Discover Unveils 5% Bonus Categories for Q3 2023: Gas Stations and Digital Wallets

Craig Joseph
By Craig Joseph 
Updated
Edited by Erin Hurd

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Eligible Discover cardholders will save at the pump this summer and when they make purchases without swiping a card.

Discover it® Cash Back
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From July 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2023, the Discover it® Cash Back and the Discover it® Student Cash Back will earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly spending in the following bonus categories (activation required; all other purchases earn 1% back):

  • Gas stations (including public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations).

  • Digital wallets.

While gas stations return as a Discover bonus category for the 10th consecutive year, digital wallet payments like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay are making their second appearance. Be sure to add your eligible Discover card as the default payment method in your digital wallet so you don't miss out on those extra rewards. Note that using digital wallets to make purchases at gas stations will earn only a total of 5% back (up to the combined spending cap).

Discover bonus rewards categories for 2024

Q1 (Jan. 1–March 31)

  • Restaurants.

  • Drugstores.

Q2 (April 1–June 30)

  • Gas stations/EV charging stations.

  • Home improvement stores.

  • Public transit.

Q3 (July 1–Sept. 30)

  • TBD (In 2023: Gas stations; digital wallets).

Q4 (Oct. 1–Dec. 31)

  • TBD (In 2023: Amazon, Target).

🤓Nerdy Tip

For the first time in the past five years, Discover has elected not to release its entire 5% bonus calendar all at once in January, meaning cardholders must wait for categories to be revealed quarterly. The release of the full year's bonus calendar had been a distinctive feature, making it easier for cardholders to time their purchases. But this move puts Discover in line with other 5% rotating-bonus-category cards, like the Chase Freedom Flex℠.

Bonus categories can be activated online at Discover.com, through the mobile app or by calling 800-347-2683. Bonus rewards will not be applied retroactively, and only qualifying purchases made after activation will earn 5% back.

The gas station category includes purchases inside or at the pump at standalone gas stations but may exclude stations affiliated with supermarkets and wholesale clubs. Public EV charging stations are included.

You'll also earn 5% back when you use a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay to check out online or in store with your smartphone, tablet or wearable.

Cash back may be redeemed for a statement credit, direct deposit, gift card or charitable donation. Discover’s Pay With Cashback Bonus program® also allows cardholders to use rewards to pay for merchandise with select merchants.

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