The Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card are perfect options if you’re after a straightforward credit card that racks up flat-rate rewards. No hassle, no tricky categories to deal with.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited sets itself apart with 1.5% back on non-bonus purchases, plus higher rewards in select categories including dining and travel. This flexible rewards card becomes even more valuable when paired with a premium Chase card, allowing you to transfer your rewards to travel partners.
The Ink Unlimited offers a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all business purchases with no bonus categories to track and no annual fee. This card shines brightest when paired with premium Chase cards, allowing you to transform your rewards into valuable Ultimate Rewards points for transfers to travel partners.
This article will compare each card based on several factors to help you make an informed decision on which card is the best to add to your wallet.
Full Reviews: Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card.
Overview: Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Ink Business Unlimited
Welcome Bonuses
Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited currently offers the following welcome bonus:
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Ink Business Unlimited
The Ink Unlimited offers a welcome bonus of:
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Earning Rewards
Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns the following rewards:
- 5% cash-back on travel purchased via the Chase Travel℠.
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides (through March 2025).
- 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
- 3% cash back at drugstores.
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Ink Business Unlimited
The Ink Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards (i.e., 1.5% cash back equals 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points).
Upgrade Your Earnings on Both Cards
Both of these cards are technically cash back cards. But you can easily increase the value by 25-50% of this card’s rewards by holding a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards card, which allows you to transfer to Chase’s airline and hotel partners or cash out points towards travel with higher bonuses:
Winner
The Chase Freedom Unlimited wins. Both cards offer 1.5% cashback on all purchases, but the Freedom Unlimited offers an extra 3% cashback for dining and drugstore spending.
Card Benefits and Perks
Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers the following benefits:
Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. After that, a reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR.
120-Day Purchase Protection: Get 120 days of protection against damage, theft, and even loss of your purchases – one of the longest windows available. This premium coverage automatically applies when you pay with your card.
Extended Warranty Protection: Your purchases gain an extra year of warranty protection when bought with this card, extending manufacturer warranties of three years or less without the inflated prices of store warranty plans.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance: This protection reimburses you for non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel before departure or cut your trip short due to covered situations like severe illness or weather events. Coverage activates when you pay for your trip with the card, but it’s important to note that reimbursement only applies for specific covered reasons rather than any cancellation.
Secondary Rental Car Insurance: This card provides backup protection for rental car damage or theft when you charge the full rental to your card.
Ink Business Unlimited
The Ink Business Unlimited offers these benefits and perks: Primary Rental Car Insurance steps in as the primary coverage when renting for business purposes for any damage or theft of a rental vehicle paid for with this card without needing to use your own auto insurance. Extended Warranty Protection: Your purchases gain an extra year of warranty protection when bought with this card, extending manufacturer warranties of three years or less without the inflated prices of store warranty plans. 120-Day Purchase Protection: Get 120 days of protection against damage, theft, and even loss of your purchases – one of the longest windows available. This premium coverage automatically applies when you pay with your card.
Winner
It’s a tie. Both cards offer basic travel and buyer protection benefits. However, if you really want the 3-month free Instacart and DashPass memberships, then go for the Freedom Unlimited.
Value of the Annual Fees
Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, making it a great option for earning rewards without having to pay a large annual fee.
Authorized users can be added to the card for free and can help earn rewards through their spending.
Ink Business Unlimited
The Ink Unlimited has no annual fee, letting you maximize value without yearly charges. Your card includes valuable coverages like primary rental car insurance and purchase protection at no extra cost.
Winner
It’s a tie. Both cards don’t have an annual fee.
Redeeming Rewards
Both Cards:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited and Ink Business Unlimited offer the same redemption options:
- Apply it as a statement credit to reduce your balance.
- Directly deposit it into most U.S. checking and savings accounts.
- Use it for travel, including rental cars, hotel stays, and flights.
- Purchase Apple products.
- Get gift cards for various brands, including hotels, office supplies, and electronics.
The Verdict
The Freedom Unlimited and Ink Business Unlimited are great for cashback on everyday expenses.
I would suggest holding both cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited for your personal spending and Ink Unlimited for your business spending.
Which card are you going to choose?
