Zoos, sporting events, and films: My strategy for maximizing the Q3 categories with my Freedom Flex

Every quarter, the Chase Freedom (now unavailable for new applicants) and the Chase Freedom Flex® introduce new bonus categories that allow you to earn at least 5% cash back on purchases up to $1,500 (activation required). By making the most of this benefit, you can receive a total of $75 cash back. Additionally, if you possess the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can convert your rewards into valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to travel partners for even greater value.

The information regarding the Chase Freedom credit card has been gathered independently by Dinogo. The card details provided on this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

I've been using the Freedom Flex for nearly three years and have accumulated more points with it than any other card due to its rotating bonus categories. In past quarters, I’ve earned points at Amazon, dining establishments, grocery shops, home improvement retailers, PayPal, and more. Furthermore, since I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred, I can transfer my points to travel partners and apply them toward free flights and hotel accommodations.

This quarter's bonus categories include gas stations, electric vehicle charging, movie theaters, and select live events. These categories are particularly appealing to me because I reside in the Denver area, which is rich in live entertainment options and outdoor adventures. Summer is an ideal season to earn additional points on these purchases, as many of us embark on family road trips or seek refuge from the heat at theaters and concerts.

Here's my strategy for maximizing the bonus categories of my Freedom Flex over the upcoming three months.

Gas stations and electric vehicle charging

Since both my partner and I work from home, our gas usage has decreased significantly, which is beneficial for both the environment and our budget. However, during the summer months, our gas expenses tend to increase as we frequently drive into the Rocky Mountains on weekends for hiking or camping. I'll make sure to use my Freedom Flex whenever we fill up to optimize my rewards.

I don't have an electric vehicle, so I won't be able to benefit from the bonus points for EV charging; however, I commend Chase for including options for both gas and electric vehicles.

Cinemas

Spending a hot summer afternoon in a cool movie theater is a fantastic way to escape the heat. I'm looking forward to watching "Inside Out 2" and "A Quiet Place: Day One," both set to release in the next few months. I plan to visit my nearby dine-in cinema, where I can enjoy dinner before the film and earn 5% cash back on both the meal and the tickets.

Remember, any purchases made at a movie theater (or through their website) should earn you bonus rewards. This includes not just tickets, but also snacks, memberships, and gift cards. If you're thinking about getting a theater membership, now is a perfect time. And if a theater gift card seems like a great Christmas present for a friend, you might as well buy it now.

Live performances

Discover what's included

This category is quite expansive, but there are some exclusions. To get a clear picture of what Chase defines as "live entertainment," refer to the merchant list.

Here’s the scoop for this quarter:

Living in the Denver metro area, I have access to teams in all major sports as well as numerous concert venues and theater companies. This summer, I plan to catch a few baseball and soccer games, along with concerts and theatrical performances.

I’ll also renew my memberships to the local zoo and science museum this quarter to rack up 5 points for every dollar spent on membership fees. Many places allow early renewals—so even if your membership isn’t set to expire until October, you can pay the renewal fee in August to collect extra points, and your membership will still renew in October as expected.

Organize group outings

Since my partner and I don’t have kids, we can enjoy plays, concerts, and sporting events at a reasonable cost. It’s usually challenging for me to reach the $1,500 cap in this bonus category, but I’ve discovered that arranging group activities for friends and family is a fantastic way to enhance my rewards.

This summer, I’m organizing group outings with several friends to a Rapids soccer match and the local amusement park. I’ll take the initiative to purchase everyone’s tickets (using my Flex card, of course) and have them reimburse me. This is often the simplest way to ensure we sit together while allowing me to earn extra points without spending beyond my usual budget.

Prepare in advance

What I love about the live entertainment bonus category is that you can purchase tickets for events happening weeks or months down the line. For plays, concerts, and sports, I’ll look at the schedule for later this year and even into next year. If there’s an event I’m eager to attend, I’ll secure my tickets now to earn those extra points.

Experiences also make fantastic gifts, and I enjoy shopping early to find the ideal present without the usual last-minute stress. With my partner and parents all having fall birthdays, I’ll use this quarter to plan for their celebrations and even some Christmas gifts. If I choose to give experiences like hockey tickets or a museum membership, I’ll make sure to buy them with my Flex card by the end of September.

Stay alert

Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders can earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent at gas stations, for EV charging, at movie theaters, and on select live entertainment purchases until September 30. After reaching the $1,500 cap, the cash back rate drops to 1%.

Consequently, I’ll closely monitor my progress on the Chase website. Once I hit the $1,500 limit, I’ll transition to a more rewarding card for these transactions, like my Chase Freedom Unlimited®.

Key takeaway

The rotating bonus categories of the Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex cards make them excellent options for earning cash back or Ultimate Rewards points. This quarter’s categories are ideal for family outings and road trips, and you can maximize your points by organizing group activities, planning in advance, and considering gifts.