What are the Chase Freedom Flex department stores?

No, there is no Chase Freedom Flex grocery stores list of all the specific qualifying locations. However, cardholders can use Chase Freedom Flex at any store with the merchant category code for supermarkets.

In addition, cardholders can earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent, when the bonus category for that quarter is groceries. Chase Freedom Flex gives 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in a new set of bonus categories each quarter. For all the other purchases, you’ll earn 1% cash back.… read full answer

The Chase Freedom Flex grocery store category includes:

• Major supermarket chains
• Smaller stores that mainly sell groceries
• Online groceries
• Delivery services

Superstores such as Walmart and Target do not qualify as grocery stores for Chase Freedom Flex. The same applies for discount stores (e.g. Dollar Tree) and warehouse clubs (e.g. Costco). Grocery purchases at retailers like drugstores and gas stations are also excluded.

The Chase Freedom 5% bonus categories are grocery stores (excluding Walmart), Target, fitness clubs, and gym memberships. Cardholders earn 5% back on up to $1,500 spent in the bonus categories from January through March 2023 (then 1% back). To earn the 5% bonus rewards rate, cardholders must activate the new bonus categories by March 14.… read full answer

Just bear in mind that the bonus categories on Chase Freedom’s calendar 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. The same 1% rate goes for all purchases outside of the Chase Freedom bonus categories. These policies apply to both the original Chase Freedom Card and Chase Freedom Flex℠.

Chase Freedom Calendar for 2023

In order to earn 5% cash back in the Chase Freedom 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. Luckily, 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 you activated.

How to Activate the Chase Freedom Bonus Categories

• Online: Visit the Chase Freedom webpage and click the green “Activate your 5%” button. Enter your name, the last 4 digits of your card number, and your ZIP code. Then, click on “Activate your 5%.”
• Through Chase Ultimate Rewards: Visit the Chase Ultimate Rewards website and log in using your credentials. Click the “5% cash back” link that will be shown on your account page. On the next screen, click the “Activate your 5%” button that is located under the upcoming bonus categories.
• Via the Chase mobile app: Download the Chase mobile app and log in using your credentials. Scroll down until you find the “5% cash back” section. Tap that link and then tap the “Activate your 5%” button you will see on the next screen.
• 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 also activate your Chase Freedom bonus categories with one click at a Chase ATM while making a cash withdrawal.

Past Chase Freedom Bonus Categories

It’s important to note that the Chase Freedom Card is no longer available to new applicants, having been replaced by the Chase Freedom Flex Card. However, existing Chase Freedom cardholders can continue using their cards, and both Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex have the same bonus categories.

The Chase Freedom family also has a third card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®. This card’s bonus categories don’t rotate and 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 Card

Ultimately, you can check out our editors’ latest picks for the best 5% cash back credit cards on the market to weigh your options.

Walmart is not considered a grocery store for credit cards. Major credit card networks assign a specific merchant category code (MCC) to purchases made at traditional grocery stores. This code doesn’t include “big-box” retailers like Walmart or Target because they sell a lot more than groceries. But Walmart Neighborhood Markets are considered grocery stores for credit cards since they sell groceries exclusively.… read full answer

If you want to earn bonus rewards on groceries purchased at Walmart, consider the Walmart Store Card. It offers 3% cash back on walmart.com purchases, including grocery pickup. The card also gives 2% cash back on Walmart and Murphy USA gas purchases. All in-store purchases, including groceries, yield 1% cash back.