Just because a purchase looks like it fits a 5% bonus category doesn’t mean it will qualify.
Chase determines eligibility using Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) — not store names or branding.
Here’s how to avoid missed rewards and ensure every swipe earns what it should:
1. Understand Merchant Category Codes (MCCs)
MCCs are four-digit codes assigned by payment networks (like Visa or Mastercard) to describe the type of business a merchant operates. Chase uses these codes to determine whether your purchase qualifies for a 5% bonus in a rotating category.
✅ Key tip: The store must fall under a specific MCC that matches the active category for the quarter. Branding alone doesn’t matter.
2. Know What Usually Qualifies
When the right category is active, purchases at these merchants typically earn 5%:
🛒 Grocery Stores (Example: Q1)
- Kroger®
- Safeway®
- Whole Foods®
- Trader Joe’s®
- Albertsons®
- Meijer®
⛽ Gas Stations (Example: Q2)
- ExxonMobil®
- Shell®
- Chevron®
- BP®
- 76®
🎬 Streaming Services (Example: Q3)
- Netflix®
- Disney+®
- Hulu®
- Peacock®
- HBO Max®
- Paramount+®
🍽️ Restaurants (Example: Q3)
- Sit-down restaurants
- Fast food chains (e.g., McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A)
- Coffee shops (e.g., Starbucks, Dunkin’)
✅ Helpful tip: Check your Chase account dashboard or statement history to see how past purchases were categorized.
3. Watch Out for Common Pitfalls
These purchases might look eligible but often aren’t — due to how they’re classified:
🚫 Grocery Stores That Typically Don’t Qualify
- Walmart®
- Target®
- Costco®
Classified as superstores or warehouse clubs — not grocery stores.
🚫 Gas Purchases That May Not Qualify
- Fuel at grocery store stations (e.g., Kroger Fuel)
- Warehouse club gas (e.g., Costco gas)
🚫 Restaurant Purchases That May Not Qualify
- Orders via delivery apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)
Often coded as “delivery services,” not restaurants.
🚫 Streaming Services Paid Through Bundles
- Services bundled with internet or phone plans (e.g., Disney+ through Verizon)
These might be coded as utilities or telecom, not streaming.
4. Test When You’re Not Sure
If you’re uncertain whether a merchant qualifies:
✅ Try this strategy:
- Make a small purchase ($1–$5) with your Chase Freedom Flex.
- After it posts, check your statement for the merchant category.
- Or call Chase customer service to confirm the classification.
🔍 Bonus tip: Budgeting apps like Mint or YNAB may display merchant categories — useful for planning purchases in advance.
5. Be Cautious with Online Marketplaces
Some platforms use unpredictable MCCs, especially third-party sellers:
- A kitchen tool bought from a third-party on Amazon may not count as “home improvement” unless sold directly by Amazon under the right MCC.
- A gift card purchased through PayPal may not qualify unless the full transaction is processed by PayPal itself.
6. Know the Limits of Chase’s System
You cannot change how a purchase is coded. Even if a transaction should qualify, Chase won’t reclassify it after the fact.
That’s why being proactive is key.
✅ Final tip:
If you’re unsure, stick with well-known, eligible merchants or test with a small gift card purchase in-store. Spending $5 to verify a code can help you avoid losing out on hundreds in rewards later.
