How do I increase the Freedom Flex flexible sections in the last quarter of 2024

The Chase Freedom Flex® was my second credit card, and it holds a firm place in my wallet even though I’ve opened several other cards since then. Freedom Flex does a great job of filling in the gaps in my earning plans, thanks to its variable 5% quarterly tiers (on the first $1,500 in purchases each quarter after launch, then 1%).

I couldn’t find much value in last quarter’s rotating sections, so when I saw what this quarter’s sections were going to be, I was excited. Here’s how I plan to grow Freedom Flex’s flexible stages in the last quarter of 2024.

McDonald’s

This section caused me to do a double take the first time I saw it. A very clear section compared to what we usually see on the Freedom Flex. That said, I’m not complaining; while I feel that McDonald’s has gone down in quality over the past few years, I still find myself eating there.

That’s especially true now that I live within walking distance of a McDonald’s. I expect to go down there a few times this quarter to get some food. If I do, I will pay with my Freedom Flex.

Even better, I’ll be able to stack the bonus rewards from this quarter on top of the bonus rewards I’m already earning for dining with this card — for a total of 7% back on these purchases.

PayPal

Arguably the best rotating category Freedom Flex has ever offered, PayPal will be the biggest category for me this quarter. I pay my electric and natural gas bills through PayPal, so I know for sure I’ll use this section at least once a month.

Besides, I do a lot of shopping online; if PayPal is an option at checkout, I’ll probably choose it to get that 5% bonus.

I recommend using Freedom Flex with PayPal for small purchases. While earning 5% bonus rewards on major purchases is tempting, you’d be better off spending that money on a new welcome bonus.

That’s especially true considering Freedom Flex spends $1,500 in bonus rewards at 5% each quarter.

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Pet stores and animal services

I am the proud owner of a beautiful dog who will receive many 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 fourth quarter Freedom Flex categories, I’ll be able to earn more rewards for all that spending.

I intend to pack this section with a cashback offer from my Freedom Flex and a Rakuten bonus. I keep seeing Chewy offers from both Chase and Rakuten, so I’ll get a great deal if I can cash in on those additions to this rotating category.

On top of all that, my dog ​​is due for a physical every year in December. Given that this is a significant charge, I’m happy to put 5% back on it (although I doubt my dog ​​shares this enthusiasm for vet visits).

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

Choose a charity

The holiday season always puts me in a giving mood, so I’m excited to be able to earn bonus rewards on select donations in my Freedom Flex this quarter.

Of course, that’s not my main motivation for donating to a good cause, but I’ll never be happy to get more rewards on a purchase.

My only gripe with this section is that I wish the list of eligible charities was longer. I have several charities that I like to donate to that are not listed.

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 intend to donate to at least one of those charities this quarter. Charitable donations rarely receive bonus rewards, so if you have qualifying donations planned, be sure to add them to your Freedom Flex.

Bottom line

I view this quarter’s rotating divisions as a solid lineup. Even if categories like McDonald’s and pet stores don’t work for you, it’s hard not to find value in at least the PayPal category. Freedom Flex offers great opportunities to earn rewards on purchases you might not otherwise have, so I recommend adding it to your wallet if it’s already gone.

It’s also a great credit card for beginners because it has no annual fee and features many other bonus categories in addition to its revolving selection.

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

Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex

Related: Why I got the Chase Freedom Flex