Detailed explanation of Chase Freedom credit card 5% cash back categories in the third quarter of 2025: a summer feast of fuel, food and entertainment

With the arrival of summer 2025, the quarterly 5% cash back categories of Chase Freedom series credit cards have also been officially announced. For users holding Chase Freedom® or Chase Freedom Flex℠, this quarter’s cash back focuses on fuel and electric vehicle charging, which are indispensable in daily life, online fresh food shopping platform Instacart, and a variety of live entertainment activities. This article will structurally analyze the cash back categories, activation process and usage strategies in the third quarter to help you maximize your benefits in summer consumption.


1. Overview of 5% cash back categories in the third quarter of 2025

From July 1 to September 30, Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders can get 5% cash back in the following categories, with a maximum cash back of $1,500 in total purchases:

  • Instacart
    Groceries and retail items purchased through the Instacart platform can enjoy 5% cash back. No subscription membership is required, but delivery and service fees are required without membership. Users can choose to pick up in person to reduce additional costs.
  • Selected live entertainment
    Including sporting events, zoos and aquariums, concerts, theater performances, museums, tourist attractions, amusement parks, circuses, carnivals and band performances. Ticket purchase channels include official ticket agents, but do not include movie theaters, bowling alleys, racetracks, casinos and dance halls. Tickets purchased through hotels or travel packages are also not included in the cash back range.
  • Gas Stations and Electric Vehicle Charging
    Gas station pumps and in-store purchases are eligible for cash back. Electric vehicle charging is limited to public charging stations, mobile applications or subscription accounts, and home charging is not included.

1% cash back on all non-cash back category purchases.


2. Activation and Usage Instructions

  • Activation Time
    Cardholders must activate the cash back category for this quarter on or after June 15, 2025 to enjoy 5% cash back after activation.
  • Cash Back Cap
    5% cash back applies to combined purchases of up to $1,500 in the quarter, and the cash back rate for the excess and other categories is 1%.
  • Cash Back Unlimited
    Chase Freedom cash back has no minimum redemption amount, and the rewards will not expire as long as the account remains active.
  • Additional Benefits
    The Freedom Flex card also offers 3% cash back on dining and drugstores, and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

3. Strategies and suggestions

  1. Plan Instacart shopping properly
    Take advantage of the 5% cash back and make a grocery shopping plan for your family or individual in advance, giving priority to self-pickup to save on delivery costs.
  2. Seize the live entertainment experience
    Summer is the peak season for music festivals, sports events and other activities. Cardholders can use cash back incentives to enrich their lives while saving money.
  3. Enjoy discounts for both fuel and electric vehicle charging
    Whether it is a traditional fuel vehicle or an electric vehicle user, you can get real cash back feedback in your daily commute.
  4. Activate in time to avoid missing out on rewards
    Cash back categories need to be activated quarterly, and must be completed before the deadline to ensure that cash back benefits are not missed.

4. Highlights of Chase Freedom Cash Back System

  • Flexible redemption
    Cash back can be directly deducted from bills or transferred to bank accounts, which is convenient and practical.
  • Zero liability protection
    Cardholders are exempt from liability for unauthorized transactions and their accounts are protected.
  • Rich additional protection
    Including purchase protection, extended warranty, car rental insurance and trip cancellation insurance, etc., to enhance cardholders’ consumption confidence.

In the third quarter of 2025, Chase Freedom Credit Card created a cash back feast with three popular categories as the core, namely fuel, online fresh food and live entertainment. Whether it is purchasing daily necessities for the family or pursuing a colorful summer life, cardholders can benefit greatly from it. As a financial writer said: “Rational consumption is not only spending money, but also wise investment.” This summer, activate your Chase Freedom card and start an efficient cash back journey to make every purchase worthwhile.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *