Apply Advertiser disclosure: we may earn a commission when you apply through some links on this page. It never affects rank: cards are ordered by the value worked out from your spending. How we make money · Methodology
Terms read from Chase's page on Oct 16, 2026.
Year 1, after fees
$886
Year 2+, after fees
$686
every year after
3 years, after fees
$2,257
Break-even
No fee
Earn rate by category
Points at 1.00¢ each (cash or statement credit); published range 1¢ to 1¢. Source: The Points Guy monthly valuations, October 2026.
All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.
Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.
On each spending preset
After fees; points at their cash value. "~" marks estimates.
| Spending | Year 1 | Year 2+ | 3 years | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student ($985/mo) | $408 | $208 | $824 | No fee |
| Couple ($2,555/mo) | $730 | $530 | $1,790 | No fee |
| Family ($3,350/mo) | $886 | $686 | $2,257 | No fee |
| Frequent traveller ($3,880/mo) | $1,014 | $814 | $2,641 | No fee |
| Big spender ($7,960/mo) | $1,813 | $1,613 | $5,038 | No fee |
Who it suits
- People who spend a lot on dining and drugstores, where it earns above its base rate.
Who should skip it
- Nothing stands out on the presets; check it against your own spending.
Fees and rates
- Annual fee
- None
- Foreign transaction fee
- Not stated
- Intro APR on purchases
- 15 months, then the purchase APR
- Intro APR on balance transfers
- 15 months
Rewards
- 5x on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 3x on dining and drugstores
- 1.5x on everything else
Eligibility and availability
- Income
- None published
Published requirements only. We don't estimate approval odds.
Assumptions
- Point value: Chase Ultimate Rewards (Freedom cards alone) points at 1.00 cents each: no redemption style chosen, so cash or statement credit. Source: The Points Guy monthly valuations, October 2026.
- Welcome bonus: $200 bonus (20,000 points) after $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. Your spending meets it in month 1.
- Travel portal: Portal-only rates aren't counted, since you book directly.
Not counted or not confirmed
- Foreign transaction fee and balance transfer fee aren't on the card page.
Earns more every year after year 1
On a family's spending, these keep more value from year 2 than this card's $686.
Chase IHG One Rewards PremierYear 2+ ~$1,243
Wells Fargo One Key CardYear 2+ $864
Chase Marriott Bonvoy BoundlessYear 2+ ~$809
Head to head
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited worth it?
On a family's spending ($3,350 a month, points at their cash value), it's worth $886 in year 1 and $686 a year after that, after no annual fee.
What is the Chase Freedom Unlimited welcome offer?
$200 bonus (20,000 points) after $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Does the Chase Freedom Unlimited charge foreign transaction fees?
The issuer's page doesn't state its foreign transaction fee, so check the full terms before travelling.
Sources
Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.
Compare it with 59 other cards on the US card comparison or read how cards are valued.