In this article

share:

Why Chase Freedom Unlimited® Might Be the Best First Credit Card

An easy-to-use, no-annual-fee card that builds rewards and long-term value.

Written by: Sebastian FungLast updated: August 07, 2025
share:
beginner credit.png
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which AskSebby will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. AskSebby is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers.

If you're new to credit or just starting your credit card journey, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® might be one of the smartest first cards to get. It's simple, flexible, and packed with features that make it more rewarding than most student or starter cards, even if you're not optimizing for travel.

 

Let's break down why it's often ranked as one of the best beginner-friendly cards on the market, how to qualify, and whether it fits into a broader Chase card strategy.

Quick Overview: Why the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Makes Sense for Beginners


card art for the Chase Freedom Unlimited® cardChase Freedom Unlimited®
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Annual fee: $0

Sebby's take: Great multipliers and is a great standalone card or system card (Chase Trifecta). With no annual fee and tons of optionality (cash back or travel since you earn UR) it's an easy pickup.

What Kind of Credit Do You Need for the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card?


The Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card is often considered by people who are building or expanding their credit profile. While approval isn't guaranteed, applicants with good credit and a history of responsible financial behavior may have stronger odds.
 

Chase reviews your entire profile, not just your credit score. This includes factors such as payment history, credit utilization, income, and the number of new accounts you've opened recently. Even if your credit history is limited, demonstrating reliability with existing accounts can work in your favor.

 

📌 Note: There's no set credit score that guarantees approval. Credit decisions depend on multiple factors, and the criteria may change over time.

Why the Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card Works Well for First-Time Cardholders


1. No Annual Fee = Low-Risk Way to Build Credit

For anyone just starting out, it’s helpful to have a card that lets you focus on building positive habits without the pressure of justifying a yearly fee. With the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, there’s no annual fee, making it an easy fit whether you’re a student, young professional, or simply new to credit.
 

2. Straightforward Rewards That Don’t Require Micromanaging

This card earns a base rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which makes it simple for beginners who don’t want to juggle rotating or niche bonus categories. On top of that, you also earn 3% on dining and drugstore purchases and 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel℠.
 

These categories cover common, everyday spending, allowing you to start earning rewards right away without changing your lifestyle.
 

3. Grows With You Over Time

Whether you’re focused on groceries and gas today or planning travel rewards in the future, this card scales with your goals. As your income and credit profile grow, you can pair it with other cards in the Chase ecosystem, like a Sapphire card, to unlock even more value through point transfers and travel redemptions.
 

It’s a flexible, long-term choice that works just as well on day one as it does down the road.

How This Card Sets You Up for Future Travel Rewards


While the Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card is marketed as a cash back card, it actually earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. On its own, those points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or travel through Chase Travel℠ at a 1:1 rate. 

However, if you later add a premium card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you unlock access to points transfers to travel partners and higher redemption values when booking through Chase Travel℠.
 

This opens the door to:

  • 1:1 point transfers to airline and hotel partners
  • Elevated travel redemptions with Points Boost (up to 50% more value with Sapphire Reserve)
  • Booking flights, hotels, and more via Chase Travel℠
     

So, starting with the Freedom Unlimited now helps you build a long-term Chase ecosystem strategy, without locking you into travel rewards right away.

✈️ Best Beginner Travel Card
card art for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardChase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Sebby’s Take: One of the best starting points into the travel rewards world. You have flexible points, strong multipliers, a reasonable annual fee, and tons of optionality (whether team cash back or travel).

🚨 Offer Ending Soon
card art for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardChase Sapphire Reserve®
Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $795

Sebby's Take: This premium travel card is packed with perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, and elevated rewards on travel and dining. It’s a top choice for frequent travelers who want premium benefits and flexible redemption options

Final Thoughts


For beginners who want a low-pressure way to build credit, earn rewards, and keep options open for future travel, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no-brainer. It’s simple, strong, and scales with you.

If you’ve already picked up a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, this becomes a perfect companion. If not, it’s a great standalone starter card that won’t hold you back.
 

📘 Want to learn how to stack your Freedom Unlimited with the Sapphire cards for max value? Check out our Chase Trifecta guide next.

FAQ: Chase Freedom Unlimited® for Beginners


What kind of credit do you need for the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card?

Chase generally looks for applicants with good credit and a history of responsible financial behavior. Approval decisions are based on a range of factors, including income, credit history, debt levels, and recent account activity. Keep in mind that no specific credit score guarantees approval, and requirements may vary over time.

Is it better than a student card?

Yes, if you can qualify. The Freedom Unlimited offers higher rewards, a stronger bonus, and more growth potential.

Does it hurt to apply?

Like all credit cards, Chase will do a hard pull on your credit. If you’re approved, it can help build credit history over time.

Can I get this card with no credit history?

It’s possible, but not likely. You’ll have better odds with at least some history, a steady income, and low existing debt.

Is there a foreign transaction fee?

Yes, Chase Freedom Unlimited charges a 3% foreign transaction fee. If you travel internationally, you may want to add a no-foreign-fee card later.

💳 Featured Card Offers


Advertiser Disclosure
Chase Sapphire Reserve®

100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit