Q1 for 2013 just started yesterday, which means that Chase Freedom just updated their 5x point categories. For the months of January, February, and March you will receive 5x points at Gas Stations, Drug Stores, and Starbucks. You must activate this bonus until March 14, 2013, but all purchases prior to activation will still count – not to worry!

Remember though, it is only up to $1,500 on these categories total and after that you will go back to earning the typical 1 point per dollar. This means for those $1,500 in purchases you will receive a total of 7,500 Chase Ultimate Reward points (or at a bare minimum $75 cash back).

As I mentioned a month or so ago, the 2013 rotating categories are slightly different than we saw in 2012 – some quarters better and some worse. If you are new to the Chase Freedom credit card and the quarterly 5x point bonus points, make sure to take a look at this prior post.

2013 Quarterly Categories:

  • Q1, January-March: Gas Stations, Drug Stores, Starbucks
  • Q2, April-June: Restaurants, Movie Theaters
  • Q3, July-September: Gas Stations, Theme Parks, Kohl’s
  • Q4, October-December: Select Department Stores, Amazon.com

I highly suggest writing the bonus categories with a sharpie on your card so you will never forget which merchant types qualify for the bonus!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I will only list the best credit card offers as my goal is for you to travel on a deal!

Categories: Chase

  • GlobeTrotScott said,

    Anybody know if Drugstore.com counts?

  • dealswelike said,

    @GlobeTrotScott – Yes they do! Take a look at this semi-participating list: https://creditcards.chase.com/freedom/merchants.aspx

  • Chris D. said,

    For rotating categories a piece of painters tape before the sharpie works well. :)

  • George said,

    Great news about drugstore.com! Combined with the UR mall that makes it a 12x purchase.

  • Mike said,

    Do purchases through UR mall at starbucksstore.com + freedom card quarterly bonus translate to 10x pts?

  • Goflerwc said,

    really disappointed Grocery stores are not on the list!

  • Benny said,

    So giftcards as gas stations count?

  • Ozaer N. said,

    Sir..how do you figure 5x per dollar? Isnt it 5%?

  • dealswelike said,

    @benny – they should

  • dealswelike said,

    @Ozaer N – It is 5x Ultimate Reward points which can be redeemed for cash back, thus 5% cash back. However, you can also transfer those points to your Chase Ink Bold, Plus, or Sapphire Preferred card (if you have) so you can think of them as points that can transfer to loyalty programs as well.

  • Ryan said,

    Is this 5X per category? So I can spend $1500 at drugstores, another $1500 for gas? and get 15,000 points?

  • dealswelike said,

    @Ryan – Unfortunately it is $1,500 total. So $1,500 at drugstores, gas stations, and starbucks combined. Will give a total of 7,5000 UR points.

  • Johnny said,

    Are you sure this is really going to earn us points instead of direct cash back. Looking at the FAQ, I couldn’t find any details saying otherwise
    https://creditcards.chase.com/freedom/FAQ.aspx#Efive1

Add A Comment

home top

Some of the links within Deals We Like will pay a small commission. Deals We Like has financial relationships with some of the credit cards mentioned, and Deals We Like may be compensated if consumers choose to apply for these links in the content, and ultimately sign up for them. Deals We Like takes no responsibility for any decisions and / or outcomes resulting from actions. This proprietor of this site is not a financial adviser, nor should be relied upon for individual advice.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through the credit card issuer Affiliate Program.