Chase Freedom Unlimited – How to apply

By Raquel Oliveira • 06/26/2025

Aeroplan Credit Card is perfect for those who want many benefits and enjoy all related advantages.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a favorite among those who want a cashback card that keeps things simple while still being incredibly rewarding.

It’s easy to use, generous with its earning structure, and offers long-term value whether you’re a college student, a growing family, or a professional juggling work and travel.

This card doesn’t force you to memorize bonus categories or chase rotating calendars. Instead, it provides steady cashback across all purchases, with special incentives for travel and dining—making it a flexible option for any spending style.

And best of all? There’s no annual fee, which means your rewards aren’t being undercut by maintenance costs.

How does the Chase Freedom Unlimited work?

Every time you make a purchase, this card gives you at least 1.5% cashback—and sometimes more. Specifically, you’ll earn:

• 5% cashback on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  
• 3% on dining and drugstores
  
• 1.5% on all other purchases
  

Cashback is earned as Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, which adds another layer of flexibility. These points can be redeemed for direct cashback, gift cards, or travel—and if you hold a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can even transfer points to hotel and airline partners.

New cardholders also benefit from a welcome offer: you can earn an additional 1.5% on every purchase made during your first year, up to $20,000. That turns everyday spending into accelerated returns without changing your habits.

And with 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, you gain breathing room for major expenses or debt consolidation.

Main Benefits of the Chase Freedom Unlimited

One of the major reasons people love this card is its consistent cashback on all purchases. There’s no need to think about where you’re spending—just swipe and earn.

The 5% on travel via Chase is an amazing rate, especially if you’re planning trips and want to maximize every dollar. Dining and drugstore purchases earn 3%, perfect for weekly habits like takeout or pharmacy runs.

Plus, the 1.5% baseline cashback ensures you’re always earning, no matter the category. Combined with the first-year bonus, the earnings potential is huge.

Other features include:

• No minimum for cashback redemptions
  
• Flexible use of rewards via Chase Ultimate Rewards
  
• Fraud protection and purchase security
  
• Free credit score monitoring via Credit Journey
  
• Contactless tap-to-pay functionality
  

These benefits help cardholders save while keeping their experience smooth and protected.

Cons of the Chase Freedom Unlimited

While this card offers exceptional value, it’s not perfect. One downside is the 3% foreign transaction fee, which makes it less than ideal for international use. If you travel abroad frequently, a card with no foreign fees would serve you better.

Additionally, despite the strong cashback model, it doesn’t include premium travel perks like lounge access, TSA PreCheck credit, or trip insurance.

The welcome bonus, while strong, also requires spending up to $20,000 in the first year to fully capitalize on the additional 1.5%—a threshold some users may not reach.

Lastly, this card is best suited for people with good to excellent credit—typically a score of 670 or above is required for approval.

APR and Fees

• Annual Fee: $0
  
• Intro APR: 0% for 15 months (purchases and balance transfers)
  
• Regular APR: Variable, typically 20.49%–29.24%
  
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount transferred
  
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
  
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
  

Despite these fees, especially the foreign transaction charge, the lack of an annual fee and powerful cashback model still makes this one of the most cost-effective cards available today.

How to Apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited

1. Visit the official Chase website and search for “Freedom Unlimited.”
   
2. Click on ‘Apply Now’ and fill out your application form.
   
3. Provide accurate financial details, including income, housing, and employment status.
   
4. Review the card terms and promotional offers to understand the full value.
   
5. Submit the application—most applicants receive an instant response.
   
6. Once approved, your card will arrive by mail, and you can activate it through the Chase app or website.
   

After activation, begin using the card for daily spending to start earning cashback immediately—and try to reach the bonus threshold early to get maximum first-year value.