Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The Chase Freedom Flex 5% bonus categories are grocery stores (excluding Walmart), Target, fitness clubs, and gym memberships from January through March 2023. Chase Freedom Flex gives 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in these bonus categories, as long as the cardholder activates them by March 14.
Keep mind that the bonus categories on Chase Freedom Flex’s calendar change quarterly and don’t always repeat year over year. It’s also important to note that any purchases in these categories above the $1,500 limit will give 1% cash back.
Chase Freedom Flex Calendar for 2023
| Quarter | Bonus Categories |
| January to March |
|
| April to June | To be announced |
| July to September | To be announced |
| October to December | To be announced |
How the Chase Freedom Flex Calendar Works
The Chase Freedom Flex 5% calendar is pretty straightforward and easy to use. In order to earn 5% cash back in the Chase Freedom Flex bonus categories each quarter, you will need to “activate” the category. The deadline to activate is typically halfway through the final month of the quarter.
Unfortunately, you can’t see the whole year’s cash back categories in advance. But you do get about a month’s notice, and Chase is very transparent about the activation dates. As long as you activate before the deadline, all purchases in the bonus categories during the quarter will get 5% cash back, even if you made them before activation.
How to Activate the Chase Freedom Flex Bonus Categories
- Online: For online activation, visit the Chase bonus categories page and enter your name, the last 4 digits of your card number, and your ZIP code. Then, click on the green “Activate your 5%” button.
- Through Chase Ultimate Rewards: You can also activate the bonus categories through the Chase Ultimate Rewards webpage. Just log in using your credentials and click the “5% cash back” button, followed by the “Activate your 5%” button.
- Via the Chase mobile app: Download the Chase mobile app and log in to your account. Scroll down until you find “5% cash back” and tap that link. On the next screen, tap the “Activate your 5%” button.
- At a Chase branch: You can visit your nearest Chase branch and ask for a teller to help you.
- Over the phone: You can call (800) 432-3117 or the number you see on the back of your card. Enter your credit card number, and you will be connected to a live representative who should be able to assist you with your request.
- At a Chase ATM: You can activate your Chase Freedom Flex bonus categories with one click at a Chase ATM while making a cash withdrawal.
Past Chase Freedom Flex Bonus Categories
| Year | Bonus Categories per Quarter |
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2019 |
|
| 2018 |
|
It’s also worth noting that the Chase Freedom family has another good rewards credit card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. This card’s bonus categories don’t rotate but include a wide range of purchases, from drugstores to dining and travel. The card offers 1.5 - 5% cash back, depending on the type of purchase.
Alternatives to the Chase Freedom Flex Card
- Overall: Chase Freedom Unlimited®Chase Freedom Unlimited®Learn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Bonus Categories of Your Choice: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® CardU.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Groceries & Streaming Subscriptions: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressBlue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Top Monthly Spending Category: Citi Custom Cash℠ CardCiti Custom Cash℠ CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
You can also check out our editors’ latest picks for the best 5% cash back credit cards on the market.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
People also ask
How can I redeem my Chase Freedom Flex rewards?
You can redeem your Chase Freedom Flex rewards by logging in to your online account and navigating to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. From there, you will be able to redeem Chase Freedom Flex credit card points for cash back, gift cards, travel, or merchandise from participating retailers. Chase Freedom Flex points are generally worth 1… read full answer
show lessIs Chase Freedom Flex hard to get?
Yes, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is hard to get because it requires at least a good credit score for approval. This means that applicants need a credit score of around 700+ to have decent odds of getting approved for Chase Freedom Flex.
What You Need to Get a Chase Freedom Flex Card
- Good credit score of… read full answer
What is the Chase calendar for 2022?
The Chase calendar for January through March lists grocery stores and eBay as the bonus rewards categories for eligible Chase cards. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent each quarter in these rotating categories. Any purchases made over that limit will earn 1%. Once the quarter… read full answer
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