The Chase Freedom Flex Card is easily one of the best no annual fee cards out there, as it offers 5x points in rotating quarterly categories, for up to $1,500 of spending per quarter. Most people use this as a cashback card, meaning the 5x points really translates into 5% cashback in these categories.
5% Cash Back Categories from GAS to Dining
Chase Freedom Unlimited $200 Bonus [Best No Annual Fee GAS & Grocery Card to beat Inflation]
- $200 Bonus when you make a purchase for spending $500 in the first 3 months
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides
- 5% cash back on Amazon, Hotels, & Restaurants starting in April 2024! 5% back on GAS is coming back for another quarter but for now Discover offers 5% back.
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- No minimum to redeem for cash back
- Standard offer on both has typically been $150/$500, so this is a small boost. There are occasionally targeted or branch offers of $300 for either of the cards.
- Compare to Chase Freedom Flex
- Go here for the offer
Earn 50,000 points ($700 worth), A-List elite status, Upgraded Boardings with the Southwest Premier credit card
- 3x points on Southwest purchases
- 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
- 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
- 1x points on all other purchases
- Go here to apply for the 50,000 Rapid Rewards points bonus
More Ways TO Save on Gas Purchases (stackable)
- 7 Best Gas Station Loyalty Programs
- Shell Fuel Rewards Gas App
- Casey’s Gas Rewards – Play a game to win each day savings on snacks and gas!
What’s included with Chase Freedom Flex Q4 2024 bonus categories?
There’s often some confusion about what purchases qualify with the bonus categories, so let me recap Chase’s definitions.
Here’s what’s included with the gas station bonus category:
Merchants in the gas stations category sell automotive gasoline that can be paid for either at the pump or inside the station and may or may not sell other goods or services at their location. Merchants that do not specialize in selling automotive gasoline are not included in this category; for example, truck stops, boat marinas, oil and propane distributors, and home heating companies.
Here’s what’s included in the car rental agencies bonus category:
Merchants in the car rental agencies category rent vehicles for the purpose of driver and passenger transportation. Car rentals not booked directly with the car rental agency will not qualify; for example, car rentals purchased through travel agencies, discount travel sites, vacation clubs, tour operators, or as part of a package offered by merchants such as cruise lines and railways. Merchants that provide RV rentals or vehicle rentals for the purpose of hauling are not included in this category. Qualifying car rental agency purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards® will only earn a total of 5%.
Here’s what’s included in the movie theaters bonus category:
Merchants in the movie theaters category show motion pictures to an audience, including at drive-in theaters. Theaters that provide live entertainment and merchants that sell and rent movies or provide movie subscription or streaming services are not included in this category. Purchases other than your tickets will not be included in the category unless they classify as a movie theater; for example, in theatre dining, food and beverage, or merchandise purchases.
Here’s what’s included with the select live entertainment bonus category:
Merchants in the Select Live Entertainment category sell tickets for in-person entertainment such as major sporting events, zoos and aquariums, concerts, theatrical productions, museums, tourist attractions and exhibits, amusement parks, circuses, carnivals, bands, and entertainers. Ticket agencies selling on behalf of the entertainment venue are included. Some merchants that sell tickets for in-person entertainment are not included in this category; for example, movie theaters, bowling alleys, horse racing tracks, casinos, and dance hall/clubs. Purchasing from a hotel/concierge is not included nor excursions or purchases as part of a travel package.
My take on Chase Freedom Flex Q3 2024 bonus categories
Everyone has different spending patterns, though I can’t say I’m terribly excited about the Q3 2022 bonus categories:
- Gas is a legitimate expense for many, so it’s great to be able to earn 5x points on that
- I wouldn’t put a rental car purchase on the Chase Freedom, since I’d want to use a card offering primary rental car coverage
- Both the movie theater and select live entertainment bonus categories are pretty niche, and personally don’t have much appeal for me
Of course we’re not all going to love all these bonus categories equally, but for me Q3 will be a tough one to maximize.
Bottom line
The Chase Freedom Flex is one of the best no annual fee cards out there, thanks largely to the ability to earn 5x points in rotating quarterly categories. Registration has just opened for the Q3 2024 bonus categories, and as of July 1 you’ll start to be able to earn 5x points on the first $1,500 spent with gas stations, car rental agencies, movie theaters, and select live entertainment. This is a great opportunity for maximizing your spending.
