Overview

Who is the Chase Freedom Designed For?

Chase's Freedom Card is one of the best cash back credit cards available with no annual fee. It is designed for people who want a generous cash back card but don't want to pay an annual fee. The cash rewards program includes a substantial signup bonus and up to 5% in cash back in certain purchase categories.

What are the Chase Freedom's Rates?

Rates range from 16.49% APR to 25.24% APR depending on your credit score. 

Freedom offers an attractive 0% APR introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers during the first 15 months. However, there is a 5% balance transfer fee to consider. The cash advance rate is 26.49% APR.

What Are Chase Freedom's Fees?

Freedom is not a travel-friendly credit card. It charges 3% on the purchase amount of each foreign transaction. There is a $10 or 5% cash advance fee, whichever is greater, and a $5 or 5% balance transfer fee.

As well as a higher APR, cardholders must pay a late payment fee ranging from $15 to $37, depending on the balance of the late payment, and a $37 return payment fee.

What Is Chase Freedom's Rewards Program Like?

Freedom's reward program is straightforward and simple to use. Cardholders get 1% cash back on all purchases and 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in revolving categories every three months. In 2018, for example, members can save 5% at gas stations from January to March and 5% at grocery stores from April to June. 

What about Chase Freedom's Signup Bonus?

Chase's Freedom card offers a $150 cash bonus, if you spend a minimum of $500 within the first three months. You can qualify for an additional $25, if you add an authorized user to the card. The bonus is only for new members and the account must be open and payments current for the bonus to be honored.

Does the Chase Freedom Have Any Other Benefits?

Although primarily a cash back card, Freedom rewards can be converted into cash or redeemed through any of the redemption opportunities offered by the Ultimate Rewards program. These include flights, car rental, hotels, gift cards, and Amazon.com purchases. 

How Is Chase Freedom Better Than Other Credit Cards?

It is rare for a card with no annual fee to allow users to rack up rewards as high as 5% of purchases. With a little planning, you can earn up to $300 a year just on the bonus categories. Add to that the $150 signup bonus, the no limit rewards on additional purchases, and that you can convert the points to Chase's Ultimate Rewards program, and you have a winning card for people with good credit who don't want to pay annual fees.