After successfully maximizing the quarterly bonus categories on my Chase Freedom Flex® card for three quarters, I had high hopes for the fourth quarter. With 5 percent cash back on purchases made via PayPal, I planned to buy plane tickets for a family trip, which would significantly contribute to my spending limit. However, after making a $1,213.92 purchase through PayPal, I was shocked to see only a 1 percent cash back rate reflected on my statement. Despite having confirmation from PayPal, Chase informed me that the transaction did not qualify for the promotional rate. This incident highlighted the importance of merchant category codes (MCCs) in determining rewards. Even though I was frustrated, I realized that monitoring rewards payouts is crucial. While I missed out on expected cash back this time, I still have the opportunity to maximize my rewards with other purchases before the quarter ends.
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