The fourth quarter of 2024 introduces a quirky lineup of bonus categories: PayPal, McDonald’s, a handful of charities, pet stores, and veterinary services. From October 1 through December 31, cardholders can snag an extra 4% cash back on up to $1,500 spent across these sectors.
Remember, activation is a must, and once the $1,500 cap is hit, the rewards revert to the usual rates — 1% on most purchases and 3% on dining. This means that PayPal transactions, contributions to select charities, as well as spending in pet shops and vet clinics will yield 5% cash back. Meanwhile, purchases at McDonald’s will rake in 7%, up to that quarterly cap.
Strategizing the Q4 Bonus: My Game Plan
For my household, PayPal stands out as the top contender. It fits perfectly with our holiday shopping spree and everyday expenses. A major anticipated expense is airline tickets for a family getaway in February. Since many airlines accept PayPal, booking during Q4 could easily consume much of the $1,500 limit. Simply by leveraging PayPal, maxing out this category over three months seems well within reach.
Though pet ownership eludes us, the pet-related categories — including pet stores and veterinary services — offer a curious twist. Cards like this are rare; one notable exception is a card that hands out unlimited 4% back on an eclectic mix of self-care, eco-friendly products, plus sports and entertainment. This card’s inclusion of pet supplies and food resonates with a niche but dedicated crowd. Could it be that Freedom Flex’s category architects noticed this trend?
Charitable Giving Shines in Q4
Charitable donations, spotlighted from October through December, are a rare bird among credit card bonus categories. Given that giving tends to crescendo at year’s end, this well-timed focus echoes last year’s Q4 lineup for the Freedom Flex, reinforcing a thoughtful nod to generosity.
Noteworthy charities qualify for this bonus, such as:
- American Red Cross
- Equal Justice Initiative
- Feeding America
- Habitat for Humanity
- International Medical Corps
- International Rescue Committee
- Leadership Conference Education Fund
- NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
- National Urban League
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- United Negro College Fund
- UNICEF USA
- United Way
- World Central Kitchen
- GLSEN
- Out and Equal
- Sage
McDonald’s: An Unexpected Wildcard
Including McDonald’s might raise eyebrows; after all, it would take a hefty number of Big Macs to reach the $1,500 quarterly threshold. But for those who frequent the Golden Arches, this could be a win. Or, it might just serve as a handy stopgap if the other categories don’t push you to the limit.
My 2024 Quest with Freedom Flex: Can I Nail All Four Quarters?
In pursuit of the perfect year, I aced the Q1 5% categories — mainly groceries for me, but also fitness memberships and spa services fit the bill. Q2 saw me hitting the ceiling again, thanks to Amazon orders, dining out, and hotel bookings through Chase Travel. Q3 rewarded spending on live entertainment, theaters, and EV charging stations, with live entertainment being the MVP for my tally.
Since 2011, this card has been my ally, but a full four-quarter max-out has remained elusive—until perhaps this year. Chase’s recent expansion from single-category quarterly bonuses to three or even four categories per quarter has been a game-changer.
Household growth — doubling from two to four members — and creeping inflation have naturally boosted spending. Interestingly, the $1,500 quarterly limit has stood firm since I first signed up, though its value has shifted over time. For context, $1,500 in 2011 roughly equals $2,100 today, reflecting inflation’s bite. Using portals like (the online shopping site offering extra cash back after clicking through to participating merchants) has been a sweet bonus, saving me nearly $300 once on an Apple Watch fix.
Already, I’ve circled October 1 on my calendar to switch my PayPal payments over to the Freedom Flex card. Here’s to squeezing every last drop of value out of this final quarter’s perks.
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*The details regarding the Chase Freedom Flex® and Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card were gathered independently by Bankrate. The issuing banks have not reviewed or endorsed this information.