Chase Freedom Flex

A no-fee card for people who like to plan: 5% on rotating quarterly categories, 3% on dining and drugstores.

Who it's for

This card is for you if you don't mind a little planning to earn more. You earn 5% on categories that rotate each quarter, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1% on everything else. There's no annual fee, and you get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. It's a Mastercard, which can help where Visa isn't accepted.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you'd rather not track categories. If you forget to activate them each quarter, you'll mostly earn 1%, and a flat 1.5% or 2% card would serve you better.

How to get the most from it

Set a reminder at the start of each quarter to activate the bonus categories on Chase's site or app, then use the card for those purchases up to the quarterly limit. Use it for dining and drugstores too. Put other spending on a flat-rate card. If you have a Sapphire card, combine your rewards there. Pay in full each month, and if you use the intro APR, have a plan to clear the balance within 15 months. Chase now lists no foreign transaction fees on this card, so it can come along on trips abroad.

Pros

• 5% on rotating quarterly categories
• 3% on dining and drugstores
• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• You must activate categories every quarter
• Quarterly limits on the 5%
• 1% on everything else

Frequently asked questions

How do the Freedom Flex 5% categories work?

Chase picks new categories each quarter. You activate them, then earn 5% on those purchases up to a quarterly limit.

Is the Freedom Flex worth it?

It's a strong no-fee card if you'll activate the categories and pair it with another card for everyday purchases.

Freedom Flex or Discover it Cash Back?

Both have rotating 5% categories and no annual fee. The Flex adds 3% on dining and drugstores all year. Discover matches all the cash back you earn in the first year.

Does the Freedom Flex have an annual fee?

No.