Chase is gearing up for an exciting start to 2025 for holders of the Chase Freedom (no longer available for new applications) and Chase Freedom Flex® cards. This first quarter brings back three popular categories along with a brand-new one, plus a special “birthday surprise category” in March.
Cardholders can now earn bonus rewards on purchases made at select grocery stores, for fitness club and gym memberships, on self-care and spa treatments, and — for the first time — on Norwegian Cruise Line bookings.
As many of us set health and wellness goals for the new year, this is an excellent opportunity to earn extra rewards. Whether you’re looking to cook more at home, join a new gym, indulge in stress-relieving spa treatments, or enjoy a cruise, there’s a bonus category for you.
You can earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) — after activation — on up to $1,500 of spending in these categories, and 1% (or 1 point per dollar) after that, through March 31.
The information for the Freedom credit card has been independently gathered by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex Q1 2025 Categories
From now until March 31, Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex cardmembers can earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) on purchases in the following categories:
- Select grocery stores (including Instacart)
- Fitness club and gym memberships
- Self-care and spa services
- Norwegian Cruise Line purchases (must book directly with the cruise line)
This quarter marks the 15th anniversary of the Freedom card’s launch, and to celebrate, Chase will introduce a “surprise birthday category” for purchases made from March 1 to 31. According to Doctor of Credit, this category will include insurance payments and tax preparation services.
Matt Moffitt, Flying Frugal’s managing editor for credit cards, noticed these categories appear on his Chase mobile app on December 16, only to vanish the next day and be replaced by generic “birthday surprise” language. Thus, Chase may have jumped the gun in announcing these categories. While they are likely to be included in March, keep in mind that changes could occur or they may be targeted to specific cardholders.
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As mentioned, remember to activate your card to unlock the bonus-earning potential in these categories. It’s a simple process through your Chase account; just provide your last name, the last four digits of your card, and your ZIP code. Registration is now open.
Analyzing the Q1 Bonus Categories
The beginning of the year is an ideal time to assess your habits and set new goals. If meal planning is on your list, the grocery category is certainly exciting. Moreover, many grocery delivery services, including Instacart, qualify, allowing you to earn while saving time.
No matter your fitness routine, gym memberships are often significant expenses that don’t usually fit into credit card bonus categories. That’s why it’s encouraging to see this included as a Q1 bonus category.
Self-care, a returning bonus category, means you can earn rewards while treating yourself to beauty treatments or relaxation at the spa, making it the perfect time to invest in self-care.
If you’re looking for a getaway after the holidays, booking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line can earn you bonus cash back or points, ideal for long weekends or spring break plans.
Here’s a breakdown of the bonuses:
- Grocery Stores: Meal planners will appreciate the return of this category. Notably, grocery delivery services like Instacart are included. However, wholesale clubs and big-box retailers such as Costco and Target don’t qualify.
- Fitness Club and Gym Memberships: Whether you’re signing up for a new fitness studio or continuing an existing membership, using your Freedom or Freedom Flex card can earn you additional rewards. Keep in mind that only memberships to physical studios apply; online streaming subscriptions do not earn bonus rewards.
- Self-Care and Spa Services: This exciting category encourages investing in relaxation and beauty treatments, making it an opportune time for self-care. Eligible services include massages, salon treatments, and spa visits, but services provided within hotels won’t qualify.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Travelers can earn rewards for booking Norwegian cruises directly. Activities through third parties or travel agencies are excluded.
- Birthday Surprise Category: Launching in March.
Chase limits 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) to the first $1,500 spent in eligible bonus categories each quarter after activation. Once you hit that cap, you’ll earn 1% back on these purchases.
FAQs about Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex Bonus Categories
How do rotating categories work?
Chase announces new bonus categories quarterly, allowing you to earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar). Usually disclosed halfway through the prior month, these categories can be activated until midway through the last month of the quarter. Categories often repeat, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, offering excellent cash-back opportunities over the year.
Related: Chase Freedom Flex card review: Incredible earning with no annual fee
How much cash back can I earn each quarter?
You can earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) on up to $1,500 spent in the bonus categories each quarter. This translates to a potential $300 cash back annually, which is quite substantial for a no-annual-fee card.
Alternatively, since the cash back is earned as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you could accumulate up to 30,000 points annually. If you have a premium Chase card, you can combine these with points from that card for greater value.
According to Flying Frugal’s December 2024 valuations, Chase points are valued at 2.05 cents each, meaning the points earned could be worth approximately $615 over a year.
How do I activate my 5% categories each quarter?
You can activate your categories online or through the Chase mobile app. Here’s how:
- Visit the Chase activation page or log into your account.
- Enter your last name, the last four digits of your card, and your ZIP code.
- Click “Activate your 5%” to confirm.
- If you have multiple Chase Freedom cards, register each one separately.
- Save your activation confirmation for your records.
Can I have both the Chase Freedom and the Chase Freedom Flex?
Yes, you can hold both cards. If you have the Chase Freedom and wish to add the Chase Freedom Flex, you can do so. However, keep in mind that the original Freedom card is no longer available for new applicants.
How do I maximize my Freedom and Freedom Flex cards?
To earn maximum rewards, remember to activate your card for the bonus categories each quarter and use the card for eligible purchases. Setting reminders for activation can be helpful. You can also subscribe to the Flying Frugal newsletter for alerts about activation times and strategies to maximize your card benefits.
When paired with a premium Chase card that earns fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points, the 5% cash back on the Freedom Flex can become 5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent, allowing for significant travel options.
What are common bonus categories for the Freedom and Freedom Flex?
Being aware of common bonus categories can help you strategize your earnings throughout the year. Here’s a look at previous categories since 2012:
| Year/Quarter | Bonus Categories |
|---|---|
| 2025 — Q1 | Select grocery stores, fitness club and gym memberships, self-care and spa services, and Norwegian Cruise Line purchases; “birthday surprise” category for purchases in March. |
| 2024 — Q4 | McDonald’s (7% cash back for Freedom Flex), PayPal, pet shops, and veterinarian services. |
| 2024 — Q3 | Gas and electric vehicle charging stations, movie theaters, and select live entertainment. |
| 2024 — Q2 | Hotels booked through Chase Travel℠, dining, and Amazon (varying rates). |
| 2024 — Q1 | Select grocery stores, fitness clubs, and self-care services. |
| 2023 — Q4 | PayPal, select charities, and wholesale clubs. |
| 2023 — Q3 | Gas stations, EV charging, and select live entertainment. |
| 2023 — Q2 | Amazon and Lowe’s. |
| 2023 — Q1 | Grocery stores, gym memberships, and Target. |
| 2022 — Q4 | PayPal and Walmart. |
| 2022 — Q3 | Gas stations, rental cars, movie theaters, and select live entertainment. |
| 2022 — Q2 | Amazon and select streaming services. |
| 2022 — Q1 | Grocery stores and eBay. |
| 2021 — Q4 | PayPal and Walmart. |
| 2021 — Q3 | Grocery stores and select streaming services. |
| 2021 — Q2 | Gas stations and home improvement stores. |
| 2021 — Q1 | Wholesale clubs, select streaming services, and internet, cable, and phone services. |
| 2020 — Q4 | PayPal and Walmart. |
| 2020 — Q3 | Amazon and Whole Foods Market. |
| 2020 — Q2 | Grocery stores, gym memberships, and streaming services. |
| 2020 — Q1 | Gas stations; internet, cable, and phone services; and streaming services. |
| 2019 — Q4 | Chase Pay, PayPal, and department stores. |
| 2019 — Q3 | Gas stations and streaming services. |
| 2019 — Q2 | Grocery stores and home improvement. |
| 2019 — Q1 | Gas stations, drugstores, and tolls. |
| 2018 — Q4 | Wholesale clubs, department stores, and Chase Pay. |
| 2018 — Q3 | Lyft, Walgreens, and gas stations. |
| 2018 — Q2 | Groceries, PayPal, and Chase Pay. |
| 2018 — Q1 | Mobile wallets, gas stations, and internet, cable, and phone services. |
| 2017 — Q4 | Walmart and department stores. |
| 2017 — Q3 | Restaurants and movie theaters. |
| 2017 — Q2 | Grocery stores and drugstores. |
| 2017 — Q1 | Gas stations and local commuter transportation. |
| 2016 — Q4 | Wholesale clubs, drugstores, and department stores. |
| 2016 — Q3 | Restaurants and wholesale clubs. |
| 2016 — Q2 | Grocery stores and wholesale clubs. |
| 2016 — Q1 | Gas stations and local commuter transportation. |
| 2015 — Q4 | Amazon, Zappos, Audible, and Diapers.com. |
| 2015 — Q3 | Gas stations and Kohl’s. |
| 2015 — Q2 | Restaurants, Bed Bath & Beyond, H&M, and Overstock. |
| 2015 — Q1 | Grocery stores, movie theaters, and Starbucks. |
| 2014 — Q4 | Amazon, Zappos, and department stores. |
| 2014 — Q3 | Gas stations and Kohl’s. |
| 2014 — Q2 | Restaurants and Lowe’s. |
| 2014 — Q1 | Gas stations, movie theaters, and Starbucks. |
| 2013 — Q4 | Department stores and Amazon. |
| 2012 — Q3 | Gas stations, theme parks, and Kohl’s. |
| 2012 — Q2 | Restaurants and movie theaters. |
| 2012 — Q1 | Gas stations, drugstores, and Starbucks. |
Final Thoughts
If you’re a holder of the Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex card, you can earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) on select categories including grocery, gym memberships, self-care, and Norwegian Cruise Line purchases through March 31, with an additional “birthday surprise” category launching in March.
Besides these rotating categories, the Freedom Flex also earns 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% on drugstore purchases, 3% on dining (including eligible delivery), and 1% on all other purchases.
Apply now: Chase Freedom Flex with a $200 cash back bonus after spending $500 within the first three months of account opening.
