Credit Card News
Chase Freedom’s Q3 2026 5% Bonus Categories Announced
Updated on June 15, 2026
As a new quarter approaches, Chase’s latest 5% bonus category picks have been revealed.
About the Q3 2026 5% Bonus Categories for Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex:
From July through September, those with the Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex cards can earn up to 5% back in several categories: Gas Stations/EV Charging and Public Charging, Select Live Entertainment, and United Way.
First, the Gas Stations portion of the category includes merchants that sell automotive gasoline, which can be paid for inside the station or at the pump. However, merchants that don’t specialize in automotive gasoline (such as truck stops, boat marinas, etc.) may not qualify. Similarly, EV Charging includes merchants that sell EV charging services that are paid for at the station, via a mobile app, using a subscription, or have an attendant. EV Charging that is offered for free by a merchant that offers other goods or services may not qualify, nor will parking facilities, valet parking, airport parking, or similar. Residential EV charging is also excluded, as are charging equipment purchases.
As for the Public Transit part of the category, this includes passenger trains, buses, ferries, toll bridges/highways, parking lots, and garages. Exclusions include airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruise lines, travel agencies, or bike or scooter rentals. Similarly, taxis, limos, and rideshare services do not qualify for this category.
Next up, Live Entertainment covers merchants that sell tickets to live, in-person entertainment. Examples include major sporting events, zoos, aquariums, concerts, theatrical productions, museums, amusement parks, carnivals, and more. Ticket agencies selling tickets on behalf of venues also qualify. On the other hand, some exclusions include movie theatres, bowling alleys, horse racing tracks, casinos, dance halls, and more. Plus, excursions booked via a hotel booking or concierge may not be eligible.
Lastly, donations to United Way can also earn 5% back. These should be made directly through United Way’s official site, UnitedWay.org. As with previous charitable inclusions, donations to local chapters cannot currently qualify due to transaction processing procedures.
To earn 5% back in these bonus categories, cardholders must activate the offer by going to ChaseBonus.com. The 5% rate is also capped to $1,500 in combined bonus category spending, meaning that the maximum amount cardholders will earn from this bonus is $75.
My Thoughts:
I always feel compelled to point out when there’s overlap between Chase and Discover’s 5% bonus categories — and that’s the case this quarter. By happenstance, Discover is also featuring Gas/EV Charging and Transportation for the third quarter. But, for the first time, Discover is also including airfare in its Transportation category, whereas Chase excludes it (because it’s Public Transit, not just Transportation).
I’ll also mention that gas/ EV charging is a new 3x category on the Chase Sapphire Preferred as of today. So, if you’re someone who spends a good amount in this category, then you may consider adding that card to your wallet to earn 3x year-round (mind the $95 annual fee though). The Sapphire Preferred is also currently offering 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on the card in your first three months, which is only more reason to pick it up.
Elsewhere, I do like the Live Entertainment option, as this could be great for some summer fun. It’s also great to see Chase keeping up with its charity theme, which it’s had all year so far.
Be sure to activate your offer by September 14th and stay tuned to see what Q4 will bring.
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