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Chase Freedom Reveals First 5% Bonus Categories of 2026
With a mere couple of weeks before 2026 arrives, Chase has announced the 5% bonus categories for the first quarter of the new year.
About the Q1 2026 5% Bonus Categories for Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex:
Chase is kicking off 2026 with three bonus categories — including two that are brand-specific. From January 1st through March 31st, Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders can earn up to 5% back on dining purchases, Norwegian Cruise Line bookings, and donations to the American Heart Association.
Starting with the dining category, this includes sit-down and eat-in restaurants as well as fast food locations. Be advised that eligibility will be determined by the merchant category code, so establishments within stadiums, hotels, casinos, theme parks, grocery stores, or other locations may not qualify unless the merchant code is set up as “restaurant.” Other exclusions include bakeries, caterings, meal kit services, and gift cards. Meanwhile, delivery and takeout purchases may be eligible if they code as restaurant merchants.
Next, the Norwegian Cruise Lines category will include cruise fares purchased directly from Norwegian Cruise Line. This not only means that sailings purchased through third-party vendors or travel agencies will not be eligible for this bonus, but neither will other third-party purchases, such as sightseeing expeditions or activities.
Finally, with JPMorganChase being a national supporter of the American Heart Association, the bank wants to reward cardholders who give. To earn 5% back on donations, cardholders should give directly through the American Heart Association’s site, Heart.org. Unfortunately, due to how transactions are processed, the 5% may not apply to donations made to local chapters of the organization.
In order to earn the 5% back on these categories, customers must activate this offer by visiting ChaseBonus.com. Cardholders will have until March 15th, 2026 to activate. The 5% back is also capped at a total of $1,500 in combined bonus category spending, meaning that the maximum benefit from this offer is $75 for the quarter.
What They’re Saying:
Discussing the Q1 2026 picks, Chase Freedom GM Wittney Rachlin explained, “Our cardmembers inspire us to deliver benefits that feel rewarding. That’s why this quarter’s 5% cash back categories include activities our cardmembers love – cruises and dining – as well as important causes we know they care about.”
Rachlin added, “We are so proud to support the American Heart Association as our first charity in our rotating categories, and we look forward to making a meaningful difference together.”
My Thoughts:
These are certainly some interesting picks to start the year off with. Personally, I’m a little surprised to see that there’s only one “generic” category alongside two branded categories (including one that’s donation-based).
Of course, dining is always a great pick. Even if cardholders aren’t spending $500 a month on dining, it’s likely that customers will eat out at least a couple of times during the quarter, making the 5% back feel great.
Elsewhere, if you’re planning to book a cruise, then I suppose this could be a great category pick for you. In fact, I guess enough people are electing to use this offer as this category is actually a repeat from Q1 2025. Then again, in that case, it was surrounded by categories, such as Grocery Stores and Fitness Clubs (among others), making it feel more like an extra rather than the main event.
Regardless, if you’re a Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex cardholders, be sure to activate this offer by March 15th, 2026.
Note: Click here for the current Chase Freedom Bonuses.
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