While flipping through the mail, I recently ran across a missive detailing a test of a new cash back feature for the Chase Freedom card.
As you’re likely aware, many credit cards (including this one) have adopted a rotating bonus category model, where you get 5% on purchase, up to a specified maximum spend limit, in certain categories for a limited time, and 1% on other purchases.
You have to re-enroll each and every quarter to get 5% cashback on the select categories. Annoying.
Because I’m a “valued Chase Freedom cardmember, ” I’ve been invited to participate in a test of a new auto-activation system. In short, I just have to sign up and agree to receive text reminders.
The text reminders (no more than one per month) sound fairly non-invasive; they simply remind you of the reward categories. In return, you’ll be auto-enrolled in the bonus categories each quarter for the remainder of 2012.
If you discontinue the text reminders (which you can do at anytime) you’ll also lose the auto-activation, so you can’t easily game the system.
If you’re interested, you can sign up — but hurry, you have to do so by February 10th to qualify.
Note: According to a reader (thanks Jonathan!), this is a targeted offer, so you may not be eligible. But if you’re interested, it can’t hurt to try signing up. Chase was running a limited sample test so for everyone else be sure to activate your bonus categories each quarter.
Don’t forget the $100 bonus…
And don’t forget… If you don’t already have the Chase Freedom card, you can get a $100 cash bonus by applying for one, getting approved, and spending $500 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening. There’s no annual fee. Technically, you’ll get 10, 000 points, but you can easily redeem these for a $100 check.
For what it’s worth, we’ve had this card for years and have never had any problems getting Chase to hold up their end of the bargain. You just log in, request the check, and it shows up in your mailbox within a week or so.
many credit cards (including this one) have adopted a rotating bonus category model, where you get 5% on purchase, up to a specified maximum spend limit
I got this too, and signed up right away! Super convenient for staying in with the rewards, for sure.
I’m a relatively new Chase member, and they seem a little slow with tallying rewards, and completing the sign-up rewards process. Anyone else experiencing these kinds of delays?
They won’t let me play in their reindeer games!
You are one of the chosen, Nickel !!
https://www.chasebonus.com/Error.aspx
For being a valued customer they give you opportunity to give them another contact number and they will auto-enroll you in the rewards. Why not just do it by default? Why do they have to send me a text to get enrolled? If they feel they have to notify me to enroll me, then what is wrong an email?
Didn’t qualify either 🙁
Not eligible. Thanks for getting my hopes up! 😉
I have the card and it is annoying to sign up every 3 months. They should just make it automatic. Sign me up! (when it’ available.)
Oh, bummer. I wondered about that, but figured they’d be happy to get as many people as possible to sign up for their text alerts. Still, it’s worth a try on the off chance that you received the mailer and tossed it out without reading.
The sign-up appears to be targeted to those who received the mailer.