UPDATE: This offer has expired.
Q3 for 2013 just started, which means that Chase Freedom just updated their 5x point rotating categories. For the months of July, August, and September you will receive 5x points at Gas Stations, Theme Parks, and Kohl’s. You must activate this bonus by August 14, 2013, but all purchases prior to activation will still count – not to worry!
Remember though, it is only up to $1,500 on these categories total and after that you will go back to earning the typical 1 point per dollar. This means for those $1,500 in purchases you will receive a total of 7,500 Chase Ultimate Reward points (or at a bare minimum $75 cash back). And if you do not think you’ll meet the $1,500 mark, you can always purchase gift cards at these participating merchants to use at a later time – for example purchasing gas gift cards at the gas station you always go to (but make sure to purchase those gift cards at the actual gas station, not somewhere else).
Also, with the Chase Freedom points earned, many people refer to them as points points and cash back, and in theory they can be both depending on how to utilize your points. You can read this post to learn more about Points vs. Cash Back.
If you are new to the Chase Freedom credit card and the quarterly 5x point bonus points, make sure to take a look at this prior post. Also, here are some of the key perks with this card: 1) there is never an annual fee, and 2) through this great roundabout method described in the prior blog post you can actually transfer your Chase Freedom points to partner loyalty programs!
2013 Quarterly Categories:
- Q1, January-March: Gas Stations, Drug Stores, Starbucks
- Q2, April-June: Restaurants, Movie Theaters, and Lowe’s
- Q3, July-September: Gas Stations, Theme Parks, Kohl’s
- Q4, October-December: Select Department Stores, Amazon.com
I highly suggest writing the bonus categories with a sharpie on your card so you will never forget which merchant types qualify for the bonus!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I will only list the best credit card offers as my goal is for you to travel on a deal!
The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Because of the revelation that VR’s are now available at 7.11, I’m wondering if anyone has bought some with their Freedom card, and whether or not 7.11 purchases qualify as “Gas” purchases towards the 3Q bonus. This is an incredibly easy way to maximize the 3Q bonus, if it works…
@kyle- at many locations it has been coded as “gas”and has worked for the 5x bonus for chase freedom.
@kyle. You can buy a soda and check blueprint to see how it codes before you buy a VR. I had success at a 7-11 without a gas station.
I was successful at buying VR’s on 31 July with my Chase Ink Bold, but all subsequent August attempts have been “DECLINED” at the register. Calls to Chase show that the transaction is never coming through.
Anyone else finding this avenue blocked?
Just tried purchasing a $500 VR at 7-11 using my Freedom card – DECLINED.
Tried my Discover card too – DECLINED. 🙁
Anyone tried to buy a visa gift card with chase credit card ? I am hearing conflicting information.