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Ahead of the new year, Chase has announced its bonus categories for the first quarter of 2026.
From Jan. 1 through March 31, 2026, holders of the Chase Freedom Flex® and the legacy Chase Freedom® can earn 5% cash back on dining as well as some more niche categories — Norwegian Cruise Line and the American Heart Association.
Cardholders will earn the elevated rate on up to $1,500 in combined purchases across all three categories. All other non-bonus-category spending earns 1% back.
If you have an eligible Chase Freedom card, you must activate this quarter’s categories by March 14, 2026. You can earn rewards retroactively, as long as you activate by that deadline.
How this quarter’s bonus categories shake out
Dining
Chase Freedom Flex® cardholders can earn up to 7% cash back on dining purchases for the first quarter of the new year. This includes the 3% back the card already earns on an ongoing basis for dining purchase, plus an additional 4% back from the quarter's bonus category.
Eligible purchases include dining in, but also takeout or delivery from eligible restaurants. Note that bakeries, caterers, meal kit delivery services and gift cards are not included in the category.
Norwegian Cruise Line
This highly specific travel category first appeared on Chase's bonus calendar in the first quarter of 2025, so this marks a return during the same period for 2026. Eligible purchases include those made directly with the cruise line, but not those made through third-party vendors or travel agencies.
American Heart Association
Chase is extending the season of giving into the new year with a never-before-offered bonus category. Through March 31, 2026, eligible cardholders can earn bonus back for charitable donations made directly through the American Heart Association’s official channels. Be aware that local AHA chapters may not be eligible for the higher rate.
Chase has offered bonus rewards for “select charities” in the past, typically in the last quarter of the year. However, this is the first time this specific charity has appeared on the bonus calendar.
Here’s a closer look at what Chase offered in 2025:
| Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex® bonus rewards categories for 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31) |
| |
| Q2 (April 1-June 30) |
| |
| Q3 (July 1-Sept. 30) | TBD. (In 2025: Gas/EV charging; live entertainment; Instacart.) | |
| Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31) | TBD. (In 2025: Chase Travel℠; department stores; Old Navy. December only: PayPal.) | |
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.
