Chase Freedom Flex® is a $0-annual-fee credit card ideal for U.S. consumers. It offers up to 5% back on bonus categories that change every three months.
It's a solid choice for those who want flexible rewards without paying an annual fee. To maximize your rewards, pay attention to the rotating categories.
Ensure your credit profile meets Chase’s approval guidelines to make the application process smoother.
About the Chase Freedom Flex®
The Chase Freedom Flex® offers a $200 bonus for new cardholders after spending $500 within the first three months.
It provides 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in bonus categories each quarter, 5% on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and delivery, 3% on drugstore purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.
With no annual fee and rewards that don’t expire while the account is active, this card is a strong option for those in the United States looking to start earning flexible rewards through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Chase Freedom Flex®: Factors to consider
Here are four questions that you need to consider before you apply for the Chase Freedom Flex
- Are you eligible for it?
- Do you need it?
- Does the fact that it's a Mastercard matter?
- Do you still need to carry a Chase travel card?
1. Are you eligible for the Chase Freedom Flex®?
Eligibility for the Chase Freedom Flex® requires a FICO score of 690 or higher. Additionally, Chase’s "5/24 rule" applies, limiting approval if more than five personal credit cards have been opened in the last 24 months, regardless of the issuer.
Those who already have the Chase Freedom® or Chase Freedom Unlimited® are still eligible to apply for the Chase Freedom Flex® if they meet the 5/24 criteria. Even if both older Freedom cards are already held, the Chase Freedom Flex® can be added.
2. Do Fou Need the Chase Freedom Flex®?
This depends on your current cards and how you plan to use them:
No Chase Freedom Card Yet?
The Chase Freedom Flex® offers rotating 5% bonus categories each quarter, making it a solid option.
Only Have the Chase Freedom Unlimited®?
Adding the Chase Freedom Flex® provides access to 5% bonus categories, but there may be overlap in dining, drugstores, and travel booked through Chase.
Only Have the Original Chase Freedom®?
The Chase Freedom Flex® gives access to fixed bonus tiers, though the rotating 5% categories will be the same, which may not provide significant additional value.
Have Both the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom®?
In this case, the main reason for applying for the Chase Freedom Flex® is to get the sign-up bonus. Otherwise, it doesn't add much to your current benefits.
3. Does it matter that the Chase Freedom Flex® is a Mastercard?
Chase Freedom Flex® operates on the Mastercard network, unlike the older Freedom cards on Visa. This change is mostly relevant for extra perks associated with being a World Elite Mastercard, such as:
- Cell phone insurance
- Discounts on Lyft, Fandango, and more
- Hotel perks through the Mastercard Luxury Hotel and Resorts program
Switching to the Chase Freedom Flex® from an existing Freedom product means a new account number, which may require updates to autopay bills.
4. Should You still Carry a Chase travel credit Card Like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Reserve®?
While the Chase Freedom Flex® offers solid rewards on dining and travel booked through Chase, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® allows you to redeem points for higher-value travel.
Pooling points between the Freedom and Sapphire cards can significantly increase the value of Chase points. Having the Chase Freedom Flex® and a Sapphire card is still worthwhile for travelers aiming to maximize points.
Another strong incentive to hold both is the ability to transfer points to partners such as Hyatt, Marriott, Southwest, and United. In short, for those in the U.S. who travel frequently and want to optimize Chase points, keeping a Freedom and Sapphire card can be a powerful combination.
Benefits of the Chase Freedom Flex
The Chase Freedom Flex® is a no-annual-fee cash-back credit card designed for those in the United States who want flexibility in earning rewards. And the pros do not end there!
Earning Rewards
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 combined purchases within rotating bonus categories each quarter. Categories vary and can be activated to suit your spending needs.
- Get 5% back on travel booked through Chase’s travel portal.
- Earn 3% on restaurant dining, including takeout, delivery, and drugstores.
- All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
Redeeming Rewards
- Cashback can be redeemed directly as a statement credit or deposited into any U.S. checking or savings account.
- No minimum is required for redemption, providing flexibility to use rewards anytime.
- Points can also be used for gift cards, travel, Apple purchases, or even to pay for purchases on Amazon. Redemption values may vary.
Transfer to Other Chase Cards
- Those with a Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® can transfer their Ultimate Rewards points for better travel redemption values. Points transferred to Chase Sapphire Preferred® are worth 25% more while transferring to Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives 50% more value when redeemed for travel through the Chase portal.
Sign-up Bonus
- Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 within the first three months of opening the account, a great incentive for new cardholders in the United States.
0% Introductory APR
- Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, followed by an ongoing APR of 20.49%-29.24%, variable.
Additional Perks
- Cell Phone Protection: Get up to $800 in coverage per claim and $1,000 per year for phones damaged or stolen. Pay your cell phone bill with the Chase Freedom Flex® to qualify. Two claims can be made per year with a $50 deductible per claim.
- Lyft: Earn 5% back on Lyft rides through March 2025.
- Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases for 120 days against theft or damage, up to $500 per claim.
- Travel Insurance: Includes car rental coverage and trip cancellation protection, adding peace of mind to travel.
Chase Freedom Flex Credit Score Requirement and Interest Rates
The Chase Freedom Flex® is designed for individuals in the United States who want strong cash-back rewards without an annual fee.
To qualify for this card, you’ll likely need a credit score of 670 or higher. This falls within the good to excellent range. For better chances of approval, a score over 700 is preferable.
Interest Rates
Chase Freedom Flex gives 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in quarterly rotating categories (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
Chase doesn’t disclose specific credit score requirements, but the Freedom Flex is among its best cash-back cards, making a good credit score essential. Financial health and creditworthiness are also key factors for approval.
Use the Chase preapproval tool to gauge eligibility before applying, but remember it’s not guaranteed. For optimal results, avoid submitting more than two applications in a six-month period. Keep monitoring your score and apply when it's close to or above 700.
Application Steps: Easy and Simple
To apply for a Chase Freedom Flex credit card, you can:
- Visit chase.com/freedomflex
- Click "Apply."
- Complete the application form
- Agree to terms and hit "Submit."
Chase may approve the application instantly, review it, or deny it. If denied, call Chase for reconsideration or to check the status.
After approval, the card arrives in 7-10 business days. You can activate it by phone, through the Chase mobile app, or at a Chase bank.
Recommended credit score: 670+ for U.S. applicants.
How To Improve Your Credit Score to Get the Chase Freedom Flex
To get approved for the Chase Freedom Flex, focus on improving your credit score. A good score starts at 670, excellent at 740. Lenders like Chase check scores from Equifax, Experian, and Transunion.
Key areas: pay bills on time and keep credit utilization under 30%. The age of your oldest account also helps boost your score.
If you already have an account with Chase, you may be more likely to be approved for the Freedom Flex, especially for U.S. customers.
How to Activate Chase Freedom Flex Rewards Categories
Cardholders need to take a few simple steps to activate Chase Freedom Flex Rewards categories. Chase Freedom Flex offers bonus categories that can help maximize cash back on everyday purchases across the United States.
What are the 5% reward categories for Chase Freedom Flex?
Chase Freedom Flex features 5% reward categories quarterly. These categories change every three months and typically focus on essential spending areas like grocery stores and gas stations. Cardholders should track the rotating bonus calendar to know where they can earn extra points.
Q1 2024 (Jan 1-Mar 31) Rewards Categories:
- Grocery stores (excluding Walmart and Target)
- Fitness clubs and gym memberships
- Self-care or spa services
Q2 2024 (Apr 1-Jun 30) Rewards Categories:
- Select hotel bookings
- Restaurants
- Amazon (including Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods)
How to activate Chase Freedom Flex Rewards Categories Each Quarter
Chase Freedom Flex cardholders in the United States must activate their bonus categories each quarter. There are multiple ways to do this:
- Chase Bonus Activation Page: Register for the quarterly bonus through the official Chase activation page.
- Email Notifications: Opt-in to receive reminders via email when it’s time to activate new categories.
- Phone: Call Chase Customer Service using the number on the back of your card or directly at (800) 432-3117.
- Visit a Chase Location: Any Chase location can assist with bonus activation.
To qualify for the full rewards period, activation must be completed by the 14th day of the third month of the quarter.
Earning Cash Back on Chase Freedom Flex
Chase Freedom Flex allows cardholders to earn up to 5% on quarterly categories, with a maximum of $1,500 in spending per quarter. This equals $75 per quarter or up to $300 annually. Other ways to earn include:
- 5% on travel via Chase Travel
- 3% on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services
- 3% on drugstore purchases
- 1% on all other purchases
Contacting Chase
You can contact Chase customer service for a variety of reasons, including:
- Lost or stolen card: If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call 1-800-432-3117 immediately. You can also request a replacement card online at chase.com/customerservice.
- Online payments: Call 1-800-436-7958 to use the automated phone service for online payments.
- Cash advance: Call 1-800-297-4970 to get a PIN for your credit card to use at an ATM or branch.
- Internet service center: Call 1-877-242-7372 to access the Chase Internet Service Center.
- Fraud protection services: Call 1-800-242-7338 for assistance with fraud on your account.
Bottom Line
The Chase Freedom Flex card provides substantial cash-back rewards and a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months for new U.S. cardholders.
While Chase doesn't specify the required credit score, applicants in the United States will likely need a good to excellent credit score to qualify.
