rewrite this title Chase’s 5% Bonus Categories, Q4 2025: Chase Travel, Department Stores, PayPal, Old Navy – NerdWallet

Right in time for the busy season, Chase has launched its bonus categories for the last quarter of 2025.

From Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025, Chase Freedom Flex® and Chase Freedom® cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined category spending at Old Navy, department stores, via PayPal, and on travel booked through Chase.

All other non-bonus category spending earns 1% back.

Keep in mind that you must activate bonus categories beginning Oct. 1, 2025, to earn the elevated 5% rate.

Here’s an overview of what Chase has offered this year:

This quarter, Chase Freedom Flex® cardholders can earn up to 9% cash back when they book travel through Chase. This includes the 5% the card already earns for Chase Travel℠ purchases plus an additional 4% back from this quarter’s bonus category. Eligible travel purchases include airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, cruises, activities and tours. Travel purchases not made through Chase won’t earn the bonus rate.

Timely for holiday shopping, this category includes department merchants that sell clothing, home furniture, electronics, cosmetics, housewares and major household appliances. Purchases made online will qualify as well. Note, however, that supercenters, discount stores, specialty stores and online marketplace websites are not included in this category.

When you use your card with PayPal, you’ll earn 5% back this quarter. Keep in mind that if you use your card with PayPal to make a purchase at another fourth-quarter bonus category merchant, you won’t be able to “stack” the 5% bonuses — you’ll earn just 5% back (up to the quarterly cap). Plus, person-to-person payments made with your card on PayPal may not earn 5% back.

Cardholders earn 5% back this quarter when they use their eligible Freedom card to pay at Old Navy, in stores and online. Purchases made through installment loan providers like Klarna or AfterPay will not count, nor will charitable donations made through Old Navy or its affiliates.