Chase’s 5% Bonus Categories, Q1 2024: Grocery Stores, Fitness and Self-Care

As we turn the page to a new year in 2024, Chase is rewarding cardholders who resolve to renew their focus on health and wellness.

From Jan. 1 through March 31, 2024, Chase Freedom Flex℠ and legacy Chase Freedom® cardholders can earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined spending (1% thereafter) in three different categories:

• Grocery stores.

• Gym and fitness club memberships.

• Self-care and spa services.

All other non-bonus-category spending earns 1% back. To be eligible, cardholders must activate the bonus categories online by March 14, 2024.

Chase’s 5% bonus category rewards can be earned retroactively. That means even if you wait until March 14 to activate, you’ll still earn 5% back on all eligible purchases made throughout the quarter.

It’s no surprise to see Chase bringing back grocery stores and fitness, which were fan-favorite bonus categories for this same time period in 2023. The spa services category, on the other hand, is a new addition, inviting cardholders to bring a whole new element to their 2024 self-care routine.

» SEE: Best credit cards for wellness

Stackable savings at select grocery stores

Do you love cooking at home during the quiet winter months? Or are you deep into meal prep for a healthy start to the new year? Stock up on nutritious foods with your eligible Chase card and earn 5% back.

This category applies to most major supermarkets and local grocery stores, but does come with some exclusions. Superstores like Target and Walmart, along with warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club, are excluded from the grocery category. Grocery delivery through Instacart is included, however, so you can make the most of this category without even leaving the house.

New Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders can earn up to 9% back

On top of the quarterly bonus category for groceries, new Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders who apply directly via Chase can earn 5% cash back at gas stations and grocery stores (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 in spending in the first year.

For January to March 2024, that translates to an incredible 9% back on eligible grocery purchases. (Note: Though these offers do stack for new cardholders, you'll earn a total of 9% back, not 10%. That's because the quarterly bonus is 4% back, plus the baseline 1% back. New cardholders who apply through Chase will earn an extra 5% for the first year, plus an extra 4% for the Q1, for a total of 9% back.)

Bonus cash back on memberships at gyms and fitness clubs

Whether you’re lifting weights at your local gym, sweating it out in spin class at a national chain, or mastering yoga at a boutique studio, most merchants categorized as a gym or fitness club on your credit card statement should qualify.

Note, however, that private personal training and weight management counseling services are generally excluded from this category, as are at-home subscription fitness services like Peloton and Apple Fitness.

Relaxing rewards at the spa and salon

We all know the importance of eating healthy and exercising. With this first-time bonus category, though, Chase is making self-care in the new year look even better.

The opportunity for 5% cash back applies to services like massages, spa-based skin care treatments, manicures, tanning, and barber or salon services.

However, there are a few exceptions to the category. Skin care treatments provided by a medical professional don't qualify, for example. And if you visit a salon or spa located inside a hotel, those purchases will be charged to the hotel on your credit card statement, meaning they won't qualify for this bonus offer.

» MORE: Benefits of the Chase Freedom Flex℠

Card details: Chase Freedom Flex℠

Annual fee: $0.

APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 20.49%-29.24%, Variable APR.

Rewards:

In addition to its quarterly calendar of rotating 5% bonus categories, the card offers:

• 5% back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

• 3% back on dining, including takeout and delivery services.

• 3% back on drugstore purchases.

• 5% back on qualifying Lyft services purchased through the Lyft app (through March 31, 2025).

• 1% back on all other purchases.

» MORE: Full review of the Chase Freedom Flex℠