Updated on September 15, 2026
Chase is closing out the year with some popular bonus category picks for the fourth quarter.
About the Q4 2026 5% Bonus Categories for Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex:
As the final quarter of 2026 comes into focus, Chase has revealed its Q4 bonus categories for the Freedom Flex and Freedom cards. From October through the end of the year, cardholders can earn bonus cashback on Dining and Grocery purchases. Additionally, sticking with the theme we’ve seen all year, Chase has chosen a charity partner for this quarter: the American Red Cross.
First up, cardholders will earn bonus points on Dining purchases during the fourth quarter. Those with the Chase Freedom card (which no longer accepts new applications) can earn 5% back in this category. Meanwhile, since the Chase Freedom Flex already earns 3% back on dining, during the fourth quarter, Flex customers can earn a total of 7% back.
As for what qualifies as Dining, table service restaurants, dine-in restaurants, and fast food establishments are eligible. Additionally, delivery and takeout services may be eligible if they have a restaurant merchant code. However, food and drink establishments located inside sports stadiums, hotels, casinos, theme parks, grocery stores, and department stores may not qualify (depending on the merchant code). Also excluded are bakeries, caterers, meal kit delivery services, and gift card merchants.
Next, the Grocery Stores category includes supermarkets, full-service grocery stores, and smaller grocery stores. Delivery service merchants may also be included if they classify as a grocery store merchant. The biggest exclusions to this category are Target and Walmart. On top of that, though, wholesale and warehouse clubs, discount stores, drugstores, and some merchants that only offer a few grocery items may not qualify. Also, purchases made at gas stations attached to grocery stores may not be eligible.
Finally, Chase is once again offering bonus cashback on donations to a charity. This quarter’s pick is the American Red Cross. To ensure that donations are eligible for the bonus, Chase advises that cardholders donate through the special link RedCross.org/Chase. Unfortunately, donations made via local chapters may not be eligible.
In order to earn from these bonus categories, cardholders must activate the offer on ChaseBonus.com. Additionally, bonus cashback is capped at a total of $1,500 in combined bonus category spending for the quarter.
My Thoughts:
After Discover’s move away from Amazon in the fourth quarter, it looks as though Chase is also breaking away from conventional fourth-quarter picks (such as department stores). Instead, they’ve gone with a pair of evergreen categories in Dining and Grocery Stores. Seeing as both of these are very popular and easy-to-earn categories, I don’t expect many complaints from cardholders.
All in all, it’s a solid way to close out 2026.
