Starting today, you can activate your Q3 Chase Freedom Bonus Categories. From July 1 – September 30, you’ll receive 5% back (5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar) spent at Gas Stations and Restaurants for up to $1,500 spent in those categories. I’m really excited about these Q3 bonus categories because dining out is something I do on a regular basis (such a waistline and wallet killer), and sadly, I fill-up the car way too much than my wallet would like me to, so meeting the $1500 spend over 3 months will come pretty easily and naturally for me.
The Chase Freedom Visa is the newest addition to my credit card family because it works beautifully in conjunction with my favorite card of all time, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, allowing me to transfer my Ultimate Rewards points between accounts, which I could then redeem freely on a 1:1 basis to Amtrak, British Airways, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Korean Airlines, Hyatt Hotels, Priority Club (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza), and Marriott.
If you ever find yourself having trouble meeting the $1,500 quarterly spend, I always recommend buying gift cards to the restaurants and/or gas stations that you know you’ll frequent in the future. I found myself doing that with the Q2 bonus categories that are activated from now until June 30 (movie theaters and grocery stores).
Since one of the perks of being an actor is not having to ever pay to see a movie, I found myself struggling to meet $1500 in spend, so I purchased gift cards to places I know I’ll frequent such as Starbucks, Cheesecake Factory, and Stop & Shop from my local supermarket. Never let your points go unearned! $1,500 in spend converts to an additional 7,500 valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points per quarter.
The public offer for the Chase Sapphire Preferred is currently 40,000 Ultimate Rewards points after meeting $3,000 spend within 3 months. Do know that there is a thread on FlyerTalk stating that there is a very attractive 70,000 Ultimate Reward targeted offer floating around. Be sure to keep close tabs on any “junk mail” coming your way!
Related Posts:
- Chase Matched Me to the 30,000 Freedom
- More Chase Myth Debunking: 2 More Approved Today
- My Travel Credit Cards
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Wow! I would love to be able to get the bump as I will be within 90 days in July. If you get the invitation code, could you email me? I did get the bump on Freedom card, thanks to you!
Thanks for the reminder and tips, Angelina!
My personal reminder is a little cheat sheet that I tape to the back of each of my Rewards Credit Cards. I always check to see which card is right for the category of purchase.
And then I smile when the cashier gives a strange look at my credit card cheat sheet. I tell them it’s my study guide for reward flights. :)
@Sheila: SO glad to hear you were also able to match your Chase Freedom! If I come across the Sapphire 70k invitation code, I’ll surely pass it along to you. For now, I guess our best bet is to keep tabs on the FT thread for updates! =)
@HogWild: the cheat sheet is a great idea! I know many people who do this. If only I were super organized. Half the time, I can barely find my credit cards scattered in my messy wallet :-X