Chase Freedom Flex: flexible cash back

Last reviewed: September 22, 2026. Credit card rewards, promotional offers, APRs, fees and benefits may change. Always review Chase's current terms before applying or making a financial decision.

The Chase Freedom Flex® is a cash-back credit card with rotating quarterly bonus categories and several fixed earning categories. The card currently has a $0 annual fee.

Its rewards structure combines 5% cash back on activated quarterly categories with permanent bonus rates on Chase Travel, dining and drugstore purchases.

Current Freedom Flex cash-back rates

Under Chase's current rewards structure, cardholders earn:

• 5% cash back: on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating quarterly categories after activation;
• 5% cash back: on eligible travel purchased through Chase Travel;
• 3% cash back: on eligible dining, including qualifying takeout and delivery;
• 3% cash back: on eligible drugstore purchases;
• 1% cash back: on other eligible purchases.

Merchant category coding and the applicable rewards terms determine whether an individual transaction qualifies for an accelerated rate.

How the rotating 5% categories work

Freedom Flex offers different 5% bonus categories during each calendar quarter.

Cardholders must activate the quarterly offer to receive the accelerated rate. The 5% rate currently applies to up to $1,500 in combined eligible purchases across that quarter's activated categories.

After the applicable quarterly spending limit is reached, additional purchases generally earn according to the Card's other applicable rewards rates.

For current and upcoming categories, see Chase Freedom Flex bonus categories.

New: no foreign transaction fees

As of September 21, 2026, Chase no longer charges foreign transaction fees on Chase Freedom Flex purchases.

This applies to eligible purchases made abroad as well as purchases from international online merchants, according to Chase's current terms.

Other costs associated with international purchases, such as merchant currency conversion practices, remain separate considerations.

New: Points Boost on selected hotels

Freedom cardmembers now have access to selected Points Boost offers when redeeming Ultimate Rewards® points for eligible hotel bookings through Chase Travel.

Freedom points normally have a standard Chase Travel redemption value of one cent per point. Current Points Boost promotions can make eligible points worth up to 10% more on selected hotel accommodations.

Points Boost is promotional and does not apply to every hotel. Eligible properties are identified within Chase Travel, and offers can change.

Current introductory offer

As of this review, Chase is advertising a limited-time $250 new-cardmember bonus after $500 in qualifying purchases during the first three months after account opening.

Welcome offers can vary by channel and can change. Eligibility restrictions also apply, so consumers should verify the offer shown by Chase when applying.

Introductory APR

The Freedom Flex currently offers 0% introductory APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers.

After the introductory period, Chase currently lists a variable APR of 18.24% to 27.74%, depending on creditworthiness. Balance transfer fees apply.

Rates and promotional terms can change and should be verified through the current pricing terms before applying.

Cell Phone Protection

Freedom Flex currently includes Cell Phone Protection when applicable requirements are met.

Current coverage can provide up to $800 per approved claim and up to $1,000 during a 12-month period for covered theft or damage to eligible phones listed on a monthly cell phone bill paid with the eligible card.

A $50 deductible applies to each approved claim, with a maximum of two paid claims in a 12-month period.

Additional protections

Freedom Flex also currently includes several travel and purchase protections when applicable requirements are satisfied.

• Auto Rental Coverage;
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance;
• Purchase Protection;
• Extended Warranty Protection;
• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services;
• Zero Liability Protection for qualifying unauthorized transactions.

Coverage limits, exclusions and claim requirements apply. The current Guide to Benefits should be reviewed before relying on any protection.

Cash-back rewards do not expire while the account remains open

Chase currently states that Freedom Flex cash-back rewards do not expire as long as the account remains open, subject to the Rewards Program Agreement.

There is currently no minimum amount required to redeem for cash back.

Although Chase markets the rewards as cash back, they are tracked as Ultimate Rewards points. Under the current program, 100 points equal $1 in cash-back rewards.

Consider spending patterns instead of chasing categories

Rotating categories can provide additional rewards when they overlap with purchases already included in a household budget.

However, increasing spending solely to reach a quarterly bonus limit can reduce the practical value of the rewards. Interest charges can also exceed the amount earned in cash back if a balance is carried beyond an applicable promotional period.

For more detail about the earning structure, see Earning with Freedom Flex.

For comparisons with other products in the Chase lineup, see Freedom Flex vs. other Chase cards.

Frequently asked questions

Does Chase Freedom Flex have an annual fee?

No. The Freedom Flex currently has a $0 annual fee.

Does Freedom Flex charge foreign transaction fees?

No. Chase removed the Freedom Flex foreign transaction fee effective September 21, 2026.

Do I need to activate the 5% quarterly categories?

Yes. The rotating quarterly bonus must be activated to earn the 5% rate on eligible purchases, up to the applicable quarterly spending limit.

Do Freedom Flex rewards expire?

Chase currently states that cash-back rewards do not expire while the account remains open, subject to the Rewards Program Agreement.

Final considerations

The Chase Freedom Flex currently combines rotating quarterly categories with fixed rewards on Chase Travel, dining and drugstores, while charging no annual fee.

The recent removal of foreign transaction fees and addition of selected hotel Points Boost offers have also expanded the card's travel-related features.

For current rewards, APRs, fees, categories and benefits, review the official Chase Freedom Flex information.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Rewards, categories, promotional offers, APRs and card benefits may change.