Chase has released the 5% categories for the first quarter of 2021 on the Freedom and Freedom Flex cards:
- Wholesale Clubs
- Internet, Cable, & Phone Services
- Select Streaming Services
Streaming services is pretty limited; internet and phone isn’t too useful for those with the 5x INK Cash/Plus cards which already earn 5x on those. Wholesale Clubs for places like Costco, Sam’s, BJ’s will be useful to a lot of people, though the Freedom Flex cards are Mastercards and won’t work at Costco stores.
It’s not yet showing online, but I found it in the Chase Ultimate Rewards login. It’ll go live online for registration tomorrow, December 15th.
Also check out this post for a roundup of all Q1 2021 5% categories, and for additional analysis on how to use the Chase Freedom categories. As noted there, Wholesale Clubs includes online purchases from Costco.com, samsclub.com, and bjs.com.
View Comments (108)
Thank's, It's a great thing that this article suggested the importance.
If I make a college tuition payment onlne on the college's website, would that qualify as an internet purchase? Any thoughts?
No, it's 5x for "Internet Services," which means internet service providers, like Comcast, Verizon Fios, etc.
Has anyone purchased the Costco Cash/Shop card online to confirm 5% cashback?
Verified that buying shop cards on costco.com triggered the 5% cashback.
Me as well in February
Do "wholesale clubs" include purchases made from costco.com the website, or is it in store only?
Includes website. I'll add a note.
I didn't see Xfinity on the merchant list, but I assume Xfinity internet is included? Can anyone confirm?
Xfinity is included in the 5% category. I verified that with my account.
Can also confirm I received 5% cash back paying my Xfinity bill on my Freedom Flex.
I tweeted them and got no reply
That's the most important question. Them leaving out the #1 ISP in the country and #4 in the world makes me feel like no. I'd argue that's about as misleading as you can get.
I've asked chase support through two different channels. One rep said yes and one said no. So I cannot confirm or deny. This is some serious bullshit right here. I don't see how Xfinity would not be on the list.
I asked this question through secure messaging on Chase's site. I was very clear and specific in what I was asking. In return, I received a long message with links to all the information I'd already found on my own, including the merchants list. But no answer to my question. I responded asking my specific question again, but have not yet received an answer. Either they do not know or they know and do not want to answer. I'm not using my card to pay Comcast until I know for certain they are included.
For those of us interested in non-MS usage, it is pretty useful to buy a Costco Cash Card online with any credit card (mastercard, visa, etc) and then use in store as normal. This in effect allows you to get 5% cashback at Costco with a non-Visa. I have been doing this for a while and it works well.
Another not so well known fact: If you get a member to buy you a gift card, you don't need a membership to shop with a Cash Card. The only downside is you don't get sale prices and the staff will kinda give you dirty looks but you a Cash Card gives you entry and purchasing rights at Costco with no membership needed.
Still need to get a day pass at membership services though. Which could be problematic if they remember you.
I had a membership from years ago and kept the membership card. Just flash it whenever I go in. Bought a lot of Cash Cards before my membership expired and am still using them.
I was going to say wear a mask, but can't be helped if the CSR remembers names. Could just make up a name and address as you go.
Glad I was too lazy to switch to the Flex.... Costco spend up ahead.
Yeah, kicking myself for this now, really sucks
I wonder if using the Chase freedom at the gas pump still codes as warehouses and Costco.
DP: When I used my Freedom during the last wholesale 5x category, I got 5x at the pump.
Has anybody tried it this quarter yet?
Has anyone tried mobile payment at Costco with a non-Visa card (Amex, Discover, or MC)?
It doesn't work if it's non-Visa. Tried that with a MC once and it rejected the payment.
Thanks Ed.
Couldn't you just buy Costco Shop Cards online with your Freedom Flex, then use those in-store..
What's the advantage of using mobile payment directly (if it works)?
I wouldn’t call it an advantage but an alternative instead. No 1-2 week wait time, extra plastic, and I was fishing for DPs on whether it actually works or not. There may be other things I’m not aware of but those were my specific reasons.
Not a bad quarter for me, warehouse clubs/Costco is always nice and beats 2% on Fidelity/Citi Costco. Cell phone/cable/internet gets me about halfway to $1500 in 3 months...