ProsCons
No annual feeRequires good/excellent credit
Bonus categoriesComplicated rewards
New cardholder bonus offer
Cash rewards

Hidden perks

When you spend $1500 in combined purchases that are all under your bonus categories, you can receive a whopping 5% cash back. You can also receive up to 5% cash back on travel through Chase Ultimate rewards. You can redeem this cash back in the form of gift cards, travel, and more. This card is jam packed with perks and high rewards potential.

Every quarter offers a new way to save big on your purchases. The schedule of special bonus categories can look like this:

First quarter: Walmart and PayPal

Second quarter: Grocery stores

Third quarter: Gas stations

Fourth quarter: Select streaming services

The previous card called the Chase Freedom card was decommissioned, with this card in its place. It offers the best of both words: both fixed quarterly bonus categories that offer up to 5% cash back and 5% in the bonus categories. That is a lot of savings in one card!

With new bonuses, no annual fee, and low APR, your savings potential is unlimited. The card also offers no expiration date on your points—so you can save up for the trip of your dreams and get paid for it!

Comparing Chase Freedom Flex with similar cards

Chase Freedom Flex®

Apply now with Chase
Reward rate1% - 5%
Reward detailsEarn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services. Earn 3% on drugstore purchases. Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Intro Bonus:$200 Annual fee$0
Regular APR19.49% - 28.24%

Citi® Custom CashSM

Apply now with Citi
Reward rate1% - 5%
Reward detailsEarn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter, 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro Bonus:$200 Annual fee$0
Regular APR18.24% - 28.24%
Read full review

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Apply now with Chase
Reward rate1.5% - 5%
Reward detailsEarn unlimited 1.5% cash back or more on all purchases, like 3% on dining and drugstores and 5% on travel purchased through Chase.
Intro Bonus:$200 Annual fee$0
Regular APR20.24% - 28.99%
Read full review

Beyond the basics

Balance transfer intro APR 20.24%-28.99% based on your creditworthiness.
Cash advance APR 28.99%
Foreign transaction fees 3% of each transaction
Loan APR 20.24%-28.99%
Late payment fee up to $40
Penalty APR Up to 28.99%
Credit score required 670+

Other offers

  • Zero liability protetcionMeans you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • Purchase protectionCovers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
  • Extended warranty protectionExtends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
  • Trip cancellation/interruption insuranceYou can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for your prepaid, nonrefundable passenger fares, if your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations.
  • 24×7 fraud protectionSafeguard your account using real-time monitoring for possible signs of fraudulent activity.
  • Fraud alertsIn the case of unusual activity, Chase can notify you by phone, text*Same page link to Offer Details or email.
  • Auto rental collision damage waiverDecline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage is provided for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad. In the U.S., coverage is secondary to your personal insurance.
  • Travel and emergency assistance servicesIf you run into a problem away from home, call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel emergency assistance. (You will be responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.)

What we like about this card

Rotating bonus categories

Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter after activation.

Introductory offers

Enjoy a $200 bonus after spending a certain amount within the first few months of account opening (check current offers for specifics) along with 5% on gas and grocery purchases on up to $12,000 in your first year.

No annual fee

This card doesn't charge an annual fee, making it cost-effective.

Travel and purchase protection

Offers various travel and purchase protections such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance and purchase protection.

Drawbacks and considerations

Rotating categories activation

Requires quarterly activation to earn the 5% cash back in bonus categories, which might involve remembering to opt in. You can opt in at any time during the period but forgetting from the starting point means missing out on rewards.

Credit card activation requirements

To maximize rewards, one must stay updated with the changing categories and adapt spending habits accordingly.

Foreign transaction fees

Charges a 3% fee for transactions made outside the U.S., which can add to costs for international travelers.

Credit requirements

Approval may require a good to excellent credit score, which could be a consideration for some applicants.

How to decide if this card is right for you

Evaluate your spending habits

To determine if the Chase Freedom Flex card aligns with your financial goals, start by evaluating your spending habits. If you appreciate earning higher rewards in changing categories, the 5% cash back on rotating categories might appeal to you specifically if they align with your spending habits. However, keep in mind that these categories require quarterly activation, which could be a consideration if you prefer a more consistent rewards structure that doesn’t require remembering to opt in.

Assess the sign-up bonus

Assess the sign-up bonus offered and consider the absence of an annual fee, which adds to its appeal as a cost-effective option.

Determine your travel needs

If you travel abroad frequently, note that this card does has foreign transaction fees of 3% on purchases.

Compare with other similar cards

Additionally, compare this card with others in the market and read reviews from various sources to gather insights before making a decision. Ultimately, weighing these factors against your spending patterns and preferences will help determine if the Chase Freedom Flex card is the right fit for you.

Found a perfect pair

Pair your Chase Freedom Flex with Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Apply now with Chase

To get even more rewards from the Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card, pair it with the Chase Sapphire Preferred You will earn more value for your accrued points when you redeem them through the Chase Ultimate Rewards online portal.

Apply now with Chase

Methodology

Credello’s credit card reviews aim to provide readers with clear and unbiased information to help them choose the right credit card that aligns with their financial goals and needs. Our methodology emphasizes transparency, disclosure of any potential biases, and regular updates to ensure the information remains relevant and accurate for readers.The methodology used to review the best Wells Fargo Credit Cards relied on a number of factors, with the most prominent of those being:

  • Assess the interest rates charged on outstanding balances.
  • Evaluate the cost of owning the credit card, including any annual fees.
  • Examine rewards programs, cashback offers, travel perks, and other cardholder benefits.
  • Analyze introductory APR, balance transfer offers, and sign-up bonuses.
  • Consider the card’s credit limit and its suitability for different financial needs.
  • Review late fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges.
  • Determine the credit score needed to qualify for the card.
  • Research the quality and accessibility of customer support.
  • Assess security measures such as fraud protection and chip technology.

The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.

Why Credello?
At Credello, transparency and objectivity are the cornerstones of our credit card reviews. We believe in empowering you to make informed financial decisions, free from any bias or influence from credit card issuers. We go beyond the surface, dissecting each card's features and rewards programs through the lens of your spending habits and financial goals. Whether you're a travel enthusiast, a cashback seeker, or a credit-building novice, we tailor our reviews to resonate with your unique needs.

FAQs

Yes, the Chase Freedom Flex card does have foreign transaction fees of 3%. When using this card for purchases made outside of the United States, there is a fee imposed on each transaction, which can impact the rewards earned.

A good to excellent credit score is typically required to qualify for the Chase Freedom Flex. A credit score above 670 is generally recommended, but approval also considers other factors like income, existing debts, and overall creditworthiness.

The approval timeline for the Chase Freedom Flex card can vary. Some applicants may receive instant approval upon applying online, while others might require additional review, which could take several days to a few weeks. If instant approval isn’t provided, applicants will receive a notification either by email or mail regarding the status of their application.

The minimum credit limit for the Chase Freedom Flex card can vary widely based on individual credit profiles. Factors such as credit history, income, and other financial details influence the assigned credit limit. Typically, the credit limit may range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, with a strong credit history contributing to a higher limit.

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