I have to admit, I made a spending mistake. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago when my sister-in-law reminded me about the 3rd quarter GROCERY bonus category tied to the Chase Freedom card that I realized my mistake. Throughout the months of April and May, I had been naively using my American Express Everyday Preferred card at supermarkets. I had been missing out on the 5X bonus Chase Ultimate Rewards points for my grocery purchases. On one hand, I was disappointed in myself, but on the other, very proud of my sister-in-law, who I now view as an eager, point-savvy spender. What is that expression about the master and the student?
But all was not lost. I knew I had the month to spend the $1,500 (the capped amount on which you can earn 5x points). However, June has been a crazy month, and unfortunately my take-out purchases have far exceeded my grocery purchases. It is now June 22. In two days, my kids leave for 7 weeks. I have only spent about $800 at the supermarket so far since learning of my error. That June 30th deadline looms ahead.
BUT I refuse to lose those bonus points. Just like I did back in December when I bought a $750 Amazon gift card, I WILL buy a local grocery store gift card in whatever amount needed to ensure that I spend $1,500 on my Chase Freedom card before June 30. I know that I will ultimately use all of the money on the gift card, so for me it doesn’t matter when I spend the money. I just want to follow the rewards and make sure I get that very lucrative 5x bonus. Produce anyone?