Zoos, sporting events and movies: How I plan to max out the Q3 categories on my Freedom Flex
Every three months, the Chase Freedom (no longer available to new applicants) and the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) offer a set of new bonus categories that earn at least 5% cash back on purchases up to $1,500 (activation required). If you maximize this benefit, you can get a total of $75 cash back. And if you hold the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), you can transfer your rewards into full-fledged Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are even more valuable because you can transfer them to travel partners.
The information for the Chase Freedom 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've had the Freedom Flex for almost three years, and I've earned more points on it than any other card thanks to its rotating bonus categories. In previous quarters, I've racked up points at Amazon, restaurants, grocery stores, home improvement stores, PayPal and more. And since I also have the Chase Sapphire Preferred, I can transfer my points to travel partners and use them toward free flights and hotel stays.
This quarter’s bonus categories are gas stations, electric vehicle charging, movie theaters and select live entertainment. These are some of my favorite categories because I live in the Denver area, where there are plenty of live entertainment venues and natural wonders to explore. Summer is the perfect time to earn extra points on these purchases since many of us will take road trips with family or escape the heat at theaters and concerts.
Here’s how I plan to make the most of my Freedom Flex’s bonus categories over the next three months.
Related: Why I got the Chase Freedom Flex and how I'm getting max cash back this quarter
Gas stations and EV charging
Since my partner and I both work from home, we don’t use as much gas as we used to (which is great for the environment and our wallets). But our gas purchases usually spike over the summer when we often drive into the Rocky Mountains on the weekends to hike or camp. I’ll pull out my Freedom Flex every time we fill up to maximize my rewards.
I don’t own an electric vehicle, so I won’t be able to take advantage of the bonus points on EV charging — but I applaud Chase for including both gas and electric options.
Related: Great American road trips for summer 2024
Movie theaters
Spending an afternoon in an air-conditioned theater is a great way to beat the summer heat. I have my eye on "Inside Out 2" and "A Quiet Place: Day One," which are both showing over the next three months. I’ll head to my local dine-in theater, where I can get dinner before the show — and earn 5% back on both food and tickets.
Keep in mind that anything you purchase at a movie theater (or through its website) should qualify for bonus rewards. This means not only tickets but concessions, memberships and gift cards. So, if you’re considering purchasing a theater membership, now could be a great time to do it. If you think a theater gift card would make a great Christmas gift for a friend, you may as well buy it now.
Live entertainment
Learn what's included
This category is pretty broad, but it does have some exclusions. To understand what Chase considers “live entertainment,” check out the merchant list.
Here’s what it says for this quarter:
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
Major professional sporting events | Movie theaters |
Zoos and aquariums | Bowling alleys |
Concerts | Horse-racing tracks |
Theatrical productions | Casinos |
Museums | Dance halls and clubs |
Tourist attractions and exhibits | Tickets purchased from a hotel or concierge |
Amusement parks | Excursions booked as part of a travel package |
Circuses | |
Carnivals | |
Bands | |
Entertainers | |
Ticket agencies selling on behalf of the entertainment venue |
The Denver metro area, where I live, has teams in all the major sports and a variety of concert venues and theater companies. I plan to attend a few baseball and soccer games, concerts and theater productions this summer.
I’ll also renew my memberships to my local zoo and science museum this quarter so that I can earn 5 points per dollar spent on my membership fees. Most places will let you renew early — so even if your membership isn’t due until October, you can pay the renewal fee in August to earn extra points, and the membership will renew in October as usual.
Related: Why the Sapphire Presents concert series should be on your bucket list this summer
Book group events
Since we don’t have kids, my partner and I can attend plays, concerts and sporting events relatively cheaply. It’s usually hard for me to reach the $1,500 maximum in this bonus category, but I’ve found that booking group activities for my friends and relatives is a great way to boost my rewards.
This summer, I’m planning group outings with several friends to a Rapids soccer game and the local amusement park. I’ll volunteer to buy everyone’s tickets (using my Flex card, of course) and have them reimburse me. This is often the easiest way to get seats together, and it allows me to earn more points without paying more than I normally would.
Plan ahead
My favorite thing about the live entertainment bonus category is that you can buy tickets now for events weeks or months in the future. When it comes to plays, concerts and sporting events, I’ll check the calendar for later this year and even next year. If there’s something I know I want to see, I’ll book it now to get the extra points.
Experiences make great gifts, too — and I love shopping for gifts early so I have plenty of time to find the perfect gift without stressing. My partner and parents were all born in the fall, so I’ll use this quarter to plan birthday gifts and even some Christmas gifts. If I decide to gift experiences like hockey tickets or a museum membership, I’ll be sure to purchase them with my Flex card by the end of September.
Related: 23 wanderlust-y gifts for travelers, used by expert travelers
Pay attention
Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders can earn 5% back on the first $1,500 in total purchases at gas stations, on EV charging, at movie theaters and on select live entertainment purchases through Sept. 30. After the first $1,500, you’ll earn only 1% back on these purchases.
As a result, I’ll track my progress carefully on the Chase site. If I reach the maximum of $1,500, I’ll switch to a more advantageous card for these purchases, like my Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees).
Bottom line
The Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex’s rotating bonus categories make these cards powerful tools for earning cash back or Ultimate Rewards points. This quarter’s categories are perfect for family outings and road trips, and you can earn even more points by booking group activities, planning ahead and thinking about gifts.
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.