How I’m maximizing the Freedom Flex’s rotating categories in the final quarter of 2024

The Chase Freedom Flex® was my second credit card, and it holds a strong place in my wallet even though I've opened several more cards since then. The Freedom Flex does an excellent job filling gaps in my earning strategy, thanks to its rotating 5% quarterly categories (on the first $1,500 in purchases each quarter after activation, then 1%).

I wasn't able to get much value out of last quarter's rotating categories, so when I saw what this quarter's categories would be, I was excited. Here's how I plan on maximizing the Freedom Flex's rotating categories for the final quarter of 2024.

McDonald's

This category caused me to do a double take when I first saw it. It's a very specific category compared to what we typically see on the Freedom Flex. That said, I'm not complaining; while I feel that McDonald's has declined in quality over the past several years, I still find myself periodically getting food from there.

That's especially true now that I live within walking distance of a McDonald's. I anticipate heading down there a few times this quarter for a meal. When I do, I'll pay with my Freedom Flex.

Even better, I'll get to stack the bonus rewards from this quarter on top of the bonus rewards I already earn on dining with this card — for a total of 7% back on these purchases.

PayPal

Arguably the best rotating category that the Freedom Flex ever offers, PayPal will be a huge category for me this quarter. I pay my electric and natural gas bills through PayPal, so I know for certain that I'll be using this category at least once a month.

Beyond that, I do most of my shopping online; if PayPal is an option when I'm checking out, I'll more than likely select it to earn that bonus 5% back.

I recommend using the Freedom Flex via PayPal for smaller purchases. While earning 5% bonus rewards on a large purchase is enticing, you'd be better off putting that spending toward a new welcome bonus.

That's especially true considering the Freedom Flex's $1,500 spending cap for the 5% bonus rewards each quarter.

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Pet shops and veterinary services

I'm the proud owner of a great dog who will be getting plenty of gifts this quarter. Not only is the holiday season coming up, but his "Gotcha Day" is in early November. Since pet stores are one of the Freedom Flex's fourth-quarter categories, I'll be able to earn a lot of rewards on all of that spending.

I intend to stack this category with a cash-back offer from my Freedom Flex and a Rakuten bonus. I regularly see offers for Chewy from both Chase and Rakuten, so I'll get tremendous value if I can capitalize on those in addition to this rotating category.

On top of all of that, my dog is due for his annual physical in December. Given that this is a significant charge, I'm happy to get 5% back on it (although I doubt my dog shares that enthusiasm for a vet visit).

If you have a pet, I highly recommend putting as much of your pet-related spending as possible on your Freedom Flex through the end of 2024. Check Chase Offers and Rakuten regularly so you don't miss out on even more rewards.

Select charities

The holiday season always puts me in a giving mood, so I'm pleased that I can get bonus rewards on select charitable donations on my Freedom Flex this quarter.

Of course, that's not my main motivation for donating to a good cause, but I will never be unhappy about receiving extra rewards on a purchase.

My only gripe with this category is that I wish the list of eligible charities were longer. I have a few major charities I like to donate to that aren't included.

That said, there are some notable charities on the list, including the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and Feeding America.

I'm aiming to donate to at least one of those charities this quarter. Charity donations rarely get bonus rewards, so if you have any eligible donations planned, make sure to put them on your Freedom Flex.

Bottom line

I view this quarter's rotating categories as a strong lineup. Even if categories like McDonald's and pet stores aren't useful for you, it's hard not to find value in at least the PayPal category. The Freedom Flex provides fantastic opportunities to earn rewards on purchases you may otherwise not have, so I recommend adding it to your wallet if it isn't there already.

It's also a great beginner credit card because it has no annual fee and covers multiple other bonus categories in addition to its rotating selection.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.

Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex

Related: Why I got the Chase Freedom Flex