Today is the first day of a new quarter and a new set of 5 percent bonus categories for the Chase Freedom card (one of my favorite credit cards).
This quarter (July 1, 2015- September 30, 2015), the Chase Freedom 5% categories are gas stations and Kohl’s. The 5% only applies to the first $1,500 spent on combined purchases each quarter. This means if you spend $1,500 on a combination of gas stations and Kohl’s this quarter you will receive a total of 7,500 points (1,500 plus a bonus of 6,000 points).
If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred card or an Ink Plus you can transfer points from your Freedom account into one of those accounts and then can transfer those points to various travel partners.
Don’t Forget to Activate
Please note, that in order to earn the 5% you must activate the offer each quarter (by text, email or other methods). If you have a Chase Freedom and have signed up for email reminders you should have already received an email asking you to activate this quarter’s categories. If you have not yet activated the 5% for this quarter, you can register now or any time during the registration period and earn the full 5% for the entire quarter retroactively. Registration for this current quarter ends on September 14.
How to Maximize the 5% Bonus
If you have a Chase Freedom card, make sure to use it for any purchases you make at gas stations and Kohl’s this quarter.
I looked in the local Kohls for gift cards, and the selection was next to none. There were maybe 3-4 restaurant gift cards, but that was it. I need to find a gas station with a good gift card selection. One thing I did find out is that several local 7-11’s code as has stations, even though they don’t sell gas. Have to somehow work that to my advantage:)
Thanks for the info on Kohls. Have not had a chance to check out my local store yet. Some of my local 7-11s code as gas stations too but last store I checked a year ago as not allowing credit card purchases on gift cards. It’s worth trying though you never know!