Another quarter, another fresh list of categories on the Discover cashback calendar. Activating your Cashback Bonus categories can give you a rewards boost and push it to the top as one of the best cash back credit cards, provided you're willing to do some footwork.
Here’s what you need to know about the Discover cashback calendar and the current bonuses available now.
How does the Discover Cashback Bonus work?
The Discover it® Cash Back offers a cashback rewards program where cardmembers can earn an unlimited, flat 1% cash back rate on non-bonus categories. One of the biggest appeals of this card, however, is its Cashback Bonus opportunities.
Every quarter, you can earn 5% Cashback Bonus rewards on purchases under specific categories. The purchase categories rotate each quarter, starting from the first day of the first month to the last day of the last month; for example, January 1 through March 31.
Your ability to earn the Cashback Bonus, however, is capped at $1,500 every quarter from the time you activate it. Keep in mind that you must activate the bonus each quarter through your Discover Cashback Bonus account to earn 5% on eligible purchases.
Purchases made using tap-to-pay, your mobile device, or similar methods may not be eligible for the 5% bonus. In some cases, the technology doesn’t give Discover the information it needs to recognize rewards bonus eligibility. Also, third-party partner purchases — like a purchase from a Starbucks that’s inside a Target store — may not qualify.
Earned bonus rewards, based on the Discover cashback calendar, will usually post to your account within two billing cycles.
When does Discover announce its cashback calendar?
The card issuer releases its Discover cashback calendar each quarter throughout the year, similar to many other cashback credit cards. Each category is released a month before it becomes available, which is a helpful benefit for cardmembers who prefer to plan their eligible bonus transactions ahead of time.
Discover 5% Cashback Bonus categories for 2022 and 2023
Cashback Bonus purchases may be eligible for 5% rewards if they fall under the following categories:
2023 dates | 5% Cashback Bonus categories for 2023 | Exclusions |
January 1 through March 31 | Grocery stores, drugstores, and select streaming services | Excludes Walmart and Target purchases. Bundled streaming services or streaming services billed by a third party may not be eligible. |
April 1 through June 30 | Restaurants and wholesale clubs | Purchases from individual merchants, stand-alone stores, and affiliated wholesale club services may not be eligible. |
July 1 through September 30 | Coming soon | Coming soon |
October 1 through December 31 | Coming soon | Coming soon |
2022 dates | 5% Cashback Bonus categories for 2022 | Exclusions |
January 1 through March 31 | Grocery stores and fitness club & gym memberships | May include Walmart grocery pickup and delivery purchases, but excludes other Walmart and all Target purchases. Individual merchants and stand-alone stores within fitness clubs and gyms may not be eligible. |
April 1 through June 30 | Gas stations and Target | Gas stations at supermarkets and supercenters may not be eligible |
July 1 through September 30 | Restaurants and PayPal | Payments through Xoom transfer Restaurant transactions using PayPal only receive a total of 5% bonus (i.e., doesn’t earn 10%) |
October 1 through December 31 | Amazon.com and digital wallets | Digital wallets include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay. Using these digital wallets to make purchases on Amazon.com will only earn 5%. |
FAQs about the Discover Cashback Bonus
Does Discover give cash back on all purchases?
Yes. If you’ve activated the Cashback Bonus during the quarter, you’ll earn 5% cash back when you use your Discover card. You’ll also earn 1% back on all other purchases.
Is there a limit on Discover cashback rewards?
Discover cashback calendar bonuses have a $1,500 quarterly limit. There’s no maximum for how much cash back you can earn at the 1% rate.
What is Discover Cashback Match?
If you’re a first-time Discover it Cash Back cardholder, you automatically get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of any cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earned $252 in cash back after your first year, Discover credit cards will match your cash back by $252.
How do I maximize my Discover Cashback Bonus?
To maximize your Cashback Bonus, make sure to set a calendar alert on your mobile device or computer each quarter to activate the bonus categories. You can also enroll in dining rewards programs and link your Discover it Cash Back Card to maximize your rewards. Overall it's very easy to get a lot of value out of this card since it also has a $0 annual fee.
How do I redeem my Discover Cashback Bonus?
You can redeem your Cashback Bonus through your online account. Once you’re logged into your account, you can see all of your redemption options, including gift cards, depositing the amount to your bank account, applying your rewards to your Discover statement, donating to charity, or using rewards at Amazon.com checkout.
Do Discover cashback rewards expire?
No, Discover Cashback rewards don’t expire. Additionally, if you close your account, Discover will credit your account with your remaining rewards.
Other cards with rotating bonus cash back categories
Discover is not the only credit card issuer to offer cards with bonus cash back categories. Though these other cards don't match your cash back in your first year like Discover, they still present great opportunities to make the most of your spending.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ earns 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (on up to $1,500 spent) and travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Past categories have included Walmart, PayPal, streaming services, drugstores, fitness club and gym memberships, gas stations, home improvement stores, Whole Foods, and a variety of other retailers. The Chase Freedom Card also offers these categories, even though it is no longer open for applications.
As with the Discover card, these categories require activation if you want to earn the bonus cash back. Keeping an eye on the Chase Freedom categories will help you know where to spend and when.
Bottom line on Discover cashback calendar
Staying in the know for when the Discover cashback calendar is published and remembering to activate the 5% bonus categories each quarter can help you get the most value out of your Discover it Cash Back Credit Card.
Even if you don’t plan on making purchases under a particular category, it’s a wise move to active your option to earn lucrative quarterly bonuses in case you do. This is the best way to get the most out of this great rewards credit card.