Chase Freedom Calendar: Complete Guide for 2025
Earning 5% cash back with your Chase Freedom Flex℠ card takes more than just swiping — it requires smart timing, planning, and knowing how rotating categories work.
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The Chase Freedom Calendar is your guide to unlocking these bonus rewards all year long.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how the calendar works in 2025, share practical strategies, and answer common questions — so you can get the most value out of every quarter.
If you’re a current or future Freedom cardholder looking to maximize your rewards without the guesswork, this guide is for you.
What Is the Chase Freedom Calendar?
The Chase Freedom Calendar is a quarterly schedule of rotating categories that earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter. After hitting that cap, purchases earn 1%.
Categories often include everyday spending like groceries, gas, dining, or streaming. Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders must activate each quarter to start earning the bonus rate.
If you hit the $1,500 cap every quarter, that’s up to $300 in bonus cash back per year — just by aligning your spending with the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Chase 48-month rule?
You’re only eligible for a welcome bonus if you haven’t received one for that card (or a similar one in the same family) in the past 48 months. This rule often applies to cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Reserve®.
2. Are there any changes or rumors for Chase cards in 2025?
Speculation includes:
- Expanded travel partners in Ultimate Rewards®
- A refresh of the Chase Sapphire lineup
- A possible premium version of the Freedom card
(These are rumors — confirm via official channels.)
3. What are the Q4 2025 bonus categories?
Tentative Q4 categories include Walmart®, PayPal®, and select travel purchases. Always verify at chase.com/calendar.
4. Does Costco qualify for the grocery category?
No. Costco is usually coded as a warehouse club, not a grocery store, and typically doesn’t qualify for the 5% grocery category.
5. Is Chase Freedom being discontinued?
The original Chase Freedom Visa is no longer available to new applicants, but existing users can continue using it. New applicants are offered the Chase Freedom Flex℠ card.
6. Is Costco ever included in the 5% categories?
Rarely. Costco doesn’t usually fall into grocery, PayPal, or other common categories — unless explicitly listed in a specific quarter.
7. Does Airbnb count as travel with Chase?
Yes, Airbnb is typically categorized as travel, making it eligible for bonus points under Chase cards with travel rewards.
8. What are the 2025 Chase Freedom bonus categories?
Tentative schedule:
- Q1: Grocery stores, fitness clubs
- Q2: Gas stations, EV charging, home improvement
- Q3: Restaurants, streaming services, movie theaters
- Q4: Walmart®, PayPal®, travel purchases
(Always check the official calendar for confirmation.)
9. Do Chase Freedom points expire?
No. As long as your account remains open and in good standing, your Chase Ultimate Rewards® points won’t expire.
10. What’s 100,000 Chase points worth?
- $1,000 as cash back
- $1,250 toward travel (with Chase Sapphire Preferred®)
- $2,000+ in value when transferred to travel partners like Hyatt or United
11. How do I upgrade from Chase Freedom to Freedom Unlimited?
Call the number on your card to request a product change. No credit check is required, but you won’t receive a sign-up bonus with a product change.
12. Can Chase points be transferred to Delta Airlines?
No. Delta is not a Chase transfer partner — it’s exclusive to Amex Membership Rewards. Chase does partner with United, Southwest, JetBlue, and others.