Attention Chase Freedom Flex® (check rates and fees) or legacy Chase Freedom* cardholders: this is your last reminder to activate your Q4 bonus categories by December 14.
This quarter, earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) on purchases made through Chase Travel℠, at department stores, and at Old Navy. Additionally, throughout December, PayPal is included as a bonus category. Once activated, you’ll earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in spending across these four categories.
Here’s what you need to know about the categories for this quarter.
*This card is not available for new applicants. The information regarding the Chase Freedom has been independently collected by The Points Guy and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Chase Freedom Q4 2025 Categories
From now until December 31, cardholders of the Freedom and Freedom Flex can earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) on up to $1,500 in combined purchases across these Q4 bonus categories (then 1% back):
- Chase Travel (boosted to 9% cash back for Freedom Flex cardholders; 5% for Freedom cardholders)
- Department stores
- Old Navy
For December, you can also earn an additional 5% cash back with PayPal.
Related: Why this is the best time of year to earn 5 points per dollar spent
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This is the sixth consecutive Q4 for PayPal, while department stores return for the first time in six years. Old Navy is also new to this quarter’s offer.
This time around, Chase Travel offers a broader scope: unlike last year’s hotel-only promotion in Q2, all Chase Travel bookings—including flights, hotels, car rentals, and attractions—qualify. Freedom Flex cardholders can earn 9% back, thanks to an additional 4% quarterly bonus stacked on the standard 5% Chase Travel rate, as stated by a Chase spokesperson.
Make sure to activate this quarter’s categories to unlock your bonus earning potential.
It’s easy to activate through your Chase account; simply input your last name, the last four digits of your card, and your ZIP code.
Breaking Down the Q4 Bonus Categories
The selected categories clearly cater to holiday shopping and travel. With expenses for gifting, visiting family, and self-indulging, earning 5% cash back can ease the burden on your wallet.
Key details to consider:
- Chase Travel: If you’re traveling to see family or friends—or planning to gift a trip—booking through Chase Travel is worth considering. However, booking through an OTA like Chase Travel may mean missing out on hotel points and elite status advantages.
- Department Stores: It’s rare for department stores to make the bonus list, which makes this inclusion especially welcome. Note: supercenters don’t qualify, so places like Walmart won’t earn bonus rewards.
- Old Navy: Whether shopping online or in a store, Old Navy purchases count toward your bonus. It’s a great chance to treat yourself while shopping for gifts.
- PayPal (December only): Many online retailers accept PayPal at checkout, and you may even be able to use it for certain utility bills. Just make sure to set your Freedom card as the default payment method in PayPal, and don’t forget to switch it back in January.
Keep in mind, Chase limits 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) to the initial $1,500 spent in these bonus categories per quarter. After reaching this cap, cash back drops to 1% (or 1 point per dollar spent).
Chase Freedom Rotating Categories History
| Year | Quarter | Bonus Categories |
|---|---|---|
|
Q4 |
|
|
|
Q3 |
Gas stations, EV charging stations, Instacart, and select live entertainment |
|
|
Q2 |
|
|
|
Q1 |
|
Chase Freedom Bonus Categories FAQs
How do rotating categories work?
Each quarter, Chase announces specific bonus categories offering 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) for that three-month period (up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter).
Typically, categories are revealed halfway through the month before the new quarter begins, allowing cardmembers to activate the new categories. Activation remains open until mid-month of the last month of the quarter.
Common categories such as grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations often recur. Depending on your ability to maximize these categories, these two cards can yield significant cash back or bonus points over the year.
How much cash back can I earn each quarter?
Chase limits 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) to the first $1,500 spent in combined bonus categories each quarter.
While it may seem limited, this cash back accumulates. By maximizing the cash back categories each quarter, you can earn $75 quarterly, totaling up to $300 annually. For a no-annual-fee credit card, that’s substantial value.
If using a card that earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (check rates and fees), you can combine rewards earned from your Freedom or Freedom Flex card with those from your premium Ultimate Rewards card. This makes your rewards fully transferable.
Following this method, the cash back can translate to Ultimate Rewards points—your $300 in cash back converts to about 30,000 Ultimate Rewards points. According to Flying Frugal’s June 2025 valuations, Chase points are valued at approximately 2.05 cents each, meaning the 30,000 points you could earn in a year would be worth around $615.
How do I activate my 5% categories each quarter?
To activate your 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) categories for this quarter, visit Chase’s site or use the Chase mobile app.
Here’s the activation process:
1. Navigate to the Chase bonus activation page or log into your Chase account.
2. Provide your last name, the last four digits of your card number, and your billing ZIP code. If you don’t have your card handy, log in to retrieve this information.
3. Click “Activate your 5%” to complete registration.
4. If you hold multiple Chase Freedom cards, ensure you register each one.
5. Keep a screenshot of your activation for reference, as you should also receive a confirmation email.
Can I have both the Chase Freedom and the Chase Freedom Flex to maximize my earnings?
Yes, holding both cards is possible. If you have the Chase Freedom and wish to add the Chase Freedom Flex, you may do so.
Note that the original Freedom card is no longer available for new applicants, but the Freedom Flex is open for product changes.
Be sure you’re also eligible for a new Chase card.
How can I maximize my Freedom and Freedom Flex cards?
Activation of the quarterly categories is crucial for earning 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) in designated areas, so use your card for qualifying purchases.
To ensure you don’t miss out, set recurring reminders on your calendar or subscribe to the Flying Frugal newsletter. (We send activation reminders each quarter, along with tips and tricks for maximizing card usage and realizing significant rewards.)
Aside from the rotating bonus categories, Freedom Flex earns 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back at drugstores, 3% cash back on dining (including eligible delivery services), and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
When paired with a Chase card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (check rates and fees) or Chase Sapphire Preferred, the 5% cash back from the Freedom Flex translates to 5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar. You can find full details on this in our guide about the “Chase Trifecta.”
Conclusion
If you hold a Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex card, you have the opportunity to earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) through Chase Travel, department stores, and Old Navy until December 31. Don’t forget that PayPal also qualifies as a bonus category for this month only.
Ensure you activate these categories before December 14 to avoid missing any bonus rewards. Remember that Chase caps quarterly bonus category earnings at the first $1,500 spent per quarter.
For more information, read our complete review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
Apply now: Chase Freedom Flex
