American Airlines is betting that a trip to New England might be in the cards for you this summer.
25.09.2023 - 21:39 / thepointsguy.com / Credit Card / Chase Freedom
It's no secret that stepping into the world of credit card points and miles can be intimidating. Intricate rewards structures, hefty annual fees and unattainable sign-up bonuses are hard enough for the pros to grasp. But for a beginner like myself, it can feel impossible.
That said, when it came time to sign up for my first credit card, one stood out among the rest, alleviating every reservation I previously held about credit cards.
Here are five reasons why I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited as a credit card beginner.
With many credit cards using rotating bonus categories and complex tier structures, I worried about choosing a card I could fully maximize. I have a lot on my mind, and keeping track of which spending category switched this month is simply not on my to-do list.
Thankfully, the Chase Freedom Unlimited eliminates the guesswork with its straightforward yet lucrative rewards structure:
For me, the 3% back on dining has been the MVP in terms of my spending. I'm always on the go, meeting up with friends, so eating out has become a regular part of my lifestyle. I can confidently make the most of my restaurant excursions with the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
The 1.5% back on all other purchases should also not be understated. Even the points and miles experts get excited about it. Most cards in the market only offer 1% outside of bonus categories, putting the Chase Freedom Unlimited a step above. I can earn at least 1.5% back on every purchase, every day, without any limitations. Now, that's definitely something to write home about.
Related: The complete guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards
Another feature that attracted me to the Chase Freedom Unlimited as a credit card beginner was its unique sign-up bonus. With this card, I automatically earned an additional 1.5% on all purchases up to $20,000 spent in my first year.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited's welcome offer stands out because most other cards follow a structure similar to the American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of account opening.
Knowing my typical spending habits, I wouldn't be able to meet such a substantial spending requirement, and keeping track of it within the time frame felt like an unnecessary chore. With the Chase Freedom Unlimited, I effortlessly earned welcome bonus rewards without any second thoughts.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular Chase credit cards based on offer history
Now, points and miles experts often talk about how the benefits of their cards, such as lounge access, hotel statement credits and airline companion passes, make up for the annual fee. And they're right — if you're a frequent traveler.
As a
American Airlines is betting that a trip to New England might be in the cards for you this summer.
When it comes to taking care of your credit card, the first things that come to mind are probably paying your bills on time, managing your budget and monitoring your credit score.
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This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
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