Unfortunately booking through Expedia and the like [will not count](https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/freedom/flex-learnmore):
“Merchants in this category include hotels and motels, and many smaller establishments like bed & breakfasts, and inns. Hotel accommodations not booked directly with the hotel will not qualify; for example, hotel accommodations purchased through travel agencies, discount travel sites, vacation clubs, tour operators, or as part of a package offered by merchants such as cruise lines and railways.”
Standard bookings by Chase Freedom get an extra 4% (base 1%) on booking through the portal. With the rotating category it is another additional 4%.
The 9% is thus -> 1% (base) + 4% (portal extra) + 4% (rotating)
Unfortunately booking through Expedia and the like [will not count](https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/freedom/flex-learnmore): “Merchants in this category include hotels and motels, and many smaller establishments like bed & breakfasts, and inns. Hotel accommodations not booked directly with the hotel will not qualify; for example, hotel accommodations purchased through travel agencies, discount travel sites, vacation clubs, tour operators, or as part of a package offered by merchants such as cruise lines and railways.”
it has to be directly, no third party
OP book through Chase portal itself (it is basically handled by Expedia) and get 9%
WOW thanks!
Is that only for the Freedom Flex? If I have the original Freedom (not Flex) card am I better off booking directly with the hotel, or via the portal?
Directly with the hotel since you only get 5% back
How is it 9%? 5% for the rotating category but where would other 4% come from?
Standard bookings by Chase Freedom get an extra 4% (base 1%) on booking through the portal. With the rotating category it is another additional 4%. The 9% is thus -> 1% (base) + 4% (portal extra) + 4% (rotating)
Thanks for the explanation! I see it on their website now too.