be approved.
Rewards structure requires awareness: Because the card has different tiers (5%, 3%, 1.5%), you’ll want to pay attention to which purchases are going into which category. Some simpler cards opt for a flat single rate.
Who this card is best for
If you want a no-fee cash-back card that gives better than average value on everyday purchases and some elevated categories (travel via Chase, dining, drugstores).
If you already have or plan to have a premium Chase card (such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®) and want to pool your Ultimate Rewards points across cards for travel redemption flexibility.
If you value simplicity but still want category bonuses — you don’t have to activate rotating categories each quarter (a hassle of some other cards).
Smart usage tips
Use this card for your everyday non-bonus spending (that gives you the 1.5% rate) and especially for spending at restaurants and drugstores, where you’ll earn 3%.
Book travel through the Chase Travel portal to earn 5% back — if you do travel or plan it, this gives you a nice return.
If you travel internationally often, consider pairing this with a “no foreign transaction fee” card for overseas use — and use this card domestically.
Ensure you pay your balance in full monthly — the rewards only benefit you if you avoid interest charges which can offset the return.
If you already hold another Chase credit card that earns Ultimate Rewards, combine points to maximize redemption value (such as transferring to travel partners if applicable).
Conclusion:
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card 2025 is a solid choice in the realm of no-annual-fee rewards cards for U.S. consumers in 2025. With its combination of a generous sign-up bonus, elevated rewards in select categories (travel via Chase, dining, drugstores), and respectable base rate of 1.5% for everything else, it covers a lot of ground. While it’s not the top card for every single spending category, for many folks it hits a sweet spot of value + simplicity. If you match your spending habits to its strength areas and pay your balance in full, you can make this card work very well.
Chase freedom credit card customer service:
If you hold the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (or any other credit card issued by Chase Bank) and need customer service, here are the key contact details and helpful tips:
Key Contact Numbers
General customer service for Chase credit cards: 1-800-432-3117.
Lost or stolen card (credit card): Call 1-800-432-3117.
Automated line for making a payment by phone: 1-800-436-7958.
What you can handle via customer service
You can use these numbers to:
Report a lost, stolen or damaged card.
Ask about your rewards, redemption options, or billing inquiries.
Make a payment by phone (automated service).
Get help with fraud monitoring, account alerts, or general card account support.
Some tips before you call
Have your 16-digit card number ready when you call — the system will ask for it.
You can call any time (24/7) for the general credit card line.
For best hold times, some sources say Sunday is the least busy day; Saturday tends to have longer waits.
If you call from abroad or need international service, you may need a different number (check on your card’s back or Chase website).
If you prefer online support: Log into your Chase account, send a secure message, or use the mobile app. The number is still the fastest for urgent matters.