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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Reviews
Chase Freedom Flex card review: Incredible earning with no annual fee
Emily Thompson specializes in beginner content as a credit cards editor. She taps into her prior experience as a high school English teacher to help others demystify credit scores and unlock experiences that credit card rewards can make possible.
January 10, 2025 • 11 min read
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The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note:
Quick summary
A popular cash-back card offers strong earning rates across several purchase categories and includes valuable perks uncommon for similar products.
Rewards can be combined with certain other cards to unlock travel transfer options, adding flexibility for frequent travelers.
The card provides benefits like cellphone protection, shopping protections, food delivery discounts and trip interruption coverage.
Rotating bonus categories require quarterly activation, and the card is especially appealing to both beginners and experienced rewards enthusiasts.
What to consider
Bonus earning categories change each quarter and must be activated to receive higher rewards.
Foreign transaction fees apply, making the card less suitable for international use.
Combining rewards with select other cards is necessary to access travel transfer partners.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of this card's features, benefits and limitations versus other leading cash-back options.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Chase Freedom Flex overview
The (see rates and fees) is one of the best cash-back credit cards around, thanks to phenomenal earning rates across various spending categories, all with no annual fee to worry about. Plus, the card becomes even more valuable when you also have a card that earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
However, there are quite a few excellent no-annual-fee cards that might be a better choice for some folks, and sitting toward the top of that list is the .
Although it’s ostensibly a cash-back card, if you have another Chase card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, you can combine the rewards from your Freedom Flex with those from your other account, and they become transferable to Chase’s airline and hotel partners. Given the Chase Freedom Flex’s strong earning rates across a variety of purchase categories, that makes the card a potentially powerful tool in any traveler’s wallet.
On top of this, the card has valuable earning categories and benefits you wouldn’t typically expect from a no-annual-fee credit card.
For the best chances of approval, you’ll want a credit score between 670 and 850. If you’re there and considering adding the Freedom Flex, here’s a breakdown to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Chase Freedom Flex pros and cons
Pros
Cons
No annual fee
Cellphone protection and food delivery perks
5% cash back on popular rotating categories each quarter you activate
Introductory APR offer
Must activate your bonus categories quarterly to earn 5% back on select purchases
Doesn't earn Ultimate Rewards points unless you pair it with an Ultimate Rewards earning card
Has foreign transaction fees
Chase Freedom Flex welcome offer
Currently, new applicants can earn $200 after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening.
THE POINTS GUY
And if you also have a Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning card, like the (see rates and fees) or (see rates and fees), that $200 can become 20,000 transferable points — worth a solid $410, according to TPG’s January 2025 valuations.
We typically don’t expect much in the way of perks and benefits outside of the earning structure for no-annual-fee cards. However, the Freedom Flex does offer some additional benefits for cardholders.
Cellphone protection
Unlike most of Chase’s credit cards, the is a Mastercard. In fact, it’s a World Elite Mastercard, which means you’ll have access to a solid cellphone protection plan. You’re covered for $800 per claim for theft or damage, with a maximum of two claims and $1,000 total in a 12-month period (though you may have to pay a $50 deductible). Note that to receive this coverage, you do have to pay for your monthly phone bill with this card.
Shopping protections
You’ll have two extra protections when using your card to make purchases. First, you’ll have access to extended warranty protection. This benefit applies to U.S. manufacturers’ warranties of three years or less and will add a year to the length of the existing warranty.
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You’ll also have access to purchase protection, which covers your new purchases against damage or theft for up to 120 days from the date of purchase. This coverage applies up to the cost of the item or up to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per account.
Food delivery perks
As part of Chase’s partnership with DoorDash, cardholders get three months of complimentary DashPass, giving you free delivery on eligible orders and reduced service fees.
I know I have personally saved quite a bit using my Chase credit card’s complimentary DashPass access (though I get mine through the Chase Sapphire Reserve, not the Freedom Flex).
Once your three months of free access are over, you’ll still get nine months of discounted access for 50% off. Cardholders must register for this benefit before Jan. 31, 2025.
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Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
The card also comes with trip protection. For prepaid, nonrefundable fares booked with your , you’re covered for $1,500 per person or $6,000 per trip if it’s canceled for a covered reason. You can also take advantage of the auto rental collision damage waiver benefit. If you decline the rental company’s coverage, this benefit can protect against theft and collision damage, though this is secondary coverage.
The Freedom Flex is packed with earning opportunities across top spending categories, making it a compelling option for both newbies looking for their first rewards credit card and experts looking to round out their wallets.
That’s an impressive lineup of earning categories for any card, especially for a no-annual-fee credit card. While experts may prefer to book paid trips directly (especially when booking hotels), beginners can get a lot out of a card that earns 5% on travel booked through Chase’s platform.
The rotating categories change each quarter and require activation in advance. Categories we’ve seen regularly include Walmart, gas stations and purchases with PayPal.
Redeeming rewards on the Chase Freedom Flex
Alone, the Freedom Flex functions as a cash-back card. Redeeming your rewards for cash back is the simplest redemption option: You’ll get one cent per point, and you can redeem your rewards for a statement credit or request a check to cash them out.
TADEU BRUNELLI/GRAND HYATT BAHA MAR
However, you can also use your rewards to book travel through Chase Travel℠, redeem them for gift cards or pay with them directly at select retailers.
I especially love pairing my Freedom Flex with my to get great value from my points by transferring them to Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt.
Regardless of your travel goals, you’ll unlock tremendous value if you can take advantage of transfer partners to redeem your Freedom Flex rewards.
The is a solid cash-back option, but it’s not a slam dunk for everyone. If you want more consistent cash-back rewards, consider one of these cards:
If you want to earn Ultimate Rewards at a flat rate: The (see rates and fees) is the Freedom Flex’s sister card. It has no annual fee, earns at least 1.5% on all purchases, and offers the same option to combine rewards if you also have a card that earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards. For more details, see our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
If you want to choose your bonus categories: The Citi Custom Cash® Card (see rates and fees) has no annual fee and earns 5% cash-back per dollar on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, then 1% thereafter). For more details, see our full review of the Citi Custom Cash.
Since the Freedom Flex doesn’t have an annual fee to worry about justifying, there’s little harm in adding it to your wallet. However, it will count toward your Chase 5/24 count, so ensure you’ll benefit enough from the Freedom Flex to use one of these spots before getting it.
The is a solid cash-back card that offers an impressive rewards structure and valuable sign-up bonus — especially considering it’s a no-annual-fee credit card.
This card offers a lot of value to both beginners and experts, and it’s definitely worth a closer look at the Freedom Flex as a possible addition to your wallet.
