Chase Freedom Unlimited as a First Credit Card: Building credit can be tricky, especially when it comes to choosing your first credit card. If you’re an active duty military member, you’re in luck because many Chase cards waive annual fees for you. This means you can access some great travel rewards programs! But with so many options, how do you choose? Let’s see what Reddit users are saying about the Chase Freedom Unlimited as a first credit card.
Let’s check the the Chase Freedom Unlimited (CFU) as a first credit card, checking its pros and cons for beginners, and uncovering what Redditors have to say about it.
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited Right for Your First Credit Card?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no annual fee. Sounds straightforward, right? That’s a major perk, especially for someone just starting out.
However, there’s another side to the coin.
Pros:
- Simplicity: No need to track rotating bonus categories. Just swipe and earn!
- Solid Cash Back: A steady 1.5% return on everything you buy is a good baseline for a no-fee card.
Cons:
- Lower Welcome Bonus: Compared to some cards, the CFU’s welcome offer might seem less exciting. This can be a deciding factor for first-time credit card users.
- Reaching the Spending Requirement: If you’re new to credit cards and don’t spend a lot monthly, maxing out the bonus in a year could be a stretch.
Cash Back Rewards & Benefits
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card | Cash Back Rewards & Benefits |
| Sign-Up Bonus | Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. |
| Eligibility | Available if you do not have this card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months |
| Cash Back Rates | 👉 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services 👉 3% on drugstore purchases 👉 5% on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM 👉 1.5% on all other purchases |
| Introductory APR | 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers |
| Variable APR After Intro Period | 20.49%–29.24% variable APR after the introductory period |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Fees apply, see pricing and terms for more details |
| Annual Fee | No annual fee |
| Cash Back Rewards Expiration | Cash back rewards do not expire as long as |
Learning from Redditors: What the Community Says
Reddit is a treasure trove of real-life experiences. Here’s what some Redditors suggest about Chase Freedom Unlimited as a First Credit Card for beginners:
- Discover It Cash Back: Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers rotating 5% cash back categories, potentially giving you more “bang for your buck” on your regular spending. Many find it easier to maximize rewards with rotating categories.
- Cards with Introductory APR: These cards offer a 0% interest rate period on purchases, giving you some breathing room to learn responsible credit card use and avoid interest charges.
The Verdict: Chase Freedom Unlimited as a First Credit Card? It Depends
The Chase Freedom Unlimited as a First Credit Card is a reliable choice if you value simplicity and a consistent cash back rate. However, if you’re looking to maximize rewards or want a longer introductory 0% APR period, there might be better options out there.
Here are some additional tips:
- Consider your spending habits. What kind of rewards would be most beneficial for you?
- Explore other cards with waived annual fees for active duty military.
- Don’t be afraid to pre-qualify for cards to see your approval odds without a hard credit check.
How To Apply for Chase Freedom Unlimited as a First Credit Card
Ready to take action in building your credit and earning awesome rewards simultaneously? Click the button below to apply now.
You’ll be directed to Chase’s secure site to complete your application.
FAQs-Chase Freedom Unlimited as a First Credit Card
Yes, you can have both the Chase Freedom Flex® and Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit cards.
Yes, 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.
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 TravelSM
👉 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.
Freedom Unlimited® cardmembers will earn:
👉 5% cash back on all travel purchased through Chase TravelSM
👉 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
👉 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
👉 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
Additionally, there is no annual fee for the Freedom Unlimited® card.
"Remember, building credit is a marathon, not a sprint. Choose a card that fits your current needs and helps you establish a healthy credit history!"
For more insights and details on the Chase Freedom Unlimited as a first credit card, including user experiences and alternatives, check out the full discussion on Reddit.
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