Chase’s 5% Bonus Categories for Q4 2024: McDonald’s, PayPal, Pet Care, Charities

For the first time, McDonald’s, pet shops and vet services are bonus categories for Chase Freedom cardholders.
Chase’s 5% Bonus Categories for Q4 2024

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Written by Jae Bratton
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Fact Checked

With the introduction of new bonus categories, eligible Chase Freedom cardholders have several ways to earn 5% cash back in the last quarter of 2024.

Chase Freedom Flex
NerdWallet rating 

From Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, Chase Freedom Flex® cardholders can get 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly spending at the following merchants:

  • McDonald’s.

  • PayPal.

  • Pet shops and vet services.

  • Select charities. 

All non-bonus-category purchases earn 1% back, as do purchases made after hitting the $1,500 combined quarterly cap in the categories above. Cardholders must activate the bonus categories by Dec. 14, 2024, to earn the 5% rate. Activation applies retroactively to all qualifying purchases made since Oct. 1, 2024.

Here are some tips for making the most of Chase’s bonus categories in the last quarter of 2024.

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)

  • Gas stations and EV charging.

  • Select live entertainment.

  • Movie theaters.

Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31)

  • McDonald's.

  • PayPal.

  • Pet shops and vet services.

  • Select charities.

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

McDonald’s, pet services debut as bonus categories

For the first time, McDonald’s, pet shops and vet services are bonus categories for Chase Freedom cardholders.

The Golden Arches category is pretty self-explanatory. But "pet shops” is a pretty broad category that includes stores that sell pet supplies, services and animals. Note that pet day cares, pet insurance and groomers are ineligible to earn 5% back. Nevertheless, now is an ideal time to stock up on food, medicine and other supplies, and to finally schedule your pet for its annual checkup.

🤓Nerdy Tip

The original Chase Freedom® card is no longer accepting applications, but existing cardholders still earn 5% cash back based on the same bonus calendar and terms for the Chase Freedom Flex®.

Get rewards for giving back

Chase Freedom cardholders will be rewarded bonus cash back for their generosity this holiday season, as long as they donate to one of 17 eligible charities. Charities that qualify this quarter include the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and United Way. Come Giving Tuesday, remember to pay for charitable contributions with your Chase Freedom card.

Pay with PayPal online and in-store

To ensure you get 5% back on purchases made via PayPal, add your Chase Freedom card as the default payment method. If you haven’t already, download the PayPal app, too. You’ll need it in order to use PayPal for in-store purchases.


Information about the Chase Freedom® has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

Chase Cards from our Partners
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1.5%-5%

Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Cashback

Intro offer

Up to $300

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1x-5x

5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

Points

Intro offer

60,000 Points + $300 Travel Credit

Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.

Chase Freedom Flex

on Chase's website

Chase Freedom Flex®
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1%-5%

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

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

See more Chase cards

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