Chase Freedom Flex card review: Incredible earning with no annual fee
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Chase Freedom Flex overview
The Chase Freedom Flex® (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.
When it comes to travel rewards cards, it’s easy to focus on premium products with high-end perks like airport lounge access and airline companion tickets — though those tend to come with high annual fees.
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 Chase Freedom Flex.
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
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Chase Freedom Flex welcome offer
Currently, new Freedom Flex applicants can earn $200 after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening.
And if you also have a Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), that $200 can become 20,000 transferable points — worth a solid $410, according to TPG’s January 2025 valuations.
While this isn’t as impressive as some of the welcome offers on our favorite travel rewards cards, it’s pretty standard for a cash-back card. Still, this isn’t quite the best offer we’ve seen on the Freedom Flex, so you may want to wait for a better offer before you apply.
Related: This month’s best credit card welcome bonuses
Chase Freedom Flex benefits
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 Chase Freedom Flex 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 Freedom Flex 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.
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.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
The card also comes with trip protection. For prepaid, nonrefundable fares booked with your Chase Freedom Flex, 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.
Related: Why I got the Chase Freedom Flex and how I’m getting max cash back this quarter
Earning rewards on the Chase Freedom Flex
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.
Here’s how you’ll earn points with the Freedom Flex:
- 5% on up to the first $1,500 spent on rotating categories each quarter (activation required)
- 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3% on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
- 3% on drugstore purchases
- 2% on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
- 1% on all other purchases
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.
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.
Related: How to redeem cash-back rewards from your credit card
Transferring rewards on the Chase Freedom Flex
Alone, the Freedom Flex doesn’t allow you to transfer your rewards to transfer partners. However, if you also hold a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you can pool your points into one Chase Ultimate Rewards account and transfer them to Chase’s full range of hotel and airline partners. These include valuable options like United Airlines MileagePlus, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and World of Hyatt.
The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
I especially love pairing my Freedom Flex with my Chase Sapphire Reserve 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.
Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value
Which cards compete with the Chase Freedom Flex?
The Freedom Flex 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 Chase Freedom Unlimited® (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.
- If you want set bonus categories: The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee and earns unlimited 3% cash-back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). For more details, see our full review of the Capital One Savor.
For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back credit cards.
Related: Chase Freedom Flex vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited
Is the Chase Freedom Flex worth it?
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.
Related: The best ways to use your Chase 5/24 slots
Bottom line
The Chase Freedom Flex 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.
And once you have the card, make sure to activate the rotating categories each quarter.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.