1. No Annual Fee
Many top rewards cards charge annual fees, but the Chase Freedom Flex costs $0 per year. That means you can keep it forever without worrying about whether it’s “worth it.”
2. 5% Rotating Categories
Every quarter, Chase releases a new set of bonus categories where you can earn 5% cash back (or 5X points) on up to $1,500 in purchases.
- In the past, categories have included gas stations, restaurants, PayPal, Amazon, grocery stores, and streaming services.
- That’s like getting $75 back every 3 months if you max it out — $300 a year!
3. Great Everyday Earning
Even outside the 5% categories, the Freedom Flex has solid rewards:
- 3% on dining (including takeout & delivery)
- 3% on drugstore purchases
- 1% on everything else
This makes it a strong all-around card even when the rotating categories don’t match your spending.
4. Huge Sign-Up Bonus
Right now, Chase is offering a welcome bonus (amount varies — check current offer) when you spend a certain amount in the first 3 months. For a no-annual-fee card, that’s an easy win.
5. Perfect Card to Pair Later
If you decide to get a Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, your cash back with Freedom Flex can turn into valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points — which can be transferred to travel partners like United, Hyatt, and Southwest. That’s how many people get outsized travel redemptions.
Why I Keep This Card Forever
It doesn’t cost me anything to hold on to, it earns amazing rewards in rotating categories, and it’s a great building block for a future travel points strategy.
👉 APPLY HERE*
✅ Quick Tips Before Applying:
- You typically need good to excellent credit (680+).
- Chase has the “5/24 rule” — if you’ve opened 5+ credit cards in the last 24 months, you likely won’t get approved.
Bottom Line
The Chase Freedom Flex is a true must-keep credit card for anyone who wants to maximize rewards with no annual fee. Whether you’re looking for cash back or planning to build a travel points strategy, this card deserves a permanent spot in your wallet.
👉 Ready to start earning rewards? [APPLY* with my referral link here]
*Disclosure: Some links in this post are personal referral links. I may receive a reward if you apply and are approved — and in many cases, you’ll receive a welcome bonus too. Thank you for supporting this site!
