Chase Freedom Flex℠

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 0% intro for 15 months, then 18.49%–29.99% variable
• Rewards: 5% rotating categories + 3% dining/drugstores + 1% everything else
• Bonus: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months
• Best For: Maximizing cash back with rotating categories, no annual fee
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a versatile no annual fee cash back credit card that rewards everyday spending with rotating 5% categories, 3% back on dining and drugstores, and an intro 0% APR offer. Perfect for those who want flexibility without paying an annual fee.

With generous quarterly bonus categories, elevated dining rewards, and the ability to pair with premium Chase cards for maximum value, the Freedom Flex delivers exceptional returns for strategic spenders. The extended 15-month intro APR period makes it ideal for financing large purchases or consolidating debt while earning rewards.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening, then 18.49%–29.99% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening, then 18.49%–29.99% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: Take advantage of the 15-month 0% intro APR period, but be mindful of the variable rate that follows.

Benefits Overview

Travel Benefits

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip)
• Travel accident insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver (primary coverage)
• Emergency card replacement worldwide
• Travel and emergency assistance services

Everyday Benefits

• Purchase protection (120 days, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account)
• Extended warranty protection (adds 1 year to warranties of 3 years or less)
• Free Chase Credit Journey (credit score monitoring)
• 24/7 fraud monitoring with zero liability protection
• Card lock/unlock feature via Chase Mobile app
• Instant card access via digital wallets

Lifestyle Benefits

• 6 months complimentary DashPass membership
• 2% cash back on Lyft rides through September 30, 2027
• Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• Ability to combine points with Sapphire cards for enhanced redemptions

Rewards & Cash Back

• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 combined purchases each quarter in rotating bonus categories (activation required, then 1% after)
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No expiration on cash back rewards as long as your account is open
• No minimum redemption threshold — redeem anytime

2025 Rotating Categories (examples):

• Q1: Gas stations, fitness clubs
• Q2: Grocery stores, home improvement stores
• Q3: Amazon.com, streaming services
• Q4: Department stores, PayPal

Note: Activation required by visiting Chase.com/Freedom or through the Chase Mobile app.

Welcome Bonus

Earn $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

This is one of the best no annual fee cash back welcome bonuses available, with a very achievable spending requirement.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Strategic spenders who maximize rotating 5% categories
• Restaurant and dining enthusiasts earning 3% year-round
• Chase ecosystem users who pair with Sapphire cards for point transfers
• Balance transfer seekers wanting 15 months at 0% APR
• Anyone wanting premium benefits without paying an annual fee

Not Good For

• Passive spenders who forget to activate quarterly categories
• International travelers (3% foreign transaction fee)
• Those wanting simplicity over maximum rewards
• Balance carriers after the intro period (high variable APR)

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee with premium cash back rates
• Generous 5% rotating categories with $1,500 quarterly cap ($6,000/year total)
• Year-round 3% on dining and drugstores with no caps
• Extended 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
• $200 welcome bonus with low $500 spending requirement
• Chase ecosystem integration for enhanced redemptions
• Robust travel and purchase protections unusual for no-fee cards
• 6 months DashPass membership and Lyft benefits

Cons

• Rotating categories require quarterly activation to earn 5%
• Must track and maximize categories to get full value
• 3% foreign transaction fee limits international use
• Welcome bonus restricted to new Chase cardholders (24-month rule)
• Variable APR up to 29.99% after intro period
• Balance transfer fee applies (5% or $5 minimum)

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

If you spend $12,000 per year with strategic category optimization:

Total Estimated First Year Value: $644

Ongoing Annual Value (after Year 1): $444

This assumes you maximize the $1,500 quarterly cap in rotating categories. Even without maximizing categories, you'll still earn strong returns on dining and all other purchases.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If…

• You're willing to activate quarterly categories to maximize 5% rewards
• You spend significantly on dining and drugstores year-round
• You want a no annual fee card with premium travel protections
• You need 15 months at 0% APR for purchases or balance transfers
• You're part of the Chase ecosystem or planning to add Sapphire cards
• You want to earn cash back while financing purchases interest-free

You Should Skip It If…

• You prefer simple, set-it-and-forget-it rewards without activation
• You frequently travel internationally (3% foreign fee is costly)
• You already have a Chase Freedom card and can't get the welcome bonus
• You want higher flat-rate rewards on non-category spending
• You're looking for a card with no balance transfer fee

Apply Now

Apply for Chase Freedom Flex℠

Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.