Chase Automatically Moving Some Freedom Cards to Freedom Unlimited
Chase is automatically changing some original Chase Freedom cards over to the Chase Freedom Unlimited, according to emails sent out in recent days.
The original Freedom card has been closed to new applicants for years, but many people still keep it because it earns 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories after activation. That feature goes away once the card is converted.
What’s Changing
The notice says affected cardholders are being moved to a Freedom Unlimited Visa Signature automatically.
After the change, the card will earn:
- 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3% back on dining
- 3% back at drugstores
- 1.5% back on all other purchases
The big tradeoff is that cardholders will no longer earn 5% back in rotating quarterly bonus categories. According to the email, the upgrade will happen by November 20, 2026.
Until then, cardholders can keep using the old Freedom card. The mobile wallet should update automatically, and Chase says a new physical card will be sent out. The account number will stay the same, although the expiration date and CVV may change. Existing rewards will also transfer automatically.
Don’t Want Freedom Unlimited?
If you prefer keeping the rotating 5% categories, there may be another option.
Recent reports indicate that Chase is once again allowing original Freedom Visa cardholders to product change to the Freedom Flex Mastercard. The Freedom Flex keeps the quarterly 5% categories and also earns 3% on dining and drugstores. You’ll need to call Chase to request that change.
