The Chase Freedom FlexSM Credit Card (review) is an incredible no annual fee card belonging to Chase’s Freedom portfolio, which can help you maximize your points, thanks to its quarterly bonus categories. With it now being a new quarter (and year!), Chase has just launched its Q1 2026 bonus categories, so this is a great time to register.
Note that these same bonus categories are also valid for the Chase Freedom Card, which is no longer open to new applicants.
In this post:
Why I love the Chase Freedom Flex Card
The Chase Freedom Flex Card is easily one of the best no annual fee cards out there, as it offers 5x points in rotating quarterly categories, for up to $1,500 of spending per quarter. Most people use this as a cashback card, meaning the 5x points really translates into 5% cashback in these categories.
The card has other bonus categories as well, as it offers 3x points (or 3% cash back) at drugstores and on dining.
The best part is that in conjunction with cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (review), Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card (review), or Sapphire Reserve for BusinessSM (review), points earned on this card can be converted into Ultimate Rewards points, and be transferred to the Ultimate Rewards airline and hotel partners, or can potentially be redeemed at a favorable rate through Chase Travel℠.
Since I value one Ultimate Rewards point at significantly more than one cent, that’s my preferred use of those points.
Chase Freedom Flex Q1 2026 bonus categories
For the first quarter of 2026, the Freedom Flex Card is offering 5x points on the first $1,500 spent on dining, and with Norwegian Cruise Line and the American Heart Association.
Now, it actually gets a little better than that. With the 5x points categories, you’re earning 4x bonus points on top of the points you usually earn for spending (typically 1x points). Since the card ordinarily offers 3x points on dining, that means this quarter you earn 7x points on dining, up to the $1,500 total limit. That’s pretty awesome!
As far as key dates go:
- You need to register between December 15, 2025, and March 14, 2026
- If you register, you can earn 5x points between January 1 and March 31, 2026
How to register your Chase Freedom Flex for 5x points
Registration is easy — just go to the registration page and enter your last name, billing zip code, and the last four digits on your card, and you’ll be registered.
What’s included with Q1 2026 5x points categories
It’s always worth clarifying what qualifies for 5x points within each of the categories, so let’s look at the terms.
The dining bonus category includes the following:
This category’s merchants’ primary business is sit-down or eat-in dining, including fast food restaurants and fine dining establishments. Merchants that sell food and drinks located within facilities such as sports stadiums, hotels and casinos, theme parks, grocery and department stores will not be included in this category unless the merchant has set up such purchases to be classified in a restaurant category. Bakeries, caterers, meal kit delivery services, and gift card merchants are not included in the category. Delivery and takeout services will be included if they classify as a restaurant merchant.
The Norwegian Cruise Line bonus category includes the following:
This category includes purchases made directly with Norwegian Cruise Line. Please be aware that purchases made through third-party vendors or travel agencies—such as for sightseeing activities, excursions, and tourist attractions—are not included.
The American Heart Association bonus category includes the following:
To ensure your charitable donation is eligible for the 5% Cash Back reward, be sure to donate directly through the American Heart Association’s official channels using the links provided here or on the Merchant List page. Local chapters may not be eligible due to transaction processing procedures.
My take on Q1 2026 5x points categories
Everyone has different spending patterns, so will have different takes on the quarterly bonus categories. While I don’t particularly value the bonus points on one specific cruise line and one specific charity, earning 7x points on dining is awesome, and something I’ll take full advantage of. That’s better than the return on dining you’ll find on any other card.
Bottom line
The Chase Freedom Flex is one of the best no annual fee cards out there, thanks largely to the ability to earn 5x points in rotating quarterly categories. With it now being a new year, the Q1 2026 bonus categories have just launched, so be sure to register.
Between January 1 and March 31, 2026, it’s possible to earn 7x points on dining, as well as 5x points with Norwegian Cruise Line and the American Heart Association. Personally I’m excited about the bonus points on dining, but find the other bonus categories to be less useful.
What do you make of the Q1 2026 Chase Freedom Flex bonus categories?
I would’ve been all over this bonus in law school. Now as a V10 equity partner? I’ll stick with my (no fee) Amex Centurion for simplicity. Thanks. Happy new year
LOL. Bud, Amex ‘Black’ card (Centurion) has a one-time initiation fee, like $10,000, and an annual fee of $5,000, so… what’r you even talking about ‘no fee’ Centurion?
Don’t engage the trolls. It only makes them seek more attention.