Chase Freedom

Normally I look for $400+ in value before I would consider applying for a card for the bonus, however, this is an ok entry level card considering you only have to spend $500 and there is no annual fee. The card also give 5% each quarter (up to $75) on rotating categories of purchases.

Also, this could be a reasonable “downgrade” option if you are planning to cancel a Chase card with an annual fee that outlived its usefulness, though would be best paired with an Ink Plus or Sapphire Preferred as then you could transfer the points into premium ultimate reward points which are worth more than 1c each.

CATCH: You must activate the bonus each quarter.

2015 Bonus Categories

Q1: Grocery (excluding WalMart and Target), Movies, Starbucks

Q2: Restaurants, Bed Bath, H&M, OverStock.com

Q3: Gas Stations, Kohl’s

Q4: Amazon, ?

2012 Bonus Categories

Q1: Gas Stations, Amazon.Com

Q2: Grocery Stores, Movie Theaters

Q3: Gas Stations, Restaurants

Q4: Hotels, Airlines, Best Buy, Kohl’s