The original Chase Freedom closed to new applications in 2020, when the Freedom Flex replaced it, but plenty of people still hold one and it remains a common product-change target. The reason is the network: it is a Visa, where the Flex is a Mastercard, so cardholders who want a Visa in the Chase lineup often downgrade into this card rather than the Flex. It earns the same 5% on the rotating quarterly categories, on up to $1,500 in spend once you activate, and 1% on everything else. What it does not have is the rest of the Flex's sheet: no permanent 5% on Chase Travel, no 3% on dining or drugstores, and no cell phone protection. If you already hold one it is worth keeping for the rotating categories and the account age, but there is no way to get one today except by converting another Chase card.
Earn rates & credits
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
Rotating categories Q3 2026: gas stations and EV charging, public transit, select live entertainment, and donations to United Way on first $1,500/qtr, then 1% Q3 2026: Gas, EV Charging, Transit, Entertainment | 5% |
Everything Else | 1% |
Card details
Foreign transaction fee | Yes |
Approval odds
Product changes
Where cardholders came from before landing on this card, and what they moved it to afterwards. Thicker flows carry a larger share of the changes in that direction.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Freedom Flex
Chase Slate Edge
Chase FreedomChase FreedomBased on 14 reported product changes. Percentages are shares of each direction, not of all cardholders, and a small sample can swing a long way.