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Chase has long been a top issuer of cash back credit cards that earn cardmembers rewards on a diverse range of products and services. The no annual fee Chase Freedom Flex, in particular, earns:

• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• 3% cash back on dining and drugstores.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.

From October through December 2025, Freedom Flex cardholders can earn 5 percent cash back on eligible purchases made at Chase Travel℠ (boosting earnings up to 9 percent) and purchases at department stores and Old Navy. Plus, for the month of December, cardholders can earn 5 percent cash back on purchases made using PayPal.

Freedom Flex 2025 cash back bonus calendar

The first step to maximizing your bonus category rewards is keeping up with the Freedom Flex rewards calendar. There are new categories every quarter, and Chase announces them shortly before the quarter begins.

Here’s a look at Chase’s bonus categories for 2024 and 2025, so you can get an idea of what to expect each year:

How to activate Chase Freedom bonus categories

Bonus categories must be activated each quarter to receive 5 percent cash back, and you can ensure they’re activated in a number of ways. For 2025 Q4, the activation window is open through December 14, 2025.

One of the easiest activation methods is to use the Chase Mobile app. You can also activate rewards through your account hub, by phone or email or at a Chase branch. If you need a reminder to activate, try setting one in your calendar to make sure you don’t miss out on any rewards categories.

Once you’re activated, you’ll earn 5 percent cash back on all category purchases during the quarter — even those made before activation that quarter — up to the $1,500 quarterly purchase maximum, then 1 percent back.

Maximize this quarter’s bonus categories

The Q4 2025 Chase Freedom Flex bonus categories are Chase Travel, department stores and Old Navy. Here’s how to maximize your rewards this quarter:

• Book your holiday travel through Chase. Freedom Flex cardholders already earn 5 percent cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel. With this category activated, cardholders can earn a total of 9 percent cash back — making this a no-brainer option for where to book your holiday travel. 
• Update your wardrobe. The Old Navy category lends a perfect opportunity to upgrade your own wardrobe or find a great gift for someone else this holiday season. 
• Get your holiday shopping on. In addition to the Old Navy category, this quarter includes department stores. If you’re looking to make a large purchase on furniture, electronics or appliances, this may be an ideal time to earn some cash back along the way. 
• Use your PayPal app. For the month of December, purchases made using PayPal can earn the boosted 5 percent cash back. Make sure to link your PayPal account to your Chase Freedom Flex card beforehand to earn your rewards.

Other Chase Freedom Flex benefits

Freedom Flex cardholders have access to the following perks, among others:

• Travel insurance. With your Freedom Flex, you’ll receive both trip cancellation and interruption insurance, along with travel and emergency assistance services.
• DashPass membership. Your first six months of membership to DoorDash’s delivery service are free. If you frequently order in, the savings from $0 delivery fees can quickly add up. Note, this offer must be activated by Dec. 31, 2027.
• Lyft earnings. You can earn up to 2 percent cash back on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027 when you use your Freedom Flex card.

How to redeem rewards with Freedom Flex

In order to redeem rewards, your account must be open and in good standing. Rewards are technically tracked as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, and each dollar earned in cash back is equal to 100 points. Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit or direct deposit into an eligible checking or savings account. Your cash back rewards should show up immediately in your credit card account once redeemed.

When you check your statement, you’ll see bonus category rewards listed as something like “Bonus from Q4 5 percent category.”

Note that you can also redeem your points for travel via Chase Travel, for gift cards and shopping with points at Amazon.com.

If you want to truly maximize your Freedom Flex rewards, you should combine them under a premium card and then transfer your points to one of Chase’s travel partners. Doing so can make your points worth an average of 2.0 cents each, according to Bankrate’s latest valuations.

The bottom line

The Chase Freedom Flex is a stellar cash back option if you have good to excellent credit and plan to use your card to make a variety of purchases. Or, check out Bankrate’s picks for the best cash back credit cards to see whether there’s another cash back card that would be a better fit for you.

*Information about Chase Freedom Flex® has been collected independently by Bankrate. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.