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

Sara RathnerDecember 17, 2020
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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 Ultimate Rewards®, 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 2021

Q1 (Jan. 1 - March 31)

• Wholesale clubs. • Select streaming services. • Internet, cable and phone services.

Q2 (April 1 - June 30)

TBD (In 2020: grocery stores; gym memberships and fitness clubs; select streaming services.)

Q3 (July 1 – Sept. 30)

TBD (In 2020: Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.)

Q4 (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31)

TBD (In 2020: Walmart; PayPal.)

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 Ultimate Rewards®, 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, 2022.

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