Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card: 2024 Review
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Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card: 2024 Review

Chase Freedom Flex is a cashback card for those with good to excellent credit. The 1% cash back is average but 5% quarterly bonuses increase your cash back.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers.She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers.She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Chase Freedom Flexâ„  Card

Chase Freedom Flex

Rewards Plan

1-5% 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases on selected categories each quarter and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Also, you can earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), drugstore purchases , and 1% on all other purchases

Sign up Bonus

$200 $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Our Rating

4.4
4.4/5

0% Intro

15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.49%–29.24% variable
Chase Freedom Flexâ„  Card

Chase Freedom Flex

Rewards Plan

1-5% 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases on selected categories each quarter and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Also, you can earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), drugstore purchases , and 1% on all other purchases

Sign up Bonus

$200 $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Our Rating

4.4
4.4/5

PROS

CONS

APR

20.49%–29.24% variable

Annual Fee

$0

0% Intro

15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Credit Requirements

Good – Excellent

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card does not come with an annual fee and offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases on selected categories each quarter and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Also, you can earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), drugstore purchases , and 1% on all other purchases.

The card offers a nice sign up bonus of $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Lastly, you are eligible for a lengthy 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 20.49%–29.24% variable.

It also comes with valuable cardholder perks like Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection, and more. However, there are cash back limits in its rotating bonus categories and cardholders should remember to enroll in quarterly categories might be a hassle.

The Chase Freedom Flex is one of the most popular cards for those who have good credit. However, if you want a card that does not have changing bonuses every quarter you may want to look for a card that offers higher cash back on all purchases. 

Does Chase Freedom Flex offer pre approval?

Yes, you can get pre-approval. This provides you with a greater level of flexibility and you do not have to initially subject yourself to a hard credit check.

What are the top reasons NOT to get it?

If you make a lot of purchases not covered by the respective categories and will only get 1% cashback on them. You may also travel a lot and not want to pay the 3% foreign exchange transaction charge that comes with this card.

Should You Move to Chase Freedom Flex card?

This is a good fit for people who are looking for good cashback rates, as well as getting access to quarterly bonus categories for enhanced rates.

How do I redeem cashback on the Chase Freedom Flex card?

You go to the Ultimate Rewards section that Chase has on offer and you can choose between the options as to how you utilize the rewards.

Freedom Flex Card Overview on Chase app
Freedom Flex Card Overview on Chase app (Screenshot from Chase app)

In This Review..

Pros & Cons

Let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of the Chase Freedom Flex card to determine if it aligns with your wallet's preferences and needs.

Pros
Cons
Cashback Rewards
Cash Back Limits
No Annual Fee
Balance And Foreign Transaction Fees
Sign Up Bonus
Travel Redemption Constraints
0% Intro APR
Enrollment Hassle
Cardholder Perks
Flexible Redemption Options

Chase Freedom Flex offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases on selected categories each quarter and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Also, you can earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), drugstore purchases , and 1% on all other purchases

Chase Freedom Flex redeem for cash back on app
Chase Freedom Flex redeem for cash back on app (Screenshot from Chase app)

Many of the rewards cards that offer higher rewards than Chase Freedom Flex  have annual fees which end up eating into the rewards. 

The Chase Freedom Flex card does not have an annual fee.

You can get a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening after signing up.

This bonus has a low threshold compared to other cards; in fact, many other credit cards have sign-up bonuses that require thousands to be spent in the first few months in order to get the bonus.

If you are looking to save money on interest, the Chase Freedom card Flex offers a 0% introductory rate for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 20.49%–29.24% variable). 

The card comes with valuable perks such as Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection, Free Credit Score, Identity Restoration, Fraud Monitoring, and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.

Chase Freedom Flex high cash back offers on Chase app
Chase Freedom Flex high cash back offers on Chase app (Screenshot from Chase app)

Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, or travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, providing flexibility in how cardholders use their earned rewards.

Chase Freedom Flex redeem points for gift card
Chase Freedom Flex redeem points for gift card (Screenshot from Chase app)

Chase Freedom Flex Rotating quarterly categories earn 5% rewards up to a combined quarterly of $1,500 maximum.

So if you are a big spender and looking to juice your bonuses, keep track of your spending in the bonus categories. 

There is a balance transfer fee required if you want to take advantage of the introductory 0% APR rate. Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening.  After that, either $5 or 5% (the greater) of the amount of each transfer. 

Chase Freedom Flex has a 3% fee for each transaction in another country. If you are traveling outside of the US you may want to leave this card at home.

To earn 5% cash back on travel, purchases must be made through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, limiting flexibility compared to other travel reward programs.

The need to enroll in rotating categories each quarter might be viewed as an additional task, potentially causing some cardholders to miss out on bonus rewards.

Chase Spending planner on Chase app
Analyze spending and rewards on Chase app (Screenshot from Chase app)

Simulate Your Rewards: How Much You Earn?

 Let's explore the rewards structure of the Freedom Flex card and see how much cash back you expected to get based on the following spend:

Chase Freedom Flex

Spend Per Category
Chase Freedom Flexâ„  Card
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets
$390 *
$3,000 – Restaurants
$90
$1,500 – Airline
$75
$1,500 – Hotels
$75
$4,000 – Gas
$40
Estimated Annual Value
$670

* The card offers higher cash back on rotating categories up to $6,000/year. We assume full utilization, calculating the total amount under "U.S Supermarkets" category.

Freedom Flex cash back rewards can be redeemed on Ultimate Rewards portal:

Chase Freedom Flex redeem rewards on benefits and travel
Redeem Chase Freedom Flex rewards (Screenshot from Chase app)

How It Compared To Other No Annual Fee Chase Cards?

When compared to other no annual fee Chase cards, the Chase Freedom Flex offers a competitive edge in its rotating cash back categories and welcome offer.

In the same league, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a notable counterpart. While both cards share no annual fee and offer cash back, the Freedom Flex's rotating bonus categories provide a more dynamic rewards structure, attracting users who appreciate variety in their spending incentives. The Freedom Unlimited, on the other hand, offers a flat-rate cash back on all purchases, catering to those who prefer simplicity over category management.

The Chase Slate Edgeâ„ , another no-annual fee option, focuses on balance transfers with an introductory 0% APR period. It stands out for those seeking to consolidate debt rather than maximize cash back rewards.

Unlike the Sapphire cards that focus on premium travel rewards and carry an annual fee, the Freedom Flex is tailored for cash-back enthusiasts – but doesn't include premium perks.

Is the Chase Freedom Flex Right for You?

Chase Freedom Flex is a cashback card for those with good to excellent credit. 

The 1% cash back is average but 5% quarterly bonuses increase your cash back. The 5% bonus does have a cap and if you are a bigger spender you may want to look to other cards that offer a higher cap for cash back on all purchases.

It does have a generous sign up bonus and introductory APR period, but beware of the transfer fee if wanting to take advantage of the 0% APR.  You can schedule payments and see your balance and due date on Chase app:

Chase Freedom Flex Change payment option
Chase Freedom Flex Change payment option on app (Screenshot from Chase app)

If you travel overseas – this card should be left at home, with a 3% transaction fee outside of the United States that will eat up your cash back rewards.

However, if you want a card that does not have changing bonuses every quarter or  if you do not max out on the bonus categories each quarter – you may want to look for a card that offers higher cash back on all purchases. 

Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Compare The Alternatives

There are other credit cards that do offer comparable cash back rewards – we’ve summarized the most popular cards which can use as an alternative to the Chase Freedom Card:

Wells Fargo active cash card

chase freedom unlimited card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cashâ„  Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Annual Fee
$0
$0
$0
Rewards
2% 2% cash rewards on purchases (unlimited)
1.5% – 5% 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 3% on drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all purchases
1% – 5% 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%)
Welcome bonus
$200 $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$200 $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
3%
3%
Purchase APR
20.24% to 29.99% variable APR
20.24%–28.99% variable
18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $0) applies to all balance transfers

FAQ

Yes, when you rent the car and pay for all of its cost with this card and do not accept coverage from the rental company. Please review the terms and conditions before to make sure you're covered.

 

 There are no specific income requirements outlined and you will usually not be asked to provide any type of proof of income in order to get one of these cards.

 

The points don’t expire as long as your account remains open. Therefore, you are able to build them up over time and not worry about having to use them straight away.

To maximize rewards, you should make sure that you take advantage of the bonus categories and leave the other types of purchases that are not covered by an enhanced rate to another card. This is because you will only get 1% cashback on non-covered purchases.

Compare Chase Freedom Flex

When comparing rotating categories to flat-rate cash back rewards, need to analyze the categories & calculate – which card gives you more?

Citi Double Cash vs Chase Freedom Flex: Which Is Better?

While both cards offer great cash back rewards and considered among the best Chase cards, there are some major differences. Which is better?

Chase Freedom Flex vs Chase Freedom Unlimited: Which Card Is Best?

If you're looking for rotating cash back rewards, it's time to analyze the categories of each to understand which card gives you more.

Chase Freedom Flex vs Discover it Cash Back: Which Is Better?

The BofA Customized Cash Rewards and the Chase Freedom Flex have many features in common, but there is a clear winner when comparing them.

BofA Customized Cash Rewards vs Chase Freedom Flex: Which Card Is Best?

The Capital One SavorOne cashback categories are fixed, while the Chase Freedom Flex has rotating categories. Which is worth more?

Capital One SavorOne vs Chase Freedom Flex: Side By Side Comparison

Review Cash Back Credit Cards

Picture of Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers.She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
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Best Cards Per Category
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

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