Chase has started off the year 2024 with a bang for Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders by introducing some exciting bonus categories for the first quarter. From now until March 31, cardholders can earn bonus rewards on spending at select grocery stores, fitness club and gym memberships, and self-care and spa services.
The timing of these bonus categories is perfect, as many of us set goals for the new year centered around health and wellness. Whether you’re focused on cooking more at home, joining a new gym, or reducing stress through self-care and spa treatments, there’s a bonus category for you.
To take advantage of these bonus categories, you can earn 5% back (or 5 points per dollar) on up to $1,500 of spending in these categories, and 1% back (or 1 point per dollar) after that, after activating your card. Activation can be done easily online through your Chase account by providing your last name, the last four digits of your card, and your ZIP code.
Let’s take a closer look at the Q1 2024 bonus categories:
1. Select Grocery Stores (including Instacart): If your 2024 goals involve meal planning and cooking at home, the grocery category is worth getting excited about. You can earn bonus rewards on your grocery purchases, and even better, most grocery delivery services like Instacart are included in this category. This means you can save time while earning more.
2. Fitness Club and Gym Memberships: Fitness club and gym memberships can be a significant expense that doesn’t usually fit into many credit card bonus categories. That’s what makes it especially nice to see it as a Q1 bonus category. Whether you’re joining a snazzy new fitness studio or continuing an existing membership, paying with your Freedom or Freedom Flex card will allow you to earn bonus rewards and add some excitement to your fitness routine.
3. Self-Care and Spa Services: This quarter, self-care and spa services are making their bonus category debut. The new year is a great time to invest in self-care and stress relief, and now you can earn bonus rewards on your me-time. Eligible beauty and recovery treatments, such as massages, spa treatments, manicures, tanning, and barber and salon services, at a spa or participating salon will earn bonus rewards. This is a great opportunity to pamper yourself and earn rewards at the same time.
It’s important to note that Chase limits the 5% back (or 5 points per dollar) to the first $1,500 spent in combined bonus categories each quarter after activation. After reaching the maximum, you will earn 1% back on these purchases.
Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions about the Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex bonus categories:
1. How do rotating categories work?
Each quarter, Chase announces a group of bonus categories that will earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) for the upcoming three-month period. These categories are typically announced halfway through the month before the new quarter starts, allowing cardmembers time to activate the new categories beforehand. Activation can be done until midway through the last month of the quarter. The categories tend to repeat periodically, so depending on the categories and your ability to maximize them, these cards can offer significant cash back or bonus points throughout the year.
2. How much cash back can I earn each quarter?
Chase limits the 5% back (or 5 points per dollar) to the first $1,500 spent in combined bonus categories each quarter after activation. Although it may not sound like a lot, this cash back can add up over time. By maximizing the cash-back categories each quarter, you can earn $75 in cash back quarterly and up to $300 per year. For a no-annual-fee credit card, that’s a substantial value. Alternatively, since the cash back is in the form of Ultimate Rewards points, you have the potential to earn up to 30,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points each year. If you have a premium product like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you can combine the Ultimate Rewards points earned from your Freedom or Freedom Flex card with those from your premium card, making them fully transferable and potentially worth even more.
3. How do I activate my 5% categories each quarter?
To activate your 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) for this quarter, you can visit Chase’s website or register through your Chase mobile app. You’ll need to provide your last name, the last four digits of your card number, and your billing ZIP code. If you have multiple Chase Freedom cards, make sure to register each one. It’s a good idea to save a screenshot of your activation in case of any issues later, although you should also receive a confirmation email.
4. Can I have both the Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex to double my earning potential?
Yes, you can have both cards. If you already have the Chase Freedom and want to add the Chase Freedom Flex to your wallet, you’re free to do so. However, please note that the original Freedom card is no longer available to new applicants. If you’d rather have just one card, the Freedom Flex is available as a product change. Just ensure that you’re eligible for a new Chase card before applying.
5. How do I maximize my Freedom and Freedom Flex cards?
The most important thing is to activate your card to earn the 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) each quarter in the specific categories, and then use your card for purchases in those categories. Setting up a recurring reminder in your calendar or signing up for the TPG newsletter can help you remember to activate every quarter and provide tips and tricks for maximizing your card strategy. Additionally, pairing your Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex card with a Chase credit card that earns fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, can increase the value of your rewards. By doing so, the 5% cash back effectively becomes 5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar, which can be transferred to travel partners like Southwest, Hyatt, and United.
In conclusion, Chase has kicked off 2024 with exciting bonus categories for Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders. The Q1 bonus categories include select grocery stores, fitness club and gym memberships, and self-care and spa services. These categories align well with the new year’s focus on health and wellness goals. By activating your card and using it for purchases in these categories, you can earn 5% back (or 5 points per dollar) on up to $1,500 of spending. So whether you’re cooking at home, hitting the gym, or indulging in some self-care, there’s an opportunity to earn extra rewards along the way.