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Chase Freedom Review: Bonus Cash Back of Up to 5% for Everyday Purchases

Review Updated
Lyle Daly
By: Lyle Daly

Our Credit Cards Expert

Nathan Alderman
Check IconFact Checked Nathan Alderman
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

Offer status

This offer is no longer available for new applicants and card details may be out of date. We recommend checking out Chase's newest version of this card, the Chase Freedom Flex℠.

The Chase Freedom earns one of the highest cash back rates we've seen on rotating bonus categories. While it's no longer open for applications, current cardholders can continue to use it. Read our full Chase Freedom review to learn about its benefits and see which cards to consider if you want similar features.

Ratings Methodology

Chase Freedom

Chase Freedom
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular APR

14.99% - 23.74%, variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate, 1% on other purchases

1% - 5% cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

$200

  • With no annual fee and a high cash back rate, this card could still be worth keeping in your wallet.

    • Rotating bonus categories
    • Big cash back bonus
    • Great intro APR
    • No annual fee
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • No fixed bonus categories
    • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
    • Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - it's automatic
    • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
    • 3% intro balance transfer fee when you transfer a balance during the first 60 days your account is open, with a minimum of $5.
    • No annual fee
    • Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
    • Free credit score, updated weekly with Credit Journey℠
The information related to Chase Freedom has been collected by The Ascent and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Alternatives to consider

  • If you want an upgraded version of this card: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ earns 5% back on up to $1,500 of quarterly spending in rotating bonus categories you activate, just like the Chase Freedom. But it also packs in several other bonus categories, including 3% on dining and at drugstores.
  • If you want a great cash back rate on every eligible purchase: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card keeps it simple with an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. You don't need to activate any bonus categories, so this cash back card is as easy to use as it gets.
As of Apr. 16, 2024
Image for
Image for
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex℠

On Chase's Secure Website.

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Rating Requirement: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Credit Rating Requirement: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Welcome Offer: Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!

$200 bonus

Welcome Offer: Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

$200 cash rewards

Rewards Program: Circle with letter I in it. 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

5% cash back offer

Rewards Program: Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

2% cash rewards

Intro APR: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR on Purchases

Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months

Intro APR: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular APR:

20.49%-29.24% Variable

Regular APR:

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Annual Fee: Circle with letter I in it. N/A

$0

Annual Fee: Circle with letter I in it. N/A

$0

Highlights:

  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% 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!
  • 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 Flex℠ card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC

Highlights:

  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex℠

On Chase's Secure Website.

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Show More Arrow graphic to expand and collapse content Show Less Arrow graphic to expand and collapse content

Full Chase Freedom review

This credit card is a good fit for: Consumers who want new cash back bonus categories every quarter.

Top perks

Here are the features that the Chase Freedom offers for cardholders.

Up to 5% cash back

The highlight of this Chase credit card is its bonus rewards. It earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 of quarterly spending in rotating categories that you activate. Chase's categories are usually very practical and have included things like gas, restaurants, department stores, and wholesale clubs. On other purchases, the card earns 1% back.

No annual fee

The Chase Freedom is a no annual fee card. If you have it and want to keep it open, you can do so without needing to pay a fee.

$200 sign-up bonus (no longer available)

When it was open for applications, this Chase card offered a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. While you can't take advantage of this benefit anymore, there are plenty of cards with great sign-up bonuses.

OUR TOP PICKS: Best Sign-Up Bonus Credit Cards

0% intro APR for 15 months (no longer available)

The Chase Freedom also used to offer new cardholders a 0%, 15 months intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. This kind of benefit is useful if you have big expenses you'd like to pay off over time. Once again, even though you can't get this through the Chase Freedom anymore since it's closed to applications, there are lots of excellent alternatives.

OUR TOP PICKS: Best 0% Credit Cards

No minimum redemptions and versatile rewards

Many cards require you to meet a redemption minimum, such as $25, to cash out your rewards. The Chase Freedom lets you redeem any amount for a statement credit. And if you have one of Chase's travel cards in the Ultimate Rewards program, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can use your cash back as travel points. Chase lets you move rewards between cards as part of the Ultimate Rewards program.

What could be improved

There are some drawbacks to the Chase Freedom card.

Base 1% cash back rate

Although the Chase Freedom rewards you handsomely with a 5% cash back rate on the first $1,500 of spending in quarterly categories, its base rate is less impressive, at just 1%. Many cash back credit cards offer a higher rate.

3% foreign transaction fee

The Chase Freedom charges a 3% foreign transaction fee when using your card internationally. It's not the best choice if you like to travel abroad. In that case, travel credit cards are a much better choice.

For more options, peruse our list of the best credit cards.

Find the best credit card for your needs

Compare credit card rewards, fees, APRs, and more using our side-by-side comparison tool.

Compare cards

Suggested credit score

When the Chase Freedom was open for applications, a FICO® Score of 670 or higher was recommended before applying. That's also suggested if you're applying for any of the best Chase credit cards, as they're generally aimed at consumers with good credit or better.

Anytime you're applying for a Chase credit card, it's important to know about Chase's 5/24 rule. Chase almost always denies credit card applications if the applicant has already opened five or more credit cards within the previous 24 months.

LEARN MORE: What credit score do I need for a Chase credit card?

The Chase Freedom is right for you if:

While it was good for its time, the Chase Freedom has effectively been replaced. The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers the same benefits and even more bonus categories. If you liked what you saw from the Chase Freedom, then you'll love the Chase Freedom Flex℠.

Our credit card methodology

At The Motley Fool Ascent, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and 0% intro APR offers to evaluate our ratings.

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best card recommendations. Learn more about how The Ascent rates credit cards.

FAQs

  • Chase Freedom points don't expire, as long as your account is open.

  • The Chase Freedom's credit limit generally ranges from $500 to over $20,000 and is determined by your income and credit history. The majority of Chase Freedom cardholders have credit limits between $500 and $5,000.

  • The Chase Freedom card provides rental car insurance that covers damage due to collision or theft for most rental vehicles when traveling in the U.S. and abroad. For this auto rental damage collision waiver to apply, you must decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the full rental cost to your Chase Freedom card.

Our Credit Cards Experts

Lyle Daly
By: Lyle Daly

Writer

Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. He writes for The Ascent and The Motley Fool, and his work has appeared in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.

Nathan Alderman
Check IconFact Checked Nathan Alderman

Fact checker

Nathan Alderman has worked with The Motley Fool since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As The Ascent's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.