As we near the end of Q3 2024, now is the time to make sure you’ve activated your Chase Freedom Flex® or Chase Freedom bonus categories to maximize rewards. These categories include gas stations, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, movie theaters, and select live entertainment purchases. You have until Sept. 14 to activate these categories and unlock valuable bonus rewards before the quarter ends.
Here’s why this is the perfect time to take action, and how you can make the most of these offers to earn up to 5% cash back on your purchases in these categories.
Why Activate Your Q3 Chase Freedom Bonus Categories?
The third quarter of 2024 includes bonus categories that are incredibly relevant to your summer spending:
- Gas and EV Charging Stations: Ideal for those summer road trips, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in this category.
- Movie Theaters: Enjoy the latest summer blockbusters and earn cash back on ticket purchases at both traditional and drive-in theaters.
- Select Live Entertainment: Whether you’re attending a concert, sports event, or visiting a zoo, Chase Freedom rewards your experience with 5% back.
Steps to Activate Your Categories
It’s simple to activate these categories through your Chase account. Here’s how to do it:
- Log into your Chase account.
- Scroll down to the “Activate Your 5%” section.
- Input your last name, the last four digits of your card number, and your ZIP code.
- Click “Activate”.
Once activated, you can earn the bonus cash back on these purchases until Sept. 30.
Key Benefits of the Q3 Bonus Categories
- Gas and EV Charging Stations: Perfect for summer road trips, earn 5% cash back while refueling or charging your vehicle.
- Movie Theaters: Score bonus cash back when catching the latest releases.
- Select Live Entertainment: Reward your concert, sports, or event tickets by earning cash back on qualified live entertainment.
Why It Matters to Activate Now
You have until Sept. 14 to activate the categories for Q3, but the sooner you do it, the more rewards you can earn before the quarter ends on Sept. 30. Missing out on activation means forfeiting the chance to accumulate cash back on key spending categories—gas, entertainment, and more—before the fall season kicks in with new categories.
Pitfalls to Consider
While maximizing your Chase Freedom categories is simple, keep in mind a few potential pitfalls:
- Spending Cap: You can only earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in combined categories. After that, you’ll earn at the card’s regular rate.
- Bonus Limits: Not all purchases qualify. For example, gas bought at a superstore may not count, and only direct purchases of entertainment qualify for the bonus (no third-party resellers).
- Activation Deadline: You must activate your bonus categories by Sept. 14—waiting too long could mean missing out on valuable rewards.
Future Benefits
The Chase Freedom bonus categories rotate quarterly, offering unique opportunities for cashback in areas like groceries, dining, and more. By regularly activating and using your Chase Freedom cards strategically, you can maximize your rewards each quarter.
Final Thoughts
The Chase Freedom Flex and Freedom card bonus categories for Q3 2024 provide fantastic opportunities to earn 5% cash back on everyday spending like gas, movie theaters, and live entertainment. With the Sept. 14 activation deadline fast approaching, now is the time to double-check your card and make sure you’re maximizing your rewards before the quarter ends on Sept. 30. From fueling up your car to catching the latest movie or enjoying a live concert, the potential savings and rewards are substantial.
Don’t miss out on this last chance to activate your card, and keep in mind the rotating bonus categories, which can help you strategically plan your spending for future quarters. These promotions, along with Chase’s flexibility, make their Freedom line of cards a must-have for savvy consumers looking to optimize their rewards strategy.
Maximize your cash back potential, activate your card, and start planning your purchases around these high-value categories before time runs out!
