Chase Freedom 2016 Bonus Categories Announced

The Chase Freedom^® is one of our favorite credit cards, and for good reason. The card offers 5% cash back on certain everyday spending categories that rotate every three months, up to $1,500 in spending.

Today, Chase announced on its website what the new bonus categories would be for the coming year:

Chase Freedom^® bonus categories, 2016

Next year’s categories are similar to this year’s, albeit with a few minor changes:

• Q1 (Jan. 1 – March 31): Gas stations and local commuter transportation (not including parking, tolls or Amtrak)
• Q2 (April 1 – June 30): Grocery stores (not including Target and Wal-Mart) and more
• Q3 (July 1 – Sept. 30): Restaurants and more
• Q4 (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31): Holiday shopping

With the announcement, the Chase Freedom^® has once again solidified itself as a top choice for everyday spending. While you’ll earn only 1% cash back on non-bonus category spending and bonus category spending above $1,500 in a quarter, you likely won’t have to stretch your budget beyond your normal spending to earn extra cash.

Keep in mind that the card’s bonus rewards don’t come automatically. Chase requires you to opt-in through your online account each quarter. You typically have until the 14th of the third month of the quarter to activate your bonus, after which Chase applies it to the quarter’s spending retroactively. You can sign up for calendar reminders here to make sure you don’t miss out.

Other reasons to consider the Chase Freedom^®

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When it comes to rewards, the Chase Freedom^®’s bonus cash back isn’t the only thing that makes it worth your while. The card also comes with a decent sign-up bonus: Earn a $150 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. And if you add an authorized user to your card and make a purchase in the first three months of card membership, you’ll earn another $25.

For more cash back, you can use your card on Chase’s Ultimate Rewards site, which includes a bonus mall where you can earn up to 10% cash back on eligible online purchases.

Unlike many cards with such a high rewards rate, the Chase Freedom^® charges a $0 annual fee. It also offers an introductory APR in case you need extra time to pay off a big purchase: 0% for 15 Months on purchases and 0% Intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 13.99%-22.99% (Variable).

All in all, unless your spending doesn’t include any of the Chase Freedom^®’s bonus categories, it’s a solid card to keep at the front of your wallet.