The Chase Freedom credit card is a popular cash back card that offers rotating bonus categories each quarter. These categories allow cardholders to earn 5% cash back on specific types of purchases. For the first quarter of 2024, the bonus categories include Grocery Stores (excluding Walmart® and Target®), Fitness Clubs & Gym Memberships, and Self-Care & Spa Services.
One of the unique features of the Chase Freedom card is the ability to transfer points to other Chase credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points. This means that if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Ink Business Preferred, or Ink Plus card, you can transfer the points earned from your Chase Freedom card to one of these accounts. From there, you can take advantage of Chase’s travel partners and get even more value from your points.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the bonus categories for the first quarter of 2024.
Grocery Stores:
The Grocery Stores category includes supermarkets and smaller grocery stores that offer a full-service grocery line of merchandise, including a deli and bakery. However, larger stores that sell a wide variety of goods and groceries, such as warehouse clubs and discount stores, are not included. Additionally, purchases made at gas stations from merchants who also operate grocery stores are not included. It’s important to note that delivery service merchants will be included if they classify as a grocery store merchant.
Fitness Clubs & Gym Memberships:
This category includes health clubs, exercise, or athletic facilities that require membership and offer access to services related to physical fitness. This can include fitness clubs, fitness centers, fitness studios, gyms, and other similar services. However, merchants that specialize in offering personalized or therapeutic services like massage therapy, dietary and weight management counseling, and personal training are not included. Additionally, certain merchants that sell a wide variety of general goods, which may include fitness or athletic apparel, sporting goods, dietary food, health food, or similar supplements, are also not included.
Self-Care & Spa Services:
This category includes self-care and spa services such as massages, spa treatments, manicures, tanning, and barber and salon services. These services are typically provided by licensed professionals. However, services provided by medical professionals will not qualify. It’s important to note that purchases of self-care and spa services at merchants that classify their location in another category, such as spa services purchased in a hotel, will not be included unless the merchant classifies the transactions in this category. Additionally, purchases of related products and services, such as hair and skincare products purchased at a salon or an overnight stay at a spa, will also not be included unless the merchant classifies the transactions in this category.
Now that we know the bonus categories for the first quarter of 2024, it’s important to remember that the 5% cash back only applies to the first $1,500 spent on combined purchases each quarter. This means that if you spend $1,500 on a combination of Grocery Stores, Fitness Clubs & Gym Memberships, and Self-Care & Spa Services this quarter, you will receive a total of 7,500 points (1,500 plus a bonus of 6,000 points).
To take advantage of the 5% cash back, you must activate the offer each quarter. Chase usually sends out email reminders to cardholders who have signed up for them. However, if you haven’t activated the 5% for this quarter yet, you can register now or any time during the registration period and earn the full 5% for the entire quarter retroactively. Registration for the first quarter of 2024 ends on March 14, 2024.
In conclusion, the first quarter of 2024 brings exciting bonus categories for Chase Freedom cardholders. By taking advantage of these categories and transferring points to other Chase credit cards, you can maximize the value of your rewards. Don’t forget to activate the offer and start earning 5% cash back on your eligible purchases.