Chase Freedom Flex, Unlimited Will End 5% Grocery Rate in January 2021

Sara Rathner
By Sara Rathner 
Published
Edited by Kenley Young

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» These offers have expired

These bonus offers have expired. See our details pages for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® for the current offers.

A rich grocery store benefit on both the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® now has an expiration date.

Until Jan. 13, 2021, new cardholders can still earn 5% cash back at grocery stores (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 in spending in the first year. But after that date, the perk will no longer be available to new applicants.

Otherwise, the cards’ benefits remain the same:

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The $0-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex℠ earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in categories that rotate each quarter (1% back after you reach the spending threshold). It also earns 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 3% back at drugstores and restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), and 1% back everywhere else.

The card recently announced its 5% bonus categories for Q1 2021. Below is its full 2020 calendar:

Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus rewards categories for 2024

Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31)

  • Grocery stores.

  • Fitness clubs and gym memberships.

  • Self-care and spa services.

Q2 (April 1-June 30)

  • Select hotel bookings.*

  • Restaurants.

  • Amazon.com.

Q3 (July 1-Sept. 30)

  • TBD (In 2023: gas stations and electric vehicle charging; select live entertainment).

Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31)

  • TBD (In 2023: PayPal; wholesale clubs; select charities).

*Includes bookings made directly with the hotel and prepaid bookings through Chase's travel portal.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The $0-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited® does not feature 5% rotating bonus categories. But it does earn the same 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, as well as 3% back at drugstores and restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services). And it earns a higher 1.5% back on "everything else."

Other benefits

Both cards will still offer the following sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

Plus, with either card, you’ll earn 5% cash back on qualifying Lyft products and services purchased through the Lyft app through March 31, 2025.

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