Comments on: Chase Freedom Card Turns into Discover

By: askmrlee

askmrlee — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 06:41:07 +0000

Well, it finally happened. Today I got the notice that my Chase Freedom Card was now changing to the crappy rotating category program effective November 30, 2010. Good thing I just cashed my $250 check since it’s the last one I’ll get.

By: Advice on Choosing a First Credit Card | Interesting Money

Advice on Choosing a First Credit Card | Interesting Money — Mon, 17 May 2010 03:56:15 +0000

[...] recommendations. Okay, okay, I’ll give you a few. First, though, allow me to say that I hate Chase. Those a$$holes change their terms all the time, always in their favor. I’ve seen them kill [...]

By: Victoria

Victoria — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:42:52 +0000

totally agree. wrote a similar article last year. i guess the chase people are getting the message and now are fully imitating discover’s 5% rotating categories–although i still think discover has the edge.
http://victoriatchin.wordpress.com/2009/09/19/desperately-seeking-credit/

By: askmrlee

askmrlee — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:43:56 +0000

I also received this letter, but then in June 2009 or so (prior to the scheduled change), I received another letter saying that there would be no changes to my account. I still have the $50 bonus for $200 redemption and I still have 3X points in my top 3 categories. I’m not sure why my old terms were kept. This is not my primary card and I pay in full each month. I received a 20,000 point bonus to open the card about 2 years ago. (It pays to get junk mail, sometimes). I have 2 other Chase credit cards so who knows what criteria was used in my situation.

Thanks for the tips on the Chase Exclusive Checking/Freedom link. Does this program offer the $50 bonus for a $200 redemption? There was no info on this. I’m not leaving my credit union (since all ATM surcharges are refunded), but if I had a Chase checking account, I would consider linking the two.

Keep in mind that Discover’s quarterly rotating 5% bonuses are capped from $200 to $400 in spending so the max you’ll earn is $10 to $20. Still nice, but $400 in groceries is less than one month for my household.

By: No Yobany

No Yobany — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:35:19 +0000

There is no Chase branch or ATM for 100 miles from where I live and even with the Chase Checking account, it doesn’t sound like you get that extra $50 bonus at the $200 mark. I am pissed. I never got this letter, but I went to cash in my rewards today only to find my max to cash in is $175. This new Saphire card is going in my sock drawer too (although I would like to shove it somewhere else).

By: Chase Sapphire Sign-up Bonus – $100 or $150 | Interesting Money

Chase Sapphire Sign-up Bonus – $100 or $150 | Interesting Money — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:20:49 +0000

[...] slashed and burned the savings interest rate at WaMu after their takeover, and especially after they effectively killed the Chase Freedom card. Screwing some sign-up bonus cash out of Chase feels like sweet vengeance to [...]

By: Yobany

Yobany — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:17:56 +0000

I am a longtime Chase customer (and employee) and a freind of mine told me last night about the changes you described, but I never received a letter. So, I just finished calling the number on the back of my Freedom card and the rep said that my card was under the program “Chase Freedom Exclusive for Checking” because I also have a Chase checking account. This category of the program carries enhanced benefits. Here is the copy and paste from my online profile:

“As an active Chase Checking customer, you get exclusive benefits!
MORE REWARDS. Chase Freedom gives you 3% cash back on your top 3 Everyday categories. As an active Chase Checking Customer, you’ll earn 3% cash back on your top 5 Everyday categories – a Chase Checking account lets you earn in 2 extra Everyday categories!
NO EXPIRATION. Rewards don’t expire when you have an active Chase Checking account, so save up and redeem when you’re ready.
REWARDS QUICKER. You can redeem at the standard $50 level, or as an active Chase Checking Customer redeem $10 in rewards for a $10 check!”

The card rep did confirm that some Freedom reward programs have changed, but not “Chase Freedom exclusive for Checking.” Before you switch, you may want to consider opening a Chase checking account and keeping the current rewards program.

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:42:45 +0000

I got the same letter yesterday and was equally annoyed! The $250 reward won’t be available after June 30. I’m so close right now, but I’m going to miss it by a few dollars

Pay Yourself Back isn’t new either. I noticed that at least a few months ago.

I’m definitely switching cards!