2021 Chase Freedom Flex Categories: Where Can You Earn 5% Back?

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Highlights
Rewards
Balance transfers
Fees

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
No annual fee.
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.

5% cash back on:
- Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Lyft rides (through March 2022)
- Grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart) up to $12,000 spent in the first year
5% cash back in rotating categories, up to $1,500 in spending each quarter, then 1%
3% cash back at:
- Restaurants
- Drugstores
1% cash back on all other purchases

Introductory bonus

$200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months

A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.

Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A for N/A
Regular Balance Transfer APR14.99% - 23.74% Variable
Balance Transfer FeeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Penalty APRUp to 29.99%
Late FeeSee Terms
Returned Payment FeeSee Terms
Additional Cards Annual FeeN/A
Foreign Transaction Fee3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

The information related to Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.

Chase Freedom Flex 2021 Bonus Category Calendar

Because Chase doesn’t announce the next quarter’s bonus categories until the current quarter nears its end, planning your spending with the Freedom Flex card can be a little tricky.

But as you can see by the cash back calendar below, categories usually include common credit card rewards options, plus a unique addition here and there. We’ve included the full calendar from 2020, so you can get a basic taste for what Chase’s bonus categories might look like. There’s no guarantee that any of the categories listed below will appear again, though, so check back to discover how to get cash back from the Chase Freedom Flex once the quarter comes to a close.

Quarter	2021 Categories	2020 Categories
January – March	Wholesale Clubs Streaming Services Internet, Cable, Phone Services	Gas Stations Streaming Services Internet, Cable, Phone Services
April – June	Gas Stations Home Improvement Stores	Grocery Stores Fitness Club and Gym Memberships Streaming Services
July – September	Grocery Stores (excluding Target and Walmart) Select Streaming Services	Amazon.com Whole Foods Markets
October – December	TBA	Walmart PayPal

You can activate your 2021 Q3 categories starting June 14, 2021 and ending September 14, 2021.

Chase Freedom Flex Rotating Bonus Categories: Q3 2021

As we mentioned above, the Chase Freedom Flex bonus categories for Q3 2021 are grocery stores and select streaming services.

There’s nothing complicated about using the card this quarter. Just use the Freedom Flex at grocery stores, and to pay for your streaming services.

Aside from Target and Walmart, some other stores are excluded from the grocery category, including wholesale clubs, discount stores, and smaller stores like drugstores and gas station stores.

The eligible streaming services are: Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Netflix, YouTube TV, Sling, Vudu, Fubo TV, Apple Music, SiriusXM, Pandora, and Spotify.

See more details about the bonus categories in Chase’s Freedom Flex FAQ.

Making the Most of This Quarter’s Rotating Bonus Categories

There are a few simple strategies for putting the Freedom Flex’s Q3 2021 bonus categories to good use.

Fill up the pantry: Use the Freedom Flex every time you visit the grocery store. Depending on how much you typically spend, you might hit the $1,500 limit with nothing but your normal shopping trips.
Switch your streaming service payment methods: If the Freedom Flex wasn’t already your payment method for your TV and music services, set it up for July through September.
Consider gift cards if you didn’t hit the quarterly limit: If you still have some of your $1,500 limit remaining at the end of the month but don’t have any reason to use it, consider buying gift cards at grocery stores. Retail store gift cards usually earn rewards at the same rate as other store purchases (but not always, so buy a gift card for a low amount to test if you’re unsure).

Chase Freedom Flex Reward Categories: What You Need to Know

Chase Freedom Flex cardholders can earn 5% cash back at grocery stores and on select streaming services during Q3 2021.
Q3 rewards are available from July 1 to September 30, 2020, and can be activated from June 14 to September 14.
Earning at the 5% bonus rate is capped at $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter (rotating categories only). After that you’ll earn 1% back.
Rotating categories must be activated before you’ll earn at the bonus rate; no matter when you activate, all eligible purchases in that quarter will receive 5% back (even those made before activating).
Freedom Flex cardholders also earn:
- 5% cash back on:
  - Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  - Lyft rides (through March 2022)
- 3% cash back at:
  - Restaurants
  - Drugstores
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months

A Quick Overview of the Chase Freedom Flex Card

The Chase Freedom Flex is mainly known for its rotating 5% bonus categories, but there are a few other features worth noting.

Topping the list? Its other rewards. Beyond its rotating categories, the Freedom Flex offers an impressive 5% cash back (with no spending limit!) on Lyft rides (through March 2022) and travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. As if that weren’t enough, you get 3% cash back at restaurants and drugstores, too, completing what’s easily one of the most valuable credit card offers available for no annual fee.

Chase Freedom Flex cardholders are currently offered a welcome bonus with an impressive return on spend: $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months.

There’s also a strong introductory APR offer, providing 0% APR for 15 months on purchases (then 14.99% - 23.74% Variable).

The Freedom Flex card comes with a few solid benefits, too.

You get a free DoorDash membership for three months, and then a 50% discount on the membership for the following nine months. The membership, called DashPass, gives you free delivery and reduced service fees on orders over $12.

Shop through Chase is an online shopping portal where you can earn a higher reward rate when you shop at select retailers. At the time of publication, your options include (but aren’t limited to) Macy’s (3% extra), Walmart (2% extra), Home Depot (1% extra), and Best Buy (1% extra).

Plus, cardholders can take advantage of Chase Offers, a similar benefit that provides temporary deals, like discounts or cash back, on certain products or with select retailers once activated.

Several complimentary protections are also included with the Freedom Flex card, including purchase protection, an auto rental collision damage waiver, and cell phone protection, thanks to its World Elite Mastercard benefits.

The Chase Freedom Flex is a contactless card, making quick payments a breeze.

How to Make the Most of Your Chase Freedom Flex Rewards

Making the most of the Freedom Flex card’s unique rotating cash back rewards program requires a bit of strategy. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to maximize the value of your cash back.

Make purchases in non-rotating categories: The Freedom Flex card provides high rewards rates on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, as well as purchases made at both restaurants and drugstores. And, with these categories, there are no spending limits to worry over, so you should use them as often as you can.
Buy gift cards: Even if you don’t currently need anything from the active bonus categories, consider buying gift cards to use on future purchases at those stores. If the current bonus categories include places like gas stations, grocery stores, or drugstores, you may even be able to buy gift cards for use at other stores that you find more convenient.
Buy items you think you’ll need in the future: Depending on the current bonus categories, you could buy things that might serve you in the future, even if there’s no imminent need. Nonperishable goods from grocery stores are a good example, as are cleaning supplies and tools you might find at a home improvement store. Tailor your shopping accordingly when categories change.
Shop through Chase/Chase Offers: Use Shop through Chase and Chase Offers, and you can combine the typical 1%, 3%, or 5% rate (depending on the merchant) with additional cash back or savings.
Transfer your rewards to a Chase Ultimate Rewards points card: Earn a better return on your spending by transferring rewards to an Ultimate Rewards card that allows point transfers and provides bonus points on travel redemptions. Options are:

Cards to Use With the Chase Freedom Flex

The Chase Freedom Flex is a solid credit card, but the ever-changing nature of its rewards system makes it one that’s easy to use in conjunction with other cards.

We’ve compiled a few cash back cards with rewards programs that complement that of the Freedom Flex, making it easier to maximize your rewards across the board.

Discover it® Cash Back

Our rating:

Rewards
Balance transfers
Fees

5% cash back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then 1%; activation required):
- January – March: Grocery Stores, Walgreens, CVS
- April – June: Gas Stations, Wholesale Clubs, Select Streaming Services
- July – September: Restaurants, PayPal
- October – December: Amazon.com, Target.com, Walmart.com
1% cash back on all other purchases

Introductory bonus

Cashback Match: Get double cash back for the first year, provided at the end of the first year

A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.

Intro Balance Transfer APRSee Terms for See Terms
Regular Balance Transfer APRSee Terms
Balance Transfer FeeSee Terms

Penalty APRN/A
Late FeeSee Terms
Returned Payment FeeSee Terms
Additional Cards Annual FeeN/A
Foreign Transaction FeeNone

Key Features

Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 5% cash back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 in spending per quarter, then 1%), 1% cash back on all other purchases
Cashback Match: Get double cash back for the first year, provided at the year’s end

Conversations around the Freedom Flex card nearly always include mention of its closest competitor, the Discover it® Cash Back (Review). Like the Freedom Flex, it provides rotating bonus categories (see the calendar below) where you earn at a 5% rate until you reach $1,500 in quarterly spending.

One difference, however, is that Discover provides the full year’s bonus category calendar ahead of time, rather than making you wait like Chase. And with the Discover it, you’ll only earn 5% back on purchases made after you activate, unlike the Freedom Flex which provides retroactive rewards for the whole quarter.

Another key difference is that the Discover card’s signup bonus doubles all cash back earned in the first year, which offers more potential value than the Freedom Flex card’s intro bonus. That’s one of the more attractive introductory credit card offers, especially when it comes to cards without annual fees.

The downside? The Discover card offers none of the additional rewards — beyond the rotating categories — that have given the Flex an edge on the competition.

While it’s often considered a one-or-the-other situation, the quarterly bonus categories offered by the Chase Freedom Flex and Discover it are often different enough that you can benefit from using them together. Simply use them on whichever bonus categories are in effect for that quarter, and then use the Discover it for other purchases during the first year in order to capitalize on its signup bonus.

Quarter	2021 5% Cash Back Categories
January – March	Grocery Stores, Walgreens, and CVS
April – June	Gas Stations, Wholesale Clubs, Select Streaming Services
July – September	Restaurants, PayPal
October – December	Amazon.com, Target.com, Walmart.com

U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card

Our rating:

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Highlights
Rewards
Balance transfers
Fees

Earn up to $550 cash back in the first year.
$150 bonus after spending $500 in eligible net purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible net purchases ($100 per quarter) on two categories you choose. That adds up to $400 cash back!
2% cash back on your choice of one everyday category, like gas stations or grocery stores.
1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
No limit on total cash back earned.
0% Intro APR* on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 13.99% - 23.99%
No annual fee*
Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2020 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2020

5% cash back on your choice of two bonus categories (up to $2,000 in combined net purchases per quarter)
2% cash back on your choice of one everyday category:
- Gas
- Groceries
- Restaurants
1% cash back on everything else

Introductory bonus

$150 cash bonus for spending $500 in the first 90 days after account opening

A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.

Intro Balance Transfer APR0%* intro on BTs for 12 billing cycles on Balance Transfers*
Regular Balance Transfer APR13.99% - 23.99%* Variable
Balance Transfer Fee3%

Penalty APRN/A
Late FeeUp to $40
Returned Payment FeeUp to $35
Additional Cards Annual Fee$0
Foreign Transaction Fee2% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in U.S. Dollars 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in a Foreign Currency

Annual fee: $0*
Rewards: 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined net purchases each quarter on two categories you choose, 2% cash back on your choice of one everyday category, 1% cash back on everything else
Introductory bonus: $150 cash bonus for spending $500 in the first 90 days after account opening

The U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card (Review) also offers 5% cash back (up to $2,000) in select quarterly categories. However, rather than earning 5% in categories of your issuer’s choice, you get to pick two categories from a list that’s subject to change every quarter.

Like the Discover it, you’ll only earn 5% cash back on purchases made after you activate. So it’s a bit less forgiving than the Freedom Flex.

You also get to choose one “everyday” category (think gas stations or grocery stores), where you’ll earn 2% cash back. For best value, wait until the Freedom Flex card’s bonus categories are revealed, and then activate this card’s bonus categories to avoid overlap.

U.S. Bank Cash+ 5% Cash Back Categories
TV, Internet & Streaming Services	Fast Food	Cell Phone Providers
Department Stores	Home Utilities	Select Clothing Stores
Electronics Stores	Sporting Goods Stores	Movie Theaters
Gyms/Fitness Centers	Furniture Stores	Ground Transportation

Citi^® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer

Our rating:

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Highlights
Rewards
Balance transfers
Fees

Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Balance Transfer Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.99% – 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back.
If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.99% – 23.99% based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.

2% cash back for every purchase (must pay at least the minimum due on time):
- 1% back when you make a purchase
- 1% back when you pay for that purchase

A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.

Intro Balance Transfer APR0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers
Regular Balance Transfer APR13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
Balance Transfer FeeBalance transfer fee applies with this offer 3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum

Penalty APRUp to 29.99% (Variable)
Late FeeUp to $40
Returned Payment FeeUp to $40
Additional Cards Annual FeeN/A
Foreign Transaction Fee3%

Citi is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.

Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 2% cash back for all purchases: 1% when purchases are made, and 1% when they’re paid for (must pay at least the minimum due on time)

The Citi^® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer (Review) has earned a reputation as one of the best credit cards for all-around spending. There’s no annual fee, and you get 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% back when a purchase is made, and then another 1% when you pay it off.

The Double Cash is a solid choice for balance transfers, with a 0% intro APR offer for 18 months on Balance Transfers (then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)).

Using the Double Cash with the Chase Freedom Flex is simple. Pick the Freedom Flex card when spending in its 3% and 5% bonus categories, and use the Double Cash for everything else.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card

Our rating:

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Highlights
Rewards
Balance transfers
Fees

No annual fee
$200 cash rewards bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
NEW OFFER: Maximize your cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement /furnishings
Now earn 3% cash back in your choice category and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
You can update your choice category for future purchases once each calendar month using the Mobile Banking app or Online Banking, or do nothing and it stays the same
No expiration on rewards
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 13.99%–23.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to balance transfers
If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more cash back on every purchase

3% cash back in one category of your choice:
- Gas
- Online shopping
- Dining
- Travel
- Drugstores
- Home improvement/furnishings stores
2% cash back at:
- Grocery stores
- Wholesale clubs
1% cash back on all other purchases
3% and 2% rewards only up to $2,500 spent per quarter, then 1% cash back

Introductory bonus

$200 cash rewards bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days

A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.

Intro Balance Transfer APR0% for 15 billing cycles
Regular Balance Transfer APR13.99%–23.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee3%, $10 minimum

Penalty APRUp to 29.99% Variable
Late FeeUp to $40
Returned Payment FeeUp to $29
Additional Cards Annual FeeN/A
Foreign Transaction Fee3%

Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 3% cash back in one category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days

As with the U.S. Bank Cash+, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card (Review) lets you call the shots. Cardholders get 3% cash back in one category that they choose from a preset list (found below), and your category choice can be updated once per calendar month. The 2% bonus categories don’t provide a ton of extra value, but wholesale clubs is a rare category to find.

The BofA card’s quarterly spending cap for earning at the 3% and 2% reward rates is $2,500.

If you’re a BofA bank account holder, this card could be a particularly valuable choice, as you may be eligible for a hefty reward bonus (25–75%).

Bank of America Cash Rewards 3% Bonus Categories
Gas	Online Shopping	Dining
Travel	Drugstores	Home Improvement/Furnishings Stores

See how these cards compare:

Learn More About the Chase Freedom Flex

The Freedom Flex Card’s rewards program is strong enough that the card isn’t likely to disappear from the Chase roster anytime soon. And since there’s no annual fee, there’s really no harm in having it on hand, even if you seldom use it. Just make sure you activate the bonus categories each quarter.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Our rating:

securely on the issuer's website

Highlights
Rewards
Balance transfers
Fees

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
No annual fee.
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.

5% cash back on:
- Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Lyft rides (through March 2022)
- Grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart) up to $12,000 spent in the first year
5% cash back in rotating categories, up to $1,500 in spending each quarter, then 1%
3% cash back at:
- Restaurants
- Drugstores
1% cash back on all other purchases

Introductory bonus

$200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months

A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.

Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A for N/A
Regular Balance Transfer APR14.99% - 23.74% Variable
Balance Transfer FeeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater