Chase has two credit cards with rotating 5x spending categories, the Freedom Flex and regular Freedom (which is no longer available to applicants). Each card’s 5x categories are identical and change quarterly. The 5x categories for Q1 were released earlier this month and are grocery stores (excluding Walmart & Target), Norwegian Cruise Line, fitness Club & gym memberships and hair, nails & spa services.
However, a Doctor of Credit reader noticed that the the Chase app is showing additional 5x bonus categories in honor the Freedom card’s 15th birthday. Q1’s bonus categories are insurance payments and tax preparation services and will be 5x during the month of March only. The addition of the two categories DOES NOT add to the quarterly 5x maximum of $1500…it only gives you two more options to reach it.
Quick Thoughts
This is a fairly minor, but potentially useful upgrade to the rotating 5x calendar for the Freedom cards this year. To my mind, it’s needlessly complex, given that these “bonus” categories will only be available for one month per quarter (as opposed to the other “normal” categories that are valid for three months), but having more choices on potential ways to earn 5x will likely help some folks maximize their earnings.
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