With the third quarter just starting, the Chase Freedom 5x points rotating categories have changed. This past quarter (April, May, June) you were able to earn 5x points at grocery stores and movie theaters. Now, during the months of July, August, and September, you will earn 5x points on gas and eating out. There is one caveat to this, as you will only earn the 5x bonus up to $1,500 spent on these categories. Any amount spent after the $1,500 cap will earn you the typical 1 point per dollar (the same amount you receive on all other spend and there is no cap to this). If you hit the $1,500 spend cap, that will earn you an additional 6,000 Ultimate Reward points on your early existing 1 point per purchase. Through a slight roundabout way, these points can be transferred to United, British Airways, Hyatt, Marriott (just to name a few…).
You MUST activate this spend bonus by September 14th, however, I highly suggest registering now so you do not have to think about it again. If you are not sure what is including in the gas and restaurant categories, you can check out this sample merchant list.
2012 Bonus Spend Categories:
- January-March: Gas Stations and Amazon.com
- April-June: Grocery stores and Movie theaters
- July-September: Gas stations and Restaurants – activate now!
- October-December: Hotels, Airlines, Best Buy, and Kohl’s
Overall, this is a great card for your typical spending categories, i.e., gas, groceries, dining, travel. It is great to supplement this card with another miles/points earning card for the months/merchants that do not receive the 5x points.
Also remember, there is never an annual fee on this card.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I will only list the best credit card offers as my goal is for you to travel for free!
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