The popular Chase Freedom Flex card is getting a few updates — including a fresh look.
About the Refreshed Chase Freedom Flex Card:
Chase is making some changes to its Freedom Flex card.
First, as previously revealed, the Freedom Flex will no longer charge foreign transaction fees. Previously, cardholders would need to pay a 3% fee when making purchases on the card abroad or in non-U.S. dollar denominations.
Another new feature coming to the card is Points Boost. Now, when cardholders book select hotels through Chase Travel and use their Ultimate Rewards points, their points can be worth up to 10% more. This means a value of up to 1.1¢ per point versus 1¢ each.
While not mentioned in Chase’s press release, it was previously confirmed that the Freedom Flex would be losing one benefit. The card will no longer offer cell phone protection, which allowed customers who charged the entirety of their monthly cell phone provider bill to their card to file claims regarding theft or damage to their device. Each claim was limited to $800, and a $50 per-claim deductible applied.
With these updates, the Freedom Flex is also getting a new card design (seen above). The new look is now available to existing cardmembers as well as new applicants.
As for what’s not changing, the card continues to earn 5% cashback on rotating quarterly bonus categories (up to $1,500 in combined bonus category spending per quarter). For example, starting October 1st and continuing through the end of the year, cardmembers will be able to earn bonus cashback on the following categories:
- Dining
- Groceries
- Donations to the American Red Cross
Speaking of dining, Freedom Flex cardholders earn 3% back on dining year-round (when combined with the bonus category, cardholders earn a total of 7% back on these purchases). The card also earns 3% back at drugstores. Plus, Freedom Flex customers earn 5% back on Chase Travel purchases. All other purchases earn 1% cashback.
To make this refreshed card even more enticing, Chase is currently offering an enhanced welcome bonus. Now, new Freedom Flex cardmembers can earn $250 in bonus cashback after spending just $500 on the card within the first three months from account opening.
What They’re Saying:
Commenting on the refresh, Chase Freedom GM Wittney Rachlin said, “Our cardmembers want rewards that fit their lives, from everyday purchases to their next trip. The new travel benefits make Freedom Flex even more versatile while keeping what cardmembers love about the card.”
My Thoughts:
While this may be a small refresh, I think it’s easily a positive one overall. Removing foreign transaction fees from the card is a big win, in my opinion, as it’s the type of feature that most cardholders may not realize they want until they need it (and those 3% charges can add up quickly). I also like the new card design, which fits in with Chase’s higher-end Sapphire line.
As for the Points Boost feature… this is probably not going to be that exciting — at least judging by how many times they used the word “limited” in the verbiage. If cardholders do come across one of these deals, good for them. But I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
Regardless, the Chase Freedom Flex remains a solid card for beginners and more advanced credit card enthusiasts alike. Plus, the current welcome bonus, which offers a fantastic return on a relatively small amount of spending, makes the card even more attractive. So, if you’re considering the card, I think it’s a good time to apply.
