Why the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a top choice for college juniors
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The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a versatile card for college juniors or seniors who want to earn solid rewards without the burden of an annual fee. With a range of bonus categories, useful benefits, and a generous welcome offer, this card stands out as a well-rounded choice.
While this is not necessarily the first card you can get as a college student, it's an excellent card for older students looking to start thinking about post grad life.
In this review, we’ll cover the card’s key features, including its introductory offer, earn rates, and additional perks.
A Competitive Welcome Offer
A welcoming feature of the Chase Freedom Unlimited is its appealing introductory offer. New cardholders can earn a $200 bonus after spending just $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. This makes it an accessible and appealing option for those looking to start earning rewards quickly with a low spending threshold.
This $200 bonus is received as 20,000 bonus points, which can then be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Cash Back Categories: A Strong Everyday Performer
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is primarily known for its unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This is a particularly nice benefit since most students don't have time to think about their spending categories; rather, you'll earn evenly on groceries, clothes, and textbooks.
Simplicity is king when it comes to the Freedom Unlimited.
The card also offers competitive rewards across several additional categories:
3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
3% cash back on drugstore purchases
There’s no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn, and rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open. For those seeking a card that consistently earns well in both bonus categories and miscellaneous spending, the Freedom Unlimited delivers.
Additional Earning Opportunities
Along with the cash back categories mentioned above, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers additional opportunities for cardholders to earn cash back, making the card an even stronger contender for everyday spending. The card offers:
2% cash back on qualifying Lyft purchases through 09/30/2027
6 months of complimentary DashPass membership for use on DoorDash and Caviar if activated by 12/31/2027
Up to $10 off one eligible non-restaurant DoorDash order per calendar quarter while enrolled in DashPass
Travel Protection Benefits
Although not marketed as a travel card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited includes a few valuable protections:
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: You can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per covered traveler 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 or other covered situations.
Auto Rental Coverage: Decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage provides reimbursement for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles. In the U.S., coverage is secondary to your personal insurance.
Why It’s Great for College Juniors
With no annual fee and a low spending requirement for the welcome bonus, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is accessible even on a student budget.
However, it's not typically easy to get the card as your first one. Chase typically likes to see some type of credit history before you delve into the Chase world.
If you can get the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, it can really help make your money go further.
Final Thoughts: Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited Right for You?
With no annual fee, well-rounded bonus categories, and useful travel and purchase protections, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is an excellent choice for everyday use. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a frequent diner, or someone who simply wants reliable cash back on all purchases, this card offers real value and flexibility.
If you’re looking for a strong, flexible rewards card that performs across the board, the Freedom Unlimited is definitely worth considering.