Chase’s 5% Bonus Categories, Q3 2025: Instacart, Gas/EV Charging, Live Entertainment

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Published Jun 16, 2025 3:13 p.m. PDT · 1 min read

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Whether you're looking to fuel your vehicle, your palate or your social calendar over the summer, eligible Chase Freedom credit cards can help get you where you want to go this quarter.

From July 1 to Sept. 30, 2025, Chase Freedom Flex® and original Chase Freedom® cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined category spending on Instacart, select live entertainment, gas and EV charging purchases. All other non-bonus-category spending earns 1% cash back.

You must activate bonus categories starting on June 15, 2025, to earn the higher rewards rate.

Here’s a look at the Chase Freedom calendar’s categories, past and present:

Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex® bonus rewards categories for 2025
Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31)	Grocery stores. Fitness clubs. Hair, nails and spa services. Norwegian Cruise Line. March only: Tax preparation and insurance.
Q2 (April 1-June 30)	Amazon. Select streaming services. June only: Eligible internet, cable and phone services.
Q3 (July 1-Sept. 30)	Gas. EV charging. Live entertainment. Instacart.
Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31)	TBD. (In 2024: McDonald's; PayPal; Pet shops and vet services; select charities.)

» MORE: Bonus calendars for Chase, Discover and other 5% bonus cards

Details about this quarter’s categories

Instacart

Grocery and retail purchases made through Instacart using your eligible Chase Freedom card qualify for bonus cash back. You don’t need a membership ($99 a year) to shop through the app, but you will have to pay delivery fees without one. Picking up your groceries or other purchases is also an option to lessen these costs. Other costs may be assessed, regardless of whether you have a membership. For example, with deliveries, you’ll need to pay service fees, tips and other possible charges depending on the purchase and your location.

» MORE: Credit card and food delivery: What are the rules on reward rates?

Live entertainment

Live entertainment purchases that qualify for bonus cash back include concerts, festivals, sporting events, museums, zoos, aquariums, concerts, theatrical productions, tourist attractions and exhibits, amusement parks, circuses, carnivals, bands, and entertainers. If you buy a ticket from an agency selling on behalf of the entertainment venue, it will count. But movie theaters, bowling alleys, horse racing tracks, casinos, and dance halls and clubs aren’t eligible. Purchases from a hotel, concierge or those that are part of a travel package don't qualify.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit cards for entertainment spending

Gas and EV purchases

Only gas and EV purchases are eligible to earn the bonus rate. Gas purchases made at the pump or in store will qualify. Electric vehicle charging purchases made through a charging station, a mobile app or an account or subscription, or an attendant are eligible. Residential electric vehicle charging purchases won’t qualify.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best gas credit cards

Chase Freedom Flex®

Aside from elevated bonus cash back, the $0-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex® also packs other valuable incentives:

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

APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.99%-28.49% Variable APR.

Rewards:

5% back on travel booked through Chase.
3% back on dining, including takeout and delivery services.
3% back on drugstore purchases.
1% back on all other purchases.

» MORE: Benefits of the Chase Freedom Flex®

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

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