Chase is kicking off 2025 with a bang for Chase Freedom (not accessible to new candidates) and Chase Freedom Flex® cardholders. For the primary quarter, we’re seeing the return of three of our favourite classes and a brand-new one — in addition to a “birthday shock class” in March.
Now, cardholders can earn bonus rewards on spending at choose grocery shops, on health membership and gymnasium memberships, on self-care and spa providers, and — for the primary time — on Norweigan Cruise Line purchases.
Many people are setting objectives round well being and wellness for the brand new 12 months, and it is a nice probability to earn some additional rewards alongside the best way. Whether or not you are targeted on cooking extra at dwelling, testing a brand new gymnasium, decreasing stress by including in some spa therapies or cruising the excessive seas, there is a bonus class for you.
Now you can earn 5% money again (or 5 factors per greenback) — after activating — on as much as $1,500 of spending in these classes, and 1% (or 1 level per greenback) after that, via March 31.
The data for the Freedom bank card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or supplied by the cardboard issuer.
Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex Q1 2025 classes
Now via March 31, Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex cardmembers can earn 5% money again (or 5 factors per greenback) on spending within the following classes:
- Choose grocery shops (together with Instacart)
- Health membership and gymnasium memberships
- Self-care and spa providers
- Norwegian Cruise Line purchases (should guide instantly with the cruise line)
It is the fifteenth anniversary of the Freedom’s launch, and to have a good time, Chase will add a “shock birthday class” for purchases from March 1 to 31. Doctor of Credit reported that this will likely be insurance coverage funds and tax preparation providers.
TPG managing editor for bank cards Matt Moffitt noticed these classes seem on his Chase cell app on Dec. 16, however the subsequent day, they disappeared and have been changed by generic “birthday shock” class language. So, plainly Chase jumped the gun on publicizing these classes. These two classes will in all probability be added in March, however observe that there might be modifications, or these classes might be focused to particular cardholders.
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As famous above, you should activate your card to unlock the bonus-earning potential in these classes.
It is easy to finish this course of via your Chase account; simply present your final identify, the final 4 digits of your card and your ZIP code. Registration is now open.
Analyzing the Q1 bonus classes
The primary quarter of the 12 months is the proper time to take stock of your habits and set new objectives for the approaching 12 months. In case your 2025 objectives contain meal planning, the grocery class is price getting enthusiastic about. Even higher: most grocery supply providers (together with Instacart) are lined, so it can save you time whereas incomes extra.
No matter your health habits, a health membership or gymnasium membership could be a vital expense that does not match into many bank card bonus classes. That is why it is particularly good to see it as a first-quarter bonus class.
Self-care and spa providers are returning as a bonus class for the second time. Whether or not you are treating your self by going for a brand new have a look at the salon or reserving some much-needed rest time on the spa, you will earn bonus rewards in your me-time.
And also you could be in search of a post-holidays reprieve and someplace to go over an extended weekend (like those arising for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day) or spring break. If that’s the case, reserving a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line will internet you some bonus money again or factors.
Listed here are the bonus particulars:
- Grocery shops: Residence cooks and meal preppers will rejoice to see the return of the grocery retailer class. As famous above, grocery-specific supply providers (similar to Instacart) are included on this class. Nonetheless, shops that promote a variety of merchandise — similar to wholesale golf equipment like Costco and big-box retailers like Goal — will not be included.
- Health membership and gymnasium memberships: Should you’re becoming a member of a snazzy new health studio, pay together with your Freedom or Freedom Flex to earn bonus rewards and kick up the thrill to a different stage. Should you’re persevering with an present membership, change your card on file to your Freedom or Freedom Flex for the primary quarter and use the additional rewards to deal with your self. Observe, nevertheless, that solely bodily studio memberships are included; you will not earn bonus rewards on health streaming subscriptions.
- Self-care and spa providers: The return of this class is thrilling, as the brand new 12 months is a good time to spend money on self-care and stress reduction. Eligible magnificence and restoration therapies (similar to massages, spa therapies, manicures, tanning, and barber and salon providers) at a spa or taking part salon will earn bonus rewards this quarter. Nonetheless, providers supplied inside a unique kind of enterprise, similar to a spa inside a lodge, will not be included.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Avid cruisers — or those that have by no means tried one earlier than — can reap the benefits of incomes money again (or factors) on cruises booked instantly with NCL. Purchases via third-party distributors and journey companies — similar to sightseeing actions, excursions and vacationer points of interest — will not be included.
- Birthday shock class: Coming in March.
Do not forget that Chase limits the 5% money again (or 5 factors per greenback) to the primary $1,500 spent in mixed bonus classes every quarter you activate the bonus. After you attain the utmost, you will earn 1% again on these purchases.
FAQs about Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex bonus classes
How do rotating classes work?
Every quarter, Chase publicizes a gaggle of bonus classes that may earn 5% money again (or 5 factors per greenback) all through the upcoming three-month interval. Usually, these classes are introduced midway via the month earlier than the brand new quarter begins to present cardmembers time to activate new classes beforehand. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to activate your classes till halfway via the final month of the quarter.
The classes are inclined to repeat periodically. As an example, grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations are all frequent classes you will discover ceaselessly pop up on the cash-back calendar. So, relying on the classes and whether or not you’ll be able to maximize them, these two playing cards can supply fairly a pleasant chunk of money again or bonus factors over the 12 months.
Associated: Chase Freedom Flex card review: Incredible earning with no annual fee
How a lot money again can I earn every quarter?
Chase limits the 5% money again (or 5 factors per greenback) to the primary $1,500 spent in mixed bonus classes every quarter you activate the bonus.
Whereas that won’t sound like rather a lot, that money again provides up over time. Maximizing the cash-back classes every quarter, you will earn $75 in money again quarterly and as much as $300 per 12 months. For a no-annual-fee credit card, that is numerous worth.
Alternatively, because the money again you earn comes within the type of Chase Ultimate Rewards factors, you are taking a look at a possible of as much as 30,000 bonus Final Rewards factors earned annually. Suppose you even have a premium product just like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. In that case, you’ll be able to combine the Ultimate Rewards points you earn together with your Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex card with these you earn out of your extra premium Final Rewards-earning card, they usually become fully transferable.
In that case, TPG’s December 2024 valuations peg Chase factors at 2.05 cents apiece — making the 30,000 factors you’ll be able to earn in a 12 months price $615.
How do I activate my 5% classes every quarter?
You’ll be able to head to Chase’s site to activate your 5% money again (or 5 factors per greenback) for this quarter. You can even register via your Chase cell app, making one much less bank card web site you will want to go to usually this 12 months.
This is the right way to register:
1. Head to the Chase bonus activation page, or log into your Chase account.
2. Enter your final identify, the final 4 digits of your card quantity, and your billing ZIP code. If you do not have your card available, log in to your Chase account to retrieve these digits.
3. Click on “Activate your 5%” to register.
4. You probably have a number of Chase Freedom playing cards, ensure to register every one.
5. Save a screenshot of your activation in case of any points later — although you must also obtain a “You are Activated!” affirmation electronic mail.
Can I’ve each the Chase Freedom and the Chase Freedom Flex to double my incomes potential?
Sure, you’ll be able to have each playing cards. So, if you have already got the Chase Freedom and wish to add the Chase Freedom Flex to your pockets, you are free to take action.
Do not forget that the unique Freedom card is not open to new candidates. Should you’d reasonably solely have one, although, the Freedom Flex is available as a product change.
In fact, you will additionally wish to make sure you’re eligible for a new Chase card.
How do I maximize my Freedom and Freedom Flex playing cards?
A very powerful factor is to activate your card to earn 5% money again (or 5 factors per greenback) every quarter within the particular classes after which use your card for purchases in these classes.
You’ll be able to arrange a recurring reminder in your calendar, or join the TPG newsletter. (We ship out a reminder when it is time to activate each quarter, plus ideas and tips for the right way to maximize your card strategy and rating some excellent award redemptions.)
Higher but, when paired with a Chase credit card that earns absolutely transferable Final Rewards factors just like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, the Chase Freedom Flex’s 5% money again successfully turns into 5 Final Rewards factors per greenback. You’ll be able to study all about this in our guide detailing the “Chase Trifecta.”
In that case, you’ll be able to switch the factors earned with the Freedom Flex to Final Rewards factors, in addition to to journey companions like Southwest Airlines, Hyatt and United Airlines.
What are frequent bonus classes for the Freedom and the Freedom Flex?
In fact, you will additionally wish to just remember to’ll probably have the ability to maximize different bonus classes all year long. For reference, listed below are the earlier Chase Freedom quarterly classes again to 2012 so you’ll be able to determine if frequent classes make sense to your spending patterns:
| Yr/Quarter | Bonus Classes |
|---|---|
| 2025 — Q1 | Choose grocery shops, health membership and gymnasium memberships, self-care and spa providers and Norweigan Cruise Line purchases; “birthday shock” class for purchases in March |
| 2024 — This fall | McDonald’s (elevated 7% money again for Freedom Flex cardholders), PayPal, pet outlets and veterinarian providers, and choose charities |
| 2024 — Q3 | Fuel and electrical car charging stations, film theaters, and choose reside leisure |
| 2024 — Q2 | Motels booked via Chase Journey℠, eating and Amazon (totally different incomes charges relying on the cardboard, i.e., 9%, 7% and 5%, respectively, for the Freedom Flex; 5% for all three classes for the Freedom) |
| 2024 — Q1 | Choose grocery shops, health membership and gymnasium memberships, and self-care and spa providers |
| 2023 — This fall | PayPal, choose charities and wholesale golf equipment |
| 2023 — Q3 | Fuel stations, EV charging and choose reside leisure |
| 2023 — Q2 | Amazon and Lowe’s |
| 2023 — Q1 | Grocery shops, gymnasium memberships and health golf equipment, and Goal |
| 2022 — This fall | PayPal and Walmart |
| 2022 — Q3 | Fuel stations, rental vehicles, film theaters and choose reside leisure |
| 2022 — Q2 | Amazon and choose streaming providers |
| 2022 — Q1 | Grocery shops and eBay |
| 2021 — This fall | PayPal and Walmart |
| 2021 — Q3 | Grocery shops and choose streaming providers |
| 2021 — Q2 | Fuel stations and residential enchancment shops |
| 2021 — Q1 | Wholesale golf equipment, choose streaming providers and web, cable and cellphone providers |
| 2020 — This fall | PayPal and Walmart |
| 2020 — Q3 | Amazon and Complete Meals Market |
| 2020 — Q2 | Grocery shops, gymnasium memberships and health golf equipment, and choose streaming providers |
| 2020 — Q1 | Fuel stations; web, cable and cellphone providers; and choose streaming providers |
| 2019 — This fall | Chase Pay, PayPal and shops |
| 2019 — Q3 | Fuel stations and streaming providers |
| 2019 — Q2 | Grocery shops and residential enchancment |
| 2019 — Q1 | Fuel stations, drugstores and tolls |
| 2018 — This fall | Wholesale golf equipment, shops and Chase Pay |
| 2018 — Q3 | Lyft, Walgreens and gasoline stations |
| 2018 — Q2 | Groceries, PayPal and Chase Pay |
| 2018 — Q1 | Cell wallets, gasoline stations and web, cable and cellphone service retailers |
| 2017 — This fall | Walmart and shops |
| 2017 — Q3 | Eating places and film theaters |
| 2017 — Q2 | Grocery shops and drugstores |
| 2017 — Q1 | Fuel stations and native commuter transportation |
| 2016 — This fall | Wholesale golf equipment, drugstores and shops |
| 2016 — Q3 | Eating places and wholesale golf equipment |
| 2016 — Q2 | Grocery shops and wholesale golf equipment |
| 2016 — Q1 | Fuel stations and native commuter transportation |
| 2015 — This fall | Amazon, Zappos, Audible and Diapers.com |
| 2015 — Q3 | Fuel stations and Kohl’s |
| 2015 — Q2 | Eating places, Mattress Bathtub & Past, H&M and Overstock |
| 2015 — Q1 | Grocery shops, film theaters and Starbucks |
| 2014 — This fall | Amazon, Zappos and shops |
| 2014 — Q3 | Fuel stations and Kohl’s |
| 2014 — Q2 | Eating places and Lowe’s |
| 2014 — Q1 | Fuel stations, film theaters and Starbucks |
| 2013 — This fall | Department shops and Amazon |
| 2012 — Q3 | Fuel stations, theme parks and Kohl’s |
| 2012 — Q2 | Eating places and film theaters |
| 2012 — Q1 | Fuel stations, drugstores and Starbucks |
Backside line
Should you’re a Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex cardholder, now you can earn 5% money again (or 5 factors per greenback) on grocery, health membership and gymnasium membership, self-care and spa, and Norwegian Cruise Line purchases via March 31. A “birthday shock” class will likely be added for purchases in March.
Along with the rotating bonus classes, the Freedom Flex accrues 5% money again on all different journey booked via Chase Travel, 3% money again on drugstore purchases, 3% money again on eating (together with eligible supply providers), and 1% limitless money again on all different purchases.
Apply right here: Chase Freedom Flex with a sign-up bonus of $200 money again after spending $500 on purchases throughout the first three months of account opening.