The Chase Freedom Card since we first broke the news of this card release on our site years ago has been one of our favorite no annual fee credit cards. This is because it offers 5x points in rotating quarterly categories, for up to $1,500 of spend per quarter. While it was one of the first cards of its kind we mostly just use it to max out the 5% cashback in these categories.
5x on Holiday Shopping
Between October 1 and December 31, 2018, the Chase Freedom Card will offer 5x points on the first $1,500 of combined purchases with wholesale clubs, department stores, and on Chase Pay transactions. With Holiday shopping coming up you should get value out of being able to earn 5x points at wholesale clubs and department stores. The department stores category will be especially popular for holiday shopping.
If you don’t yet have the Chase Freedom Card you can still apply and take advantage of the fourth quarter bonus category.
Previously they offered from July 1 through September 30, 5x points for the first $1,500 of combined purchases for Lyft, Walgreens, and gas stations. Up until now, Chase has kept the 5x points category for the fourth quarter of 2018 was a secret. Maybe they were keeping it from Discover who normally gives an easier redemption for cash back than Chase.
Were happy to see the Chase Pay bonus that was available in the first two quarters of the year back for the fourth quarter. That’s a bonus category that’s easy to max out, given how many companies accept Chase Pay (including Starbucks, Uber, etc.).
5x at Walmart Hack
You can get the 5x bonus at Walmart and Walmart.com. Get the walmart app and sign up for Walmart Pay. Use Chase Pay as your default method of payment for Walmart Pay and then use Walmart Pay in the store using the Walmart app and selecting Walmart Pay, then scan the QR code at the register and it gets charged to your Chase Pay. Make sure the Freedom card is your default for Chase Pay. Walmart.com directly supports Chase Pay at checkout. Just log into your Chase Pay account. I maxed out three quarters using this trick.
Huge Discounts on Gas
Also Chase Pay allows you to pay at a Shell gas pump and you can link your Fuel Rewards card/discount to it so you can still redeem your discounts. No scan required, you’ll just use the phone app to activate the pump. I use this to reduce the risk of card skimming at gas stations and also have electronic receipts. Learn more about how to save tons on Shell gas purchases here.
