Chase product change question

Tcal · ‎09-15-2023

So I hit up chase via secure message and called to see if I could product change my Chase Slate to the OG Chase Freedom, but now they are telling me that card is no longer available for product change. I was really hoping to the Visa version for Costco. Is this a recent change? Or is this one of those things I should HUCA on?

Tcal · ‎09-15-2023

I called again, the rep was surprised I was eligible early, but I indeed was. Only two options: Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited.

No Chase Freedom with Ultimate Rewards. Kinda stumped as getting that for Costco 1/4 of the year was the gameplan to optimize my spending. Also unfortunate for setting future plans to grab one of them once under 5/24 since that makes me ineligible for any SUB.

What would you guys do?

ptatohed · ‎09-15-2023

@Tcal wrote:
I called again, the rep was surprised I was eligible early, but I indeed was. Only two options: Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited.

No Chase Freedom with Ultimate Rewards. Kinda stumped as getting that for Costco 1/4 of the year was the gameplan to optimize my spending. Also unfortunate for setting future plans to grab one of them once under 5/24 since that makes me ineligible for any SUB.

What would you guys do?

If you want the freedom Visa for one quarter of the year, keep in mind that is only one quarter of the year every 2 - 3 years (historically Chase has Wholesale Clubs one quarter every ~2.5 years). Someone else recommended using your freedom flex MC to buy Costco gift cards online at 5% CB for in-store use later.

[Until I can make a pretty signature, here’s an updated draft]

Everyday 5% CB:
Chase prime Visa // citi CUSTOM CASH “A” // citi CUSTOM CASH “B” // citi SHOP YOUR WAY (5% gas (in points), lucrative spending offers) // mylowe’s Rewards // Target circle card

5% CB rotating:
Chase “OG” freedom Visa // DISCOVER it Cash Back // nusenda CU Platinum Cash Rewards

Everyday 4% CB:
US Bank Smartly (v1.0)

Everyday 3% / 2.2% CB:
AOD FCU Visa Signature (3%, sockdrawered) // upgrade Cash Rewards Elite (2.2%, sockdrawered)

Welcome Offer / credits only:
Chase SAPPHIRE PREFFERED (grabbed my $1,000, sockdrawered, will cancel) // NFCU FLAGSHIP REWARDS (elevated Welcome Offer, annual prime credit, sockdrawered)

Hotel card:
Chase IHG ONE REWARDS PREMIER (elevated Welcome Offer, 1 free night/yr)

On my radar:
Langely FCU Signature Cash Back (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // Safe CU Cash Back+ (Quarterly rotating 5% CB cats plus bonus cats) // upgrade MyFive Cash Rewards (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // US Bank Kroger (and family) World Elite Master Card(s) (5% CB Mobile Wallet)

UncleB · ‎09-15-2023

@Tcal wrote:
I called again, the rep was surprised I was eligible early, but I indeed was. Only two options: Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited.

No Chase Freedom with Ultimate Rewards. Kinda stumped as getting that for Costco 1/4 of the year was the gameplan to optimize my spending. Also unfortunate for setting future plans to grab one of them once under 5/24 since that makes me ineligible for any SUB.

What would you guys do?

You may try doing a "HUCA" (hang up, call again)... in the past some people have reported that a rep will say a PC to the OG Freedom isn't possible, only to be told by a different rep a few days later that it is.

Another option might be to take the PC to the Freedom Unlimited, then try a few days later to get it changed to the OG Freedom. Again, some have reported that this worked, even if the PCs were days apart (meaning they'd get both new cards in the mail around the same time).

I agree with @ptatohed that if all else fails you might consider just going with the Freedom Flex, and using it to purchase gift cards from Costco online. Chase doesn't consistently offer warehouse clubs as a category and while the Freedom Visa is a good card, the Freedom Flex adds 3% back on dining and drugstores which might be useful, not to mention the other categories offered throughout the year.

Tcal · ‎09-16-2023

@UncleB wrote:
@Tcal wrote:
I called again, the rep was surprised I was eligible early, but I indeed was. Only two options: Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited.

No Chase Freedom with Ultimate Rewards. Kinda stumped as getting that for Costco 1/4 of the year was the gameplan to optimize my spending. Also unfortunate for setting future plans to grab one of them once under 5/24 since that makes me ineligible for any SUB.

What would you guys do?
You may try doing a "HUCA" (hang up, call again)... in the past some people have reported that a rep will say a PC to the OG Freedom isn't possible, only to be told by a different rep a few days later that it is.

Another option might be to take the PC to the Freedom Unlimited, then try a few days later to get it changed to the OG Freedom. Again, some have reported that this worked, even if the PCs were days apart (meaning they'd get both new cards in the mail around the same time).

I agree with @ptatohed that if all else fails you might consider just going with the Freedom Flex, and using it to purchase gift cards from Costco online. Chase doesn't consistently offer warehouse clubs as a category and while the Freedom Visa is a good card, the Freedom Flex adds 3% back on dining and drugstores which might be useful, not to mention the other categories offered throughout the year.

I didn't realize it was so sparse. I went ahead and grabbed the Freedom Flex. As @ptatohed said, I can always buy the shop cards for use in store as a workaround. I'll also see if I can switch to the OG Freedom in the coming days just to shoot my shot. I'll report back later

Thanks guys for your help!