Maximize The Chase Freedom Third Quarter Bonus

The 5% cash back categories for the Chase Freedom third quarter bonus for July 1 – September 30, 2013 are gas stations, theme parks, and Kohl’s. Just in time for summer travel and back to school shopping these categories are perfect for families. But, if you don’t have kids, hate crowds, and not into shopping, you’re probably wondering how you can maximize the Chase Freedom third quarter bonus.

Here are a few simple ways to help you get 5% cash back on your Chase Freedom card for the third quarter 2013.

Gas Stations:

Vanilla Reloads at 7-11, need I say more?

Kohl’s:

1) Gift cards

Having a stash of gift cards for those times you’ve forgotten about an event, doing some shopping, or need back to school teacher gifts.

(These were the gift cards available at my local Kohl’s, the selection at your Kohl’s may vary.)

Restaurant

Applebee’s: $45 (3 pack of $15 gift cards)

Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Maggiano’s: $ 25

Olive Garden: $25

Outback Steakhouse: $25

Panera: $25, $50

PF Changs: $25

Red Lobster: $25

Subway: $15

Movie Theater

AMC: $25

Speciality Store

Spa Finder: $25, $50, $100

Merchandise

App Store $25

Barnes and Noble: $25

Facebook: $25

iTunes: $15, $25, $30 (3 pack of $10 gift cards), $50

2) Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA)

Purchase electronics and/or other items that can be sold through fulfillment by Amazon. The holidays are only a few months away so now’s the time to start looking at cameras, blenders, and other small electronics that make great gifts.

What are other ways you can maximize the Chase Freedom third quarter bonus?

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best card to get started in the world of miles and points. It is the first card you should get to start traveling for free because the welcome offer is 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

My favorite perks about this card are earning 5X points on travel when booked through the Chase portal (2X if direct purchase), 3X points on dining, $50 yearly credit on hotels booked through the Chase portal, no foreign transaction fees, and transferring points to 13 airline and hotel partners like Hyatt, United, and Southwest.

Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and how to apply

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of my favorite cards for earning cash back card and travel rewards. It offers a welcome offer of an additional 1.5% cash back on all your purchases up to $20,000 your first year.

My favorite perks about this card are earning 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal, 3% cash back at drugstores and restaurants (including delivery and takeout), 1.5% cash back on all other purchases and no annual fee. When paired with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card or Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, you can use your points to travel for free.