Chase Freedom's Q4 categories are now active: Enjoy rewards at McDonald’s, PayPal, pet stores, and charitable organizations.

We're already in the final quarter of the year. Whether this brings holiday cheer or anxiety about unfinished tasks, it also means new bonus categories for Chase Freedom.

This quarter is a standout. Chase has reintroduced popular Q4 choices like PayPal and select charities, while also adding fresh options for pet owners and McDonald’s fans.

If you want to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can earn bonus rewards for donations to select charities aiding relief efforts, including the American Red Cross, Feeding America, and International Medical Corps (see the full list below).

Chase Freedom Flex® and Freedom cardholders can earn bonus rewards at McDonald's, PayPal, pet shops, veterinary services, and select charities until Dec. 31 after activation.

Here's how everything works.

The details for the Freedom credit card have been gathered independently by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.

Q4 2024 categories for Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex cardholders can activate their accounts to earn bonus cash back (or points) at McDonald's, PayPal, pet shops, veterinary services, and select charities until Dec. 31.

As mentioned earlier, you need to activate these categories to tap into the bonus-earning potential of these two cards.

You can easily complete this process through your Chase account using your last name, the last four digits of your card, and your ZIP code. Registration is now available.

Examining the Q4 bonus categories

If you’re like me and prefer to do most of your holiday shopping online, the return of PayPal as a bonus category this year is fantastic news. This marks the seventh consecutive year PayPal has been included in the Q4 bonus categories, and I make the most of it every year during my end-of-year shopping for others (and, admittedly, for myself).

This marks the second consecutive year that Chase has included select charities as a Q4 bonus category — perfect for anyone making last-minute charitable contributions before the year ends.

Alongside these two returning categories, we have new opportunities to earn bonus rewards in Q4. Pet owners know that pet-related expenses can accumulate quickly — and they often don't qualify for bonus rewards. The inclusion of pet shops and veterinary services allows those with furry companions (or those considering adopting one this season) to earn rewards on everyday costs like pet food and vaccines, as well as seasonal treats like costumes.

And great news for fans of Happy Meals: McDonald's is making its debut in the Freedom category this quarter.

Here are the details on the bonuses:

• PayPal: With many online retailers accepting PayPal, this bonus category offers cardholders significant flexibility for earning in Q4. Simply connect your Freedom or Freedom Flex card to your PayPal account, and you'll earn bonus rewards when using it for payments.
• Select charities: The Q4 season of giving includes charitable donations for many. You'll earn bonus rewards when donating to any of the following charities using your Freedom or Freedom Flex: American Red Cross, Equal Justice Initiatives, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, Leadership Conference Education Fund, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, National Urban League, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, United Negro College Fund, UNICEF USA, United Way, World Central Kitchen, GLSEN, Out and Equal, and Sage. Be sure to donate directly through the organization, not via third-party sites, to trigger the bonus rewards.
• Pet shops and veterinarian services: Earn bonus rewards when purchasing pet supplies or paying for their care. This category includes merchants offering pet products and services, such as pet shops (including online retailers) for pet food, accessories, and licensed veterinary care. Note that doggy daycare, pet insurance, and grooming are excluded.
• McDonald's: Whether you’re stopping in for a snack or a quick meal during this hectic season, you’ll earn bonus rewards at McDonald's when using your Freedom or Freedom Flex this quarter. This applies to purchases made at McDonald's locations, including those within third-party vendors and through the McDonald's app. Gift cards and McDonald's merchandise bought via third-party platforms are not eligible.

After activation, Freedom cardholders will receive 5% back (or 5 points per dollar) in these categories from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. Freedom Flex cardholders will earn 7% back (or 7 points per dollar) at McDonald's and 5% back (or 5 points per dollar) in the other categories during the same timeframe after activation.

Keep in mind that Chase limits the 5% back (or 5 points per dollar) to the first $1,500 spent across combined bonus categories each quarter you activate. After reaching this cap, you will earn the standard rates on your card.

Common questions about Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex bonus categories

How do the rotating categories function?

Every quarter, Chase reveals a set of bonus categories that allow you to earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) during the upcoming three-month period. Typically, these categories are announced halfway through the month prior to the start of the new quarter, giving cardholders time to activate them in advance. However, you can activate your categories until the middle of the last month of the quarter.

These categories often repeat over time — for example, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations frequently appear on the cash-back calendar. Depending on the categories available and your ability to maximize them, these two cards can provide a substantial amount of cash back or bonus points throughout the year.

What is the cash back limit I can earn each quarter?

Chase restricts the 5% back (or 5 points per dollar) to the first $1,500 spent in combined bonus categories each quarter you activate the bonus.

While it may not seem like a large amount, that cash back can accumulate significantly over time. By maximizing cash-back categories each quarter, you could earn $75 in cash back quarterly and up to $300 per year. For a no-annual-fee credit card, that represents substantial value.

Alternatively, since the cash back you earn is in the form of Ultimate Rewards points, you could accumulate up to 30,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards each year. If you also hold a premium product like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can combine the Ultimate Rewards points earned from your Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex card with those from your premium Ultimate Rewards card, making them fully transferable.

According to TPG's September 2024 valuations, Chase points are valued at 2.05 cents each — meaning the 30,000 points you can earn in a year would be worth approximately $615.

How can I activate my 5% categories each quarter?

You can go to Chase's website to activate your 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) for this quarter. Alternatively, you can register through your Chase mobile app, simplifying your credit card management this year.

Here's the registration process:

1. Visit the Chase bonus activation page or sign in to your Chase account.
2. Provide your last name, the last four digits of your card number, and your billing ZIP code. If you don't have your card handy, you can log in to your Chase account to find these details.
3. Click on "Activate your 5%" to sign up.
4. If you own multiple Chase Freedom cards, ensure each one is registered.
5. Keep a screenshot of your activation for future reference — you should also get a "You're Activated!" confirmation email.

Is it possible to have both the Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex to maximize my earnings?

Yes, you are allowed to hold both cards. So, if you currently have the Chase Freedom and want to add the Chase Freedom Flex to your collection, you can do so. Just remember that the original Freedom card is not open to new applicants anymore.

However, if you'd prefer to keep just one, the Freedom Flex can be obtained through a product change.

Additionally, make sure you’re eligible for a new Chase card before proceeding.

How can I get the most out of my Freedom and Freedom Flex cards?

The key is to activate your card to receive 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) each quarter in designated categories, and then make purchases in those specific categories.

You might consider setting a recurring reminder in your calendar or subscribing to the TPG newsletter (we send out quarterly activation reminders along with tips and tricks for enhancing your card strategy and achieving great award redemptions).

Even better, when paired with a Chase credit card that allows for fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, the 5% cash back from the Chase Freedom Flex effectively translates to 5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar, as explained in our guide on the "Chase Trifecta."

In that scenario, you can convert the points earned with the Freedom Flex into Ultimate Rewards points, which can then be used with travel partners like Southwest, Hyatt, and United.

What are the typical bonus categories for the Freedom and Freedom Flex cards?

You'll also want to ensure that you can optimize other bonus categories throughout the year. To help you evaluate if these common categories align with your spending habits, here are the past Chase Freedom quarterly categories dating back to 2012:

In summary

As a Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex cardholder, you can earn bonus rewards on purchases made with PayPal, select charities, pet stores, veterinary services, and McDonald's through December 31, after activation.

Besides the rotating bonus categories, the Freedom Flex offers 5% cash back on all travel booked via Chase Travel, 3% cash back at drugstores, 3% cash back on dining (including eligible delivery services), and 1% unlimited cash back on all other transactions.