Eager to upgrade to your existing Chase Freedom card to the just-announced Chase Freedom Flexâ„ product?
I was told the new Chase Freedom Flexâ„ would be available for applications on September 15. UPDATE: Now live! But existing Chase Freedom cardholders can call and request a product switch.
So I gave Chase a jingle to see how soon I could upgrade/product switch.
Mid-September
Two Chase reps told me to call back on September 14 and then request the product switch.
My Chase Freedom card number will transfer to the Chase Freedom Flexâ„ . The product change will update in Chase’s system during one to three days.
When the process is complete, I can use my Chase Freedom card as a Freedom Flex — and still enjoy the new benefits while awaiting the new card’s arrival in the mail. (Update: as some readers have pointed out, the Chase Freedom Flexâ„ is a Mastercard. So it’ll be interesting to see how — and if — exactly the card number from a Visa product can be used with a Mastercard.)
Should You Upgrade Your Chase Freedom Card to the Freedom Flex?
The Chase Freedom Flexâ„ offer’s terms and conditions states:
This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months.
If you’ve held your Chase Freedom card for more than two years, are under 5/24, and really want the $200/20,000 point welcome bonus, then maybe apply for the Chase Freedom Flexâ„ .
But if your Freedom card is relatively new (like, under two years), I say call and upgrade/product switch.
The Freedom Flex gives you the 5% quarterly categories plus 3% on dining and at drugstores. While I’ll stick to my American Express® Gold Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® for dining, the 3% at drugstores may come in handy. So it doesn’t necessarily hurt to upgrade the card.
Frankly, I won’t be under 5/24 for a very long time, so I’ll give Chase a ring on September 14 and upgrade/switch.
— Chris
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Smart. Thanks.
Thank you! I am thinking I will downgrade my CSP (held for 3+ years) then reapply later for the CSP as I am under 5/24. Any suggestions on how long to wait to reapply?
The current offer’s term states, “The product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of any Sapphire credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of any Sapphire credit card who received a new cardmember bonus within the last 48 months.” So perhaps wait until you’ve held it for 4+ years. 🙂 (And we always appreciate it when readers and their friends use our affiliate links to apply — thank you!)
isn’t the flex a Mastercard?; that would make the card be a different number
Thanks, but how would it stay the same number if you’re switching from a Visa to MC?
I have had a Chase Freedom for many years, and am under 5/24 too. Should I wait for an offer to do a product change? Not sure if they will give me intro offer otherwise.
The welcome offer will be a 20,000 UR bonus/$200 when you spend $500 within three months of being approved. If that’s something you’d like, then I’d consider applying for the Freedom Flex. As welcome bonuses go, it’s nothing fantastic (at least as far as I’m concerned) and might not be worth burning a 5/24 slot. But it depends on your personal preferences, etc.
I wonder if you will need to have your Freedom card for a year before Chase will let you product change to a Freedom Flex.
Can I change my chase freedom card to chase freedom unlimited?
You can — but if you’re under 5/24, consider applying for a new Chase Freedom Unlimited® so you can get the grocery bonus for 12 months and current welcome offer.
Thank you for your quick response. The 5% on groceries for a year is a nice perk. However, I have the AMEX preferred cash back card with 6% for groceries. I really like this site. Excellent information!
Thanks, Sandy! I guess in that case, I’d just product switch the Freedom to the Freedom Flex.
Could you get the spend up to $12,000 for 5% cash back if you upgrade? Or is it only when you apply for the card?
Not sure where the $12,000 figure comes from — but if I correctly understand your question, you should be able to get the 5% cash back if you upgrade your Freedom to the Freedom Flex.
Ha, the application page is broken now 🙂
Just checked — all the links are working correctly.
Thanks for the great reminder that the flex is a mastercard. If you only have one card (hi fresh grads) and go to Costco often, it might not be smart to switch over. Also, it will be interesting if they do quarterly 5% for wholesale.
I am a one-card holder and was going to apply sapphire before the fee increase, but hi COVID. It will be interesting to see how things going play out, especially if it’s going to stick around for longer than expected.