Chase has announced the Freedom credit card's Q3 bonus categories - including 5% cash back at gas stations

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Chase

• The Chase Freedom card offers 5% cash back - or 5x points - in different categories each quarter.
• The categories for Q3 - July through September 2019 - have just been announced.
• You can combine your cash back with the points earned from cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, making it even more valuable.

Summer is pretty much here, with July just around the corner. That means that it's time to start thinking about your credit card's rotating quarterly bonus categories.

Chase issues two strong cash-back cards - the Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Unlimited. Although they're both marketed as cash-back, they actually earn points that you can redeem for cash - or, if you have a premium Chase card, you can combine points from the two cards.

While the Freedom and Freedom Unlimited are slightly different, they're both great options and both earn points quickly - I personally have both cards.

What's unique about the regular Freedom is that while it generally earns 1% cash back - or 1x Chase Ultimate Rewards point per dollar spent, if you combine that "cash back" with the points you'll earn from a card like the Sapphire Reserve - it earns 5% (or 5x points) in a different bonus category each quarter.

Chase has announced that this year's Q3 bonus categories are:

• Select streaming services (including Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and more)
• Gas stations

Any purchases that fall into those three categories will be eligible to earn 5% throughout July, August, and September. The category list may be a short one, but it's potentially lucrative - especially for those who drive a lot.

The bonus is capped at $1,500 of spend each quarter. After that, you'll still earn the normal 1% back. Keep in mind that in order to get the bonus, you need to activate your account each quarter. To do so, just log into your account or visit this site.

Chase usually announces Q4's categories in early-to-mid-September; activation starts on September 15.

If you don't have the card, this is a good opportunity to sign up. In addition to points you earn from spending, you'll get a sign-up bonus of $150 (or 15,000 Ultimate Rewards points) when you spend $500 in the first three months.

Click here to learn more about the Chase Freedom from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

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Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.