Chase Freedom Flex®: Earn 5% Cashback on Popular Categories

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Earn 5% Cash Back on Rotating Categories with Chase Freedom Flex®

If you’re seeking a no-annual-fee credit card that offers outstanding cashback rewards, look no further than the Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card. This card provides incredible value for cardholders who want to maximize rewards in rotating bonus categories, as well as on travel and dining purchases. In addition, it comes with a variety of protections, such as purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and fraud monitoring. In this review, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Chase Freedom Flex®, including how to earn and redeem rewards, the card’s benefits, and how it compares to other Chase credit cards.

Card Highlights

There is no annual fee, making it a cost-effective cashback credit card.
Earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly bonus categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases).
5% Cashback on travel purchases made through Chase Travel.
Earn 3% cash back on dining, including restaurants, takeout, and delivery services.
3% Cashback on drugstore purchases.
1% Cashback on all other purchases, ensuring you earn rewards on every dollar spent.
$200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months of account opening.
0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
Flexible cashback redemption options: statement credit, gift cards, or Amazon purchases.
Cell phone protection is up to $800 for damaged or stolen phones when you pay your bill with the card.
Purchase protection covers eligible purchases for up to 120 days against damage or theft.
Extended warranty of up to 1 year on eligible items purchased with the card.
Trip cancellation insurance covers up to $1,500 per traveler.
Fraud protection and zero liability for unauthorized transactions.
Access to Chase Pay Over Time for flexible payments.
Quarterly bonus categories allow you to earn higher rewards by activating the offers each quarter.
3 months of DoorDash DashPass subscription with no delivery fees and discounts on orders.
Lyft riders can earn 5% cash back on eligible rides when using the card.

These Chase Freedom Flex® benefits make it one of the most versatile no-annual-fee credit cards available. Whether you want rewards for dining, travel, or everyday purchases, this card offers an ideal combination of features.

Rates and Fees of Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card

Annual Fee: $0, making it an excellent no-annual-fee credit card.
Introductory APR: 0% for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
APR after Introductory Period: Variable APR of 19.49% – 28.24%.
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater.
Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount advanced, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fee: None, allowing you to use your card abroad without extra fees.
Late Payment Fee: Up to $40 if a payment is missed.
Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40 for returned payments.
Cash Back Redemption Fee: No fees for redeeming Cash back rewards.

The Chase Freedom Flex® provides transparent and competitive rates, ensuring that there are no surprises when it comes to costs. The 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months helps you manage purchases or balance transfers without interest. After that, the variable APR for purchases and balance transfers ranges from 19.49% to 28.24%. With no foreign transaction fee, it’s an excellent option for international travelers.

See Full Rates and Fee

Overview: Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card

The Chase Freedom Flex® is a cashback card that allows cardholders to earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories and additional rewards on travel, dining, and drugstore purchases. It stands out as one of the best cashback credit cards available today due to its robust rewards program and comprehensive set of features. Moreover, the card comes with no annual fee, making it an affordable option for those who want to benefit from high cashback rewards without having to pay for card membership.

The Chase Freedom Flex® offers cardholders the ability to earn significant rewards on everyday spending. Whether you’re purchasing gas, dining out, or booking travel, this card has you covered. Plus, it’s part of the Chase Rewards program, which allows you to pool your rewards with other Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® for even more valuable redemption options.

Let’s explore the key features of this card in more detail to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your financial goals.

Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card Benefits

1. Chase Freedom Flex® Sign-Up Bonus

One of the Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card’s most enticing features is its $200 bonus offer. New cardholders can earn $200 after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of opening their account. This bonus can be a great way to quickly boost your rewards balance, especially when combined with the card’s 5% cash back categories and other spending opportunities.

To help maximize the $200 bonus, plan and use the card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, or even online shopping, ensuring you meet the spending requirement without any extra effort. Keep in mind that Chase credit card offers like this often come with time-sensitive conditions, so be sure to meet the spending requirements in the first three months to qualify.

This introductory offer makes the Chase Freedom Flex® a great choice for those who want a quick return on their spending. The best part? There’s no annual fee, which means you can earn Cashback without worrying about additional costs eating into your rewards.

2. How the Chase Freedom Flex® Rewards Program Works?

The Chase Freedom Flex® is part of the Chase Rewards program, which allows you to earn Cashback in multiple categories. The card’s rewards program offers a unique combination of rotating bonus categories and fixed bonus categories for purchases such as dining and drugstores.

Here’s a breakdown of how the Chase Freedom Flex® rewards program works:

5% Cash back on quarterly rotating categories: These categories change every three months and allow you to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter. In order to earn 5% cash back in these categories, you must activate them each quarter. Past bonus categories have included gas stations, grocery stores, and select online merchants.
5% Cash Back on Travel Purchases: You’ll earn 5% cash back on all travel purchases made through Chase Travel. This is an excellent benefit for those who frequently book flights, hotels, and car rentals through Chase Travel.
3% Cash Back on Dining Purchases: Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, ordering takeout, or using delivery services like DoorDash, you’ll earn 3% cash back. This makes the Chase Freedom Flex card an excellent option for foodies and frequent restaurant-goers.
3% Cash Back on Drugstore Purchases: If you make purchases at drugstores (including CVS® and Walgreens®), you’ll earn 3% cash back. This is a nice perk, as many credit cards offer lower cashback rates on drugstore purchases.
1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases: For any purchases that don’t fall into the categories above, you’ll still earn 1% cash back, ensuring you continue to earn rewards on every dollar spent.

The card’s ability to offer high reward rates on everyday categories makes it an ideal choice for those looking to maximize their spending across different areas. Moreover, the 5% cash back in quarterly bonus categories offers a chance to earn additional rewards throughout the year.

3. Chase Freedom Flex® 5% Cash Back Categories

One of the most attractive features of the Chase Freedom Flex® is its quarterly bonus categories, which offer 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases every three months. These categories change each quarter, so it’s important to activate them on time to earn the bonus.

The quarterly categories for 2025 include a mix of popular spending categories like gas stations, grocery stores, and select online merchants, among others. Let’s take a look at an example of potential quarterly categories for the year:

January–March 2025: Grocery stores (excluding Walmart® and Target®), fitness clubs, and Norwegian Cruise Line® purchases.
April–June 2025: Gas stations, home improvement stores, and streaming services.
July–September 2025: Travel purchases, restaurants, and select entertainment venues.
October–December 2025: Holiday shopping categories, including department stores and online merchants.

To earn the 5% cash back, you must activate these bonus categories within the Chase account portal each quarter. Activation is quick and can be done online, making it easy to ensure you never miss an opportunity to earn extra Cashback.

The Chase Freedom Flex® allows you to maximize rewards during these high-spending months. With a $1,500 combined spending limit per quarter, you can earn up to $75 in 5% cash back each quarter just by taking advantage of these bonus categories.

4. Chase Freedom Flex® Travel Benefits

While the Chase Freedom Flex® is primarily a cashback credit card, it still offers valuable travel rewards and benefits. If you frequently travel for business or pleasure, here are some key perks you can enjoy with this card:

5% Cashback: On travel booked through Chase Travel.
Trip cancellation insurance: Receive up to $1,500 per traveler for eligible trip cancellations or interruptions.
Auto rental collision damage coverage: Protect your rental car in case of damage or theft when you use your Chase Freedom Flex® card.
Travel assistance services: Get legal and medical referrals, helping you access necessary resources while traveling.
Zero liability protection: If your card is lost or stolen, you’re protected from unauthorized transactions.

These travel benefits help cardholders enjoy peace of mind while traveling, whether it’s booking a flight through Chase Travel, renting a car, or making purchases while abroad.

How You Can Redeem Your Chase Freedom Flex® Rewards?

Once you’ve accumulated rewards, there are plenty of ways to redeem them. Chase Freedom Flex® offers flexible redemption options, including:

Statement credit: Apply your rewards as a statement credit to reduce your card balance.
Direct deposit: Transfer your rewards directly into your U.S. checking or savings account.
Amazon redemption: Use your points for purchases on Amazon, with no minimum redemption requirement.
Gift cards: Choose from a wide selection of gift cards at popular retailers with a low minimum redemption threshold.
Travel bookings: Use your rewards to book travel through Chase Travel.

With so many options to redeem your rewards, you have the freedom to choose how to use your Chase Freedom Flex® rewards.

5. Additional Features and Benefits

The Chase Freedom Flex® offers more than just a great rewards program. It comes with a wide range of additional benefits that provide valuable protection and peace of mind for cardholders. These benefits include:

0% Intro APR: On purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. After this period, a variable APR of 19.49%–28.24% applies.
Purchase protection: For up to 120 days against damage or theft.
Extended warranty: On eligible purchases, adding up to 1 year to your existing manufacturer warranty.
Fraud protection & zero liability: For unauthorized transactions.
Cell phone protection: Receive up to $800 in coverage for stolen or damaged phones when you pay your monthly phone bill with your Chase Freedom Flex card.
Auto rental collision damage coverage: Secondary coverage for rental cars, providing added protection when you travel.

With all these features, the Chase Freedom Flex® card becomes much more than a simple cashback card. It provides valuable coverage, allowing you to protect your purchases, travel more securely, and even safeguard your phone.

Chase Freedom Flex® vs. Other Chase Credit Cards

When compared to other Chase credit cards, the Chase Freedom Flex® offers a more attractive rewards structure, especially if you’re looking for a no-annual-fee credit card. Let’s compare it with a few other popular Chase cards:

Comparison of Chase Freedom Flex® vs.Chase Sapphire Reserve® vs.Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs.Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Feature	Chase Freedom Flex®	Chase Sapphire Reserve®	Chase Freedom Unlimited®	Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Sign-up Bonus	$200 after spending $500	60,000 points after $4,000	$200 after spending $500	60,000 points after $4,000
Annual Fee	$0	$550	$0	$95
Cash Back Rate	5% on quarterly categories, 3% dining, 1% on other	N/A	1.5% on all, 3% dining, 5% on travel	2x on travel, 3x on dining, 5x on Chase Travel
Intro APR	0% for 15 months	N/A	0% for 15 months	N/A
APR after Intro	19.49%–28.24% variable	21.49%–28.49% variable	19.49%–28.24% variable	20.49%–27.49% variable
Travel Rewards	5% on Chase Travel, 1% on other	5x on flights, 10x on hotels & car rentals through Chase Travel	5% on Chase Travel	5x on travel through Chase Travel
Other Perks	No annual fee, purchase protection, extended warranty	$300 travel credit, purchase protection, luxury travel perks	3% on drugstores, no annual fee	2x on travel, purchase protection, dining rewards
Foreign Transaction Fee	None	None	None	None

Which Credit Card Offers the Best Value?

Chase Freedom Flex® stands out with no annual fee and up to 5% cash back in quarterly categories. It is an excellent cashback card for those who want flexibility. It also offers an attractive 0% intro APR for the first 15 months.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium card with a high annual fee of $550, but it offers luxury travel benefits such as 10x points on hotels and 5x on flights through Chase Travel. It also provides a generous $300 travel credit.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® is ideal for those seeking straightforward Cashback; It offers 1.5% off all purchases and 3% off dining. There is no annual fee, and the intro APR offer is the same as the Freedom Flex®.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® offers a $95 annual fee and strong travel rewards, earning 5x points on travel through Chase Travel and 3x on dining. It’s a great mid-tier option for those who want solid travel rewards.

Is Chase Freedom Flex® the Right Card for You? Here’s Why You Might Consider Other Options

While the Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card is a popular choice for earning Cashback, it might not be the best fit for everyone. Certain factors, such as spending habits, reward preferences, and financial goals, could make other credit cards more suitable.

Best Alternatives to Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card

Card	Annual Fee	Sign-Up Bonus	Rewards	Intro APR	Key Difference
Chase Freedom Flex®	$0	$200 after spending $500 in 3 months	5% on rotating categories (up to $1,500 quarterly), 5% on travel via Chase, 3% at restaurants & drugstores, 1% on other purchases	0% for 15 months (purchases & balance transfers)	Unique rotating & fixed categories, requires tracking
Chase Freedom Unlimited®	$0	$250 after spending $500 in 3 months	5% on travel via Chase, 5% on Lyft, 3% on restaurants & drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases	0% for 15 months (purchases & balance transfers)	Simplified rewards, no rotating categories
Discover it® Cash Back	$0	Cashback match at end of 1st year	5% on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter), 1% on all other purchases	0% for 15 months (purchases & balance transfers)	Similar to Flex but with no fixed categories and better bonus match
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature®	$0	$200 after spending $1,000 in 3 months	5% on 2 chosen categories (up to $2,000 quarterly), 2% on 1 everyday category, 1% on others	Varies	Customizable categories for better control over rewards
Blue Cash Preferred® from AmEx	$0 intro, then $95	$250 after spending $3,000 in 6 months	6% on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000), 6% on select streaming, 3% on U.S. gas & transit, 1% on other purchases	0% for 12 months (purchases & balance transfers)	Best for grocery & streaming, fixed categories but annual fee

How Does the Chase Freedom Flex® Stack Up vs. Competitors?

Chase Freedom Flex® vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Flex® offers 5% cashback in rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500) and a 3% rate on dining and drugstores. However, it requires activation for the rotating categories, which may be inconvenient for some users. In contrast, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® simplifies things with a 1.5% cashback on every purchase. While the Freedom Flex® offers more targeted rewards for specific spending, the Unlimited® provides a straightforward earning structure, which might be more appealing to those who prefer simplicity.

Chase Freedom Flex® vs. Discover it® Cash Back

Both the Chase Freedom Flex® and Discover it® Cash Back provide 5% cashback on rotating categories, but Discover’s standout feature is its Cashback Match program, where it doubles the rewards earned in the first year. This can significantly increase your first-year earnings. However, the Chase Freedom Flex® has fixed 3% rewards on categories like dining and drugstores, offering broader coverage for everyday expenses. On the flip side, Discover doesn’t provide such fixed categories but can be very rewarding in the long term with its match offer.

Chase Freedom Flex® vs. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature®

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® is an excellent alternative for those who like flexibility. Unlike the Chase Freedom Flex®, which offers preset rotating categories, the Cash+® card allows you to choose two 5% categories each quarter (up to $2,000 in combined purchases). It also has a 2% category of your choice, such as restaurants or gas stations. This flexibility can be a better fit for users who prefer to have more control over their rewards.

Chase Freedom Flex® vs. Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express

For users focused on groceries and streaming, the Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express shines with 6% cashback on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000) and 6% on select streaming services. In contrast, the Chase Freedom Flex® offers rotating 5% categories, which may not always align with your spending habits. However, the Blue Cash Preferred® comes with an annual fee of $95 after the first year, which is a consideration for those looking to avoid fees.

Overall Comparison

The Chase Freedom Flex® stands out with its combination of rotating and fixed bonus categories, offering strong rewards for specific spending. It is ideal for those who enjoy tracking and maximizing quarterly categories. However, cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® offer simpler and more flexible options with consistent cashback across a variety of categories. For those focused on grocery and streaming rewards, the Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express offers exceptional value but comes with an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I activate the 5% cash back categories?

To activate the quarterly bonus categories, login to your Chase account and select the option to activate the offer. Once activated, you'll earn 5% cash back on eligible purchases in the specified categories.

Q: Is there a limit to how much I can earn with the 5% cash back categories?

Yes, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter. After reaching this limit, any additional purchases will earn 1% cashback.

Q: How do I redeem my rewards from the Chase Freedom Flex®?

You can redeem your rewards for statement credits, gift cards, and travel bookings or use them for purchases on Amazon.

Conclusion

The Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card stands out as an excellent no-annual-fee option for earning cashback across rotating categories, dining, and travel. While similar cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offer a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all purchases, the Flex® provides up to 5% cash back on quarterly bonus categories. It also competes well against cards like the Discover it® Cash Back with its rotating categories, though it lacks the first-year Cashback Match.

For those seeking flexibility, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® offers more control over categories, but the Chase Freedom Flex® remains a solid choice for those looking to earn higher rewards without paying an annual fee. Plus, its additional benefits like purchase protection, trip cancellation insurance, and $200 bonus make it a competitive and versatile option.

8.5Expert Score

The Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card offers no annual fee and great cashback rewards, including 5% on rotating categories, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months. With flexible redemption options and purchase protections, it’s ideal for earning rewards on everyday spending. However, rotating categories need activation, and the 0% intro APR is limited to 15 months.

Rewards Value

9.6

Online Tools

8.6

Customer Service

8.6

Extra Perks

8.2

Intro APR Length

8.8

Rewards Flexibility

Features

PROS

No annual fee, making it cost-effective.
5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500).
3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases.
$200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.

CONS

Rotating categories require activation each quarter.
Limited to $1,500 per quarter for 5% cashback.
0% intro APR only lasts for the first 15 months.
Requires good credit for optimal approval and rewards.

Specification: Chase Freedom Flex®: Earn 5% Cashback on Popular Categories

Best For:	People looking for cash back rewards, especially on rotating bonus categories and travel purchases.
Recommended Credit	Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Intro Offer:	$200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards	5% cash back on quarterly bonus categories (up to $1,500), 5% on Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.
Annual Fee:	$0
Regular APR:	18.99% – 28.49% (variable)
Intro Balance Transfers APR:	0% for the first 15 months
Intro Purchase APR:	0% for the first 15 months
Intro Purchase APR Period:	15 Months
Balance Transfers Fee:	Intro fee: $5 or 3% (whichever is greater), after 60 days: $5 or 5% (whichever is greater)
Foreign Transaction Fee	3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
Cash Advance Fee	Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee:	Up to $40
Cash Equivalent Fee	N/A
Convenience Check Fee	N/A
Returned Payment Fee:	Up to $40
Over Limit Fee:	Not specified.
ExtendPay Fee	Monthly fee of up to 1.72% of the amount of each eligible purchase if using Chase Pay Over Time
Credit Card Limit:	At least $500
Credit Card Type	Mastercard
Credit Card Features	No annual fee, 5% cash back on rotating categories, 3% on dining, travel rewards, fraud protection, purchase protection, extended warranty, trip cancellation, and cell phone protection.