With just days left in Q2 2026, Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders have until June 30 to activate and maximize 5% cash back on Amazon, Chase Travel, Feeding America, and Whole Foods. This quarterly bonus covers up to $1,500 in combined spending—worth up to $75 in rewards if you act fast.
Our Take
Good news for online shoppers and travel bookers. This quarter’s 5% categories are among the most lucrative we’ve seen, especially with Amazon and Chase Travel in the mix. If you haven’t activated yet, you’re leaving easy money on the table—by our math, maxing out the $1,500 cap puts $75 in your pocket, making this one of the highest-value quarters for everyday spenders.
What Changed
- Q2 2026 5% categories: Amazon, Chase Travel, Feeding America, Whole Foods (April 1–June 30)
- Activation deadline: June 30, 2026
- 5% applies on up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter (then 1%)
- Activation required to earn bonus
Who Benefits Most
- Amazon power shoppers: Spend $1,500 at Amazon this quarter and earn $75 cash back—far more than the standard 1% ($15).
- Chase Travel bookers: Booking a $1,000 summer trip through Chase Travel nets $50 back, plus $25 more if you spend $500 at Amazon or Whole Foods.
- Whole Foods regulars: $1,000 in groceries at Whole Foods = $50 back, a significant boost over the usual $10.
- Charitable givers: Donations up to $1,500 to Feeding America earn $75 back, a rare way to get rewards on charity.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Those who miss activation: If you don’t activate by June 30, you’ll only earn 1%—missing out on up to $60 in extra rewards.
- Big spenders over $1,500: Purchases beyond $1,500 in these categories revert to 1% cash back, so plan accordingly.
- Cardholders with overlapping 5% cards: If you also have Discover or Citi Custom Cash, check which card offers the best bonus for your spend.
What To Do Right Now
- Log in to your Chase account and activate Q2 5% categories before June 30.
- Review your recent Amazon, Chase Travel, Whole Foods, and Feeding America spending—shift upcoming purchases to your Freedom card if you haven’t hit $1,500 yet.
- Set a calendar reminder for future quarters so you never miss activation.
- If you have both Freedom and Freedom Flex, activate on both for maximum coverage.
