Chase Freedom Flex card review: Incredible earning with no annual fee
Chase Freedom Flex℠ overview
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is one of the best cash-back credit cards around thanks to phenomenal earning rates across a variety of spending categories, all with no annual fee to worry about. Plus, the card becomes even more valuable when you also have a card that earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
When it comes to travel rewards cards, it's easy to focus on premium products with high-end perks like airport lounge access and airline companion tickets — though those tend to come with high annual fees.
However, there are quite a few excellent no-annual-fee cards that might be a better choice for some folks, and sitting atop that list is the Chase Freedom Flex.
Although it's ostensibly a cash-back card, if you have another Chase card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, you can combine the rewards from your Freedom Flex with those from your other account and they become transferable to Chase's airline and hotel partners. Given the Chase Freedom Flex's strong earning rates across a variety of purchase categories, that makes the card a potentially powerful tool in any traveler's wallet.
On top of this, the card has valuable earning categories and benefits you wouldn't typically expect from a no-annual-fee credit card.
For best chances of approval, you'll want a credit score between 670 and 850. If you're there and considering adding the Freedom Unlimited, here's a breakdown to help you decide if it's right for you.
Chase Freedom Flex welcome offer
Currently, new Freedom Flex applicants can earn $200 after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening.
And if you also have a Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, that $200 can become 20,000 transferable points — worth an impressive $410 according to TPG valuations.
While this isn't as impressive as some of the welcome offers on our favorite travel rewards cards, it's pretty standard for a cash-back card. Still, this isn't quite the best offer we've seen on the Freedom Flex, so you may want to wait for a better offer before you apply.
Related: These are this month's best credit card welcome bonuses
Chase Freedom Flex benefits
We typically don't expect much in the way of perks and benefits outside of the earning structure for no-annual-fee cards. However, the Freedom Flex does offer some additional benefits for cardholders.
Cellphone protection
Unlike most of Chase's credit cards, the Chase Freedom Flex is a Mastercard. In fact, it's a World Elite Mastercard, which means you'll have access to a solid cellphone protection plan. You're covered for $800 per claim for theft or damage, with a maximum of two claims and $1,000 total in a 12-month period (though you may have to pay a $50 deductible). Note that to receive this coverage, you do have to pay for your monthly phone bill with this card.
Shopping protections
You'll have two extra protections when using your Freedom Flex card to make purchases. First, you'll have access to extended warranty protection. This benefit applies to U.S. manufacturers' warranties of three years or less and will add a year to the length of the existing warranty.
You'll also have access to purchase protection, which covers your new purchases against damage or theft for up to 120 days from the date of purchase. This coverage applies up to the cost of the item or up to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per account.
Food delivery perks
As part of Chase's partnership with DoorDash, cardholders get three months of complimentary DashPass, giving you free delivery on eligible orders and reduced service fees.
I know I have personally saved quite a bit using my Chase credit card's complimentary DashPass access (though I get mine through the Sapphire Reserve, not the Freedom Flex).
Once your three months of free access are over, you'll still get nine months of discounted access for 50% off. Cardholders must register for this benefit before Dec. 31, 2024.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
The card also comes with trip protections. For prepaid, nonrefundable fares booked with your Chase Freedom Flex, you're covered for $1,500 per person or $6,000 per trip if it's canceled for a covered reason. You can also take advantage of the auto rental collision damage waiver benefit. If you decline the rental company's coverage, this benefit can protect against theft and collision damage, though this is secondary coverage.
Related: Why I switched from the Chase Freedom to the Chase Freedom Flex
Earning rewards on the Chase Freedom Flex
The Freedom Flex is packed with earning opportunities across top spending categories, making it a compelling option for both newbies looking for their first rewards credit card and experts looking to round out their wallets.
Here's how you'll earn points with the Freedom Flex:
- 5% on up to the first $1,500 spent on rotating categories each quarter (activation required)
- 5% on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
- 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 3% on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
- 3% on drugstore purchases
- 1% on all other purchases
That's an impressive lineup of earning categories for any card, especially for a no-annual-fee credit card. While experts may prefer to book paid trips directly (especially when booking hotels), beginners can get a lot out of a card that earns 5% on travel booked through Chase's platform, powered by Expedia.
The rotating categories change each quarter and require activation in advance. Categories we've seen regularly include Walmart, gas stations and purchases with PayPal.
Related: The easiest time of year to earn 5 points per dollar spent
Redeeming rewards on the Chase Freedom Flex
Alone, the Freedom Flex functions as a cash-back card. Redeeming your rewards for cash-back is the simplest redemption option: you'll get one cent per point, and you can redeem your rewards for a statement credit or request a check to cash them out.
However, you can also use your rewards to book travel through Chase Travel, redeem them for gift cards or pay with them directly at select retailers.
Related: How to redeem cash-back rewards from your credit card
Transferring rewards on the Chase Freedom Flex
Alone, the Freedom Flex doesn't allow you to transfer your rewards to transfer partners. However, if you also hold a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you can pool your points into one Chase Ultimate Rewards account and transfer them to Chase's full range of hotel and airline partners. These include valuable options like United Airlines MileagePlus, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and World of Hyatt.
I especially love pairing my Freedom Flex with my Chase Sapphire Reserve to get great value from my points by transferring them to Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt.
Regardless of your travel goals, you'll unlock tremendous value if you can take advantage of transfer partners to redeem your Freedom Flex rewards.
Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value
Which cards compete with the Chase Freedom Flex?
The Freedom Flex is a solid cash-back option, but it's not a slam dunk for everyone. If you want more consistent cash-back rewards, consider one of these cards:
- If you want to earn Ultimate Rewards at a flat rate: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the Freedom Flex's sister card. It has no annual fee, earns at least 1.5% on all purchases and offers the same option to combine rewards if you also have a card that earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards. For more details, see our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
- If you want to choose your bonus categories: The Citi Custom Cash® Card (see rates and fees) has no annual fee and earns 5% cash-back per dollar on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, then 1% thereafter). For more details, see our full review of the Citi Custom Cash.
- If you want set bonus categories: The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and earns unlimited 3% cash-back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases. For more details, see our full review of the Capital One SavorOne.
For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back credit cards.
Related: Chase Freedom Flex vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited
Is the Chase Freedom Flex worth it?
Since the Freedom Flex doesn't have an annual fee to worry about justifying, there's little harm in adding it to your wallet. However, it will count toward your Chase 5/24 count, so ensure you'll benefit enough from the Freedom Flex to use one of these spots before getting it.
Related: The best ways to use your Chase 5/24 slots
Bottom line
The Chase Freedom Flex is a solid cash-back card that offers an impressive rewards structure and valuable sign-up bonus — especially considering it's a no-annual-fee credit card.
Both beginners and experts can get a lot of value out of this card, and it's definitely worth a closer look at the Freedom Flex for a possible addition to your wallet.
And once you have the card, make sure to activate the rotating categories each quarter.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex