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We already knew that the Freedom Flex was making a few updates, effective today (September 20, 2026).
That includes the end of foreign transaction fees, the loss of Cell Phone Protection and some new card art.
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But Chase also slipped in a surprise: it has already revealed the Q1 2027 Chase Freedom Flex bonus categories.
In this article
Chase Freedom Flex Q1 2027 Bonus Categories: Grocery Stores + Streaming
From January 1 through March 31, 2027, the 5% categories will be:
- Grocery Stores
- Top Streaming Services
As usual, you’ll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in the quarterly categories after activation.
I’ve never seen Chase preview the following quarter’s Freedom categories this far in advance.
Bye, Bye Foreign Transaction Fees (and Cell Phone Protection)
As mentioned, Chase had already told us that the Freedom Flex would stop charging foreign transaction fees effective September 20.
At the same time, the card lost its Cell Phone Protection benefit.
Chase also updated to new card art, now showing in your app and on the website when you are logged in to your account.
Six Months of 5X at Grocery Stores
We already knew the Freedom 5X categories for October through December 2026.
From October 1 through December 31, 2026, cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases after activation on:
- Dining
- Grocery Stores (excluding Walmart® and Target®)
- Donations to the American Red Cross
Then Grocery Stores return again for Q1 2027.
That means we’ll have Grocery Stores as a Freedom 5X category for six straight months, from October 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.
It’s notable both because it’s nice to get this information so far in advance and because it marks the first time we’ll see Grocery Stores as a 5X category for a full six months.
I’ve long said that no 3X or higher multiplier for groceries on any Chase card is a weak spot when the Amex Gold offers 4X at U.S. Supermarkets (up to $25,000 a year) and other cards also bonus supermarket and grocery store purchases.
I’ll take 5X over 4X any day for pretty comparable points (in terms of value), and I’ll probably have a hard time remembering to change back by the end of March 2027.
Bottom Line
While losing Cell Phone Protection isn’t great, dropping foreign transaction fees is a nice improvement to the Freedom Flex.
But the big news today is getting a look at the Q1 2027 categories so far in advance.
Grocery Stores will now earn 5X for six straight months, from October 2026 through March 2027. Interesting….
Thoughts?
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