Actions to Take If You Get a Chase Freedom Card

I've recommended the Chase Freedom Cash Visa Card as part of a hybrid credit card rewards strategy to earn up to 2.6% cash back. I've applied for the card myself and am expecting to get it soon. Well, I received this email from a reader suggesting one step we all need to take when we get our cards:

I applied for the Chase Freedom Card per your recommendation and research (great choice, btw). Just wanted to let you know that once you get your card, you may not be automatically enrolled in the program that gets you 3% cash back on the 3 categories you spend most in. When I signed up, I was placed in the "Chase Freedom Cash Rewards" program, which is just 3% for groceries, gas, and fast food.

I sent a message to customer service and they moved me over to the "Chase Freedom Dynamics Cash Rewards" program, which lets you get the 3% in the 3 categories in which you spend the most.

The reader also sent a note from Chase customer service. Here are the highlights:

We show that your account was enrolled into the Chase Freedom Cash Rewards program. Per your request we have updated your account to the Chase Freedom Dynamics Cash Rewards program. That earns as follows:

Chase Freedom Dynamics Rewards program allows you to earn 3% cash back for every $1 top 3 spend categories (out of a pre-defined set of 15 categories). The categories are:

• Grocery stores
• Gas & convenience stores
• Quick service payment/Fast food restaurants
• Telecommunications
• Cable/satellite TV/Internet Service Providers
• Video rentals
• Department stores
• Dry cleaners
• Drugstores
• Movie theatres
• Local and suburban commuter passenger transportation (including ferries, bridges, tolls, parking garages, taxis/limos)
• Pet supply stores and Veterinary services
• Utilities
• Beauty shops (salons and spas)
• Gym/recreation memberships

You earn 1% cash back for every $1 for all other purchases. There are no limits to the amount of rewards you can earn. Cash Back rewards expire after 36 months after they are earned.

So in summary, you want to be part of the Chase Freedom Dynamics Cash Rewards program. If you get your card and aren't, be sure to request a change.

Thanks, Matt, for pointing this out!

Comments

[MonkeyMonk]

I applied for my card yesterday and it couldn't have been easier. I already had a Chase Visa so all it took was a phone call to the service center. They were able to transfer my account in 24 hours and I didn't have to get a new card number. As the service employee explained, esentially nothing should be different except I'll now be getting 3% cash back on some items.

[Kevin]

When I traded my old Chase card for the Freedom, I had to request a credit line increase to get the Signature (Dynamic) rewards program - the minimum is $5K. But all it took was an email to customer service and by the next morning it was done. Couldn't have been easier.

[Rachel]

Wow! I just changed over to the Dynamic stucture. So easy. Thanks for the heads up.

[Drew]

What if I shop mostly at Walmart? Does that count as a grocery store? Could I be earning 3% cash back with the Dynamic rewards program since that is one of my top spending areas?

[FMF]

Drew --

It depends on how that Walmart store is classified in the credit card computer system. Best bet is to make a charge one month and see how Chase treats it. Then you'll know for sure.