If you have the Chase Freedom Flex® or legacy Chase Freedom®* in your wallet, the three rotating categories for Q4 have been announced.
From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, you’ll earn up to 7% cash back (or up to 7 points per dollar spent) on dining, grocery stores and American Red Cross donations.
You must activate your categories by Dec. 14 to earn at these rates (on up to $1,500 in combined spending across these categories; then 1% back or 1 point per dollar spent).
*The Chase Freedom is no longer available to new applicants. Card details have been collected independently by The Points Guy and have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Chase Freedom Q4 2026 Categories
From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders will earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent) across these bonus categories (on up to $1,500 in combined purchases; then 1% back or 1 point per dollar spent):
- Dining (Freedom Flex cardholders will earn an elevated 7% cash back on these purchases for Q4)
- Grocery stores
- American Red Cross donations
Dining already appeared as a bonus category earlier this year, so those who dine out often or order a lot of food delivery will appreciate a second chance to earn up to 7% cash back.
Grocery stores are one of the most common quarterly bonus categories on the Freedom cards, while this is the first time we’re seeing American Red Cross donations as a standalone category.
Extra good news for Freedom Flex cardholders: the card will stop charging foreign transaction fees from Sept. 20, making it an excellent choice for dining and grocery purchases both in the U.S. and abroad in Q4. (We’re unsure if legacy Freedom cardholders will enjoy the same privilege; check your Freedom card benefits guide in your online account after Sept. 20.)
Activate this quarter’s categories now to unlock their bonus-earning potential. You must activate by Dec. 14, but keep in mind that these categories will not go live until Oct. 1. It’s simple to complete this process through your Chase account; just provide your last name, the last four digits of your card and your ZIP code.
Analyzing the Q4 Bonus Categories
The fourth quarter is a time when many people rack up plenty of charges from restaurants and grocery stores, between the holidays, end-of-year travel and gatherings with loved ones. Since dining and groceries are likely two of the highest spending categories for many Freedom cardholders, it’s nice to see them offered as bonus categories at the same time.
If you’re feeling in a charitable mood this holiday season, consider using your eligible Freedom card to donate to the American Red Cross.
Here are the details:
- Dining: If you’re a Freedom Flex cardholder, Chase has confirmed that you’ll be eligible for a boosted 7% cash back on dining purchases, including eligible takeout and delivery; legacy Freedom cardholders (no longer open to applicants) will earn 5% cash back. 7% cash back is among the highest rates available for dining purchases, so Freedom Flex cardholders should make a point to charge those purchases — both in the U.S. and internationally — to that card in Q4.
- Grocery stores: Whether you’re buying weekly groceries, preparing for winter storms or gearing up for holiday meals, you’ll be able to get 5% cash back on your grocery purchases with your eligible Freedom card. Note that Walmart, Target, wholesale clubs, discount stores and some drugstores are not eligible for the quarterly bonus.
- American Red Cross donations: If you decide to donate to the American Red Cross in Q4, you’ll earn 5% cash back on your donation. While some cards offer bonus rewards on charitable donations, it isn’t too common, making your eligible Freedom card a great pick for any donations to this particular charity. Make sure to make your donation directly through the Red Cross, otherwise your purchase may not code correctly for the 5% bonus cash back.
Remember that Chase limits the 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent) you can earn to the first $1,500 spent in combined bonus categories each quarter. After you reach the maximum, you’ll earn 1% back (or 1 point per dollar spent) on these purchases.
Chase Freedom Rotating Categories History
| Year | Quarter | Bonus Categories |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Q4 | Dining (elevated 7% cash back for Freedom Flex cardholders), grocery stores and American Red Cross donations |
| Q3 | EV charging, gas stations, select live entertainment, transit and United Way | |
| Q2 | Amazon, Chase Travel℠ (elevated 9% cash back for Freedom Flex cardholders), Feeding America and Whole Foods Market | |
| Q1 | American Heart Association, dining (elevated 7% cash back for Freedom Flex cardholders) and Norwegian Cruise Line | |
| 2025 | Q4 | Chase Travel (elevated 9% cash back for Freedom Flex cardholders), department stores and Old Navy; PayPal (December only) |
| Q3 | Gas and EV charging stations, Instacart and select live entertainment | |
| Q2 | Amazon and select streaming services; internet, cable and phone services (June only) | |
| Q1 | Select grocery stores, fitness club and gym memberships, self-care and spa services, and Norwegian Cruise Line purchases; tax preparation and insurance (March only) |
With dining and grocery stores both active through the end of the year, Q4 is one of the stronger quarters for Freedom cardholders to maximize cash back during the holiday season — so make sure to activate your categories before the Dec. 14 deadline.
