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The Chase Freedom Flex®* bonus categories for the fourth quarter of 2024 are an eclectic mix: PayPal, McDonald’s, select charities, pet shops and vet services. Cardholders will earn an extra 4 percentage points in cash back on up to $1,500 in spending in these categories from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024.
Activation is required and the payout drops to the standard level (1 percent cash back for most purchases, 3 percent on dining) beyond the spending limit. That means spending at PayPal, select charities, pet shops and vet services will qualify for 5 percent cash back in Q4 and McDonald’s purchases will earn 7 percent cash back (up to the $1,500 threshold).
How I’ll be maximizing the Q4 bonus categories
PayPal looks like the standout option, at least for my family. It’s easy to envision us using PayPal regularly for holiday purchases as well as routine spending. One big-ticket item that we have our eyes on is a set of plane tickets for a family trip in February. Many airlines accept PayPal, so booking our trip in Q4 could gobble up much of the $1,500 limit right there. We should have no problem maxing out this category over the three months just by using PayPal.
We don’t have a pet, but if you do, the inclusion of pet shops and vet services is interesting. Few rewards credit cards maximize spending for furry family members. One that does is the recently introduced Wells Fargo AttuneSM Card*, which gives an unlimited 4 percent cash rewards on a wide variety of self-care and planet-friendly purchases, as well as sports, recreation and entertainment. Pet shops, pet foods and pet supply stores are included. This is a niche card that has been gaining a loyal following; I wonder if the Freedom Flex category selectors took notice?
The Freedom Flex is also emphasizing charitable donations in October, November and December. This is another example that rarely shows up as a credit card bonus category. Donations tend to spike around year’s end, so this is a well-timed inclusion that also made the Freedom Flex’s Q4 list a year ago.
Keep in mind: Eligible charities include American Red Cross, Equal Justice Initiatives, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, Leadership Conference Education Fund, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, National Urban League, Thurgood, Marshall College Fund, United Negro College Fund, UNICEF USA, United Way, World Central Kitchen, GLSEN, Out and Equal and Sage.
McDonald’s is a bit of a curious addition. You’d have to order a lot of Big Macs to approach the $1,500 quarterly spending limit. But if you’re a regular visitor to the Golden Arches, this could make sense. Or maybe it will help you fill in the gaps if you won’t hit the $1,500 limit via the other categories.
My 2024 year in review with the Freedom Flex
I’m working on a perfect game. I maximized the Q1 5 percent categories (entirely at grocery stores in my case, but fitness club and gym memberships also counted, as did self-care and spa services). I also hit the limit in Q2 (mostly at Amazon.com and restaurants, although hotels booked through Chase Travel were also eligible). And in Q3 (select live entertainment, movie theaters and gas and electric vehicle charging stations – mostly thanks to the live entertainment category, in my case).
I’ve had this card since 2011, and I’ve never maximized all four quarters. There’s a good chance I’ll do it this year. I appreciate how Chase has broadened the selections in recent years. It used to be more common to see just one quarterly bonus category and now there are often three or four.
My spending has certainly grown as well, as my household has expanded from two people to four. And inflation is a contributor, too. The $1,500 quarterly limit hasn’t changed since I’ve had the card and $1,500 in 2011 is equivalent to about $2,100 today, according to USInflationCalculator.com.
The bottom line
The Freedom Flex is a worthy addition to any cash back credit card enthusiast’s wallet. It’s one of just three cards that I use frequently. Besides the aforementioned rewards categories, I also really like Shop Through Chase (the online shopping portal that gives extra cash back when I click through to participating retailers’ websites), Chase Offers (digital coupons I can add to my card) and the Freedom Flex’s purchase protection benefit (which once saved me $299 on an Apple Watch repair).
I’ve already made a note in my calendar to set the Freedom Flex as PayPal payment method starting on Oct. 1. I’m looking forward to maximizing this fourth-quarter promotion.
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*Information about the Chase Freedom Flex® and Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card has been collected independently by Bankrate. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
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