Getting around has gotten expensive, but holders of eligible Discover credit cards may be able to offset some of those costs this quarter.
From July 1 to Sept. 30, 2026, qualifying cards like the Discover it® Cash Back will earn 5% cash back in the following categories on up to $1,500 in combined purchases (activation is required; all other purchases earn 1% back):
- Gas stations and EV charging.
- Public transportation.
- Flights.
- Drugstores.
Most of those are travel-related expenses, which is welcome news amid a travel season that’s more expensive than in years past. The average price of a gallon of gas easily topped $4 as of the end of May 2026, and airfare costs in 2026 are 20.7% higher compared with a year ago.
“With everyday expenses on the rise, we want to ensure our rewards continue to provide maximum value to our customers,” said Shannon Kors, vice president of Discover Card Rewards Marketing. “This quarter, we’re focusing heavily on transportation by introducing flights to our 5% lineup — for the first time ever. Whether it's the daily commute, a summer road trip, or a flight to see family, our goal is to help customers spend smarter by giving money back on what matters most.”
The public transportation category includes purchases made with airlines; commuter services such as bus, rail and ferries; long-range rail; and chartered buses. For those traveling by car, note that the bonus rate may not apply to gas purchases or EV charges made at grocery stores or wholesale clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club.
The inclusion of drugstores in this quarter’s bonus categories marks its fourth consecutive appearance in Discover’s yearly bonus calendar.
| Discover bonus rewards categories for 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31) |
| |
| Q2 (April 1–June 30) |
| |
| Q3 (July 1–Sept. 30) |
| |
| Q4 (Oct. 1–Dec. 31) | TBD. (In 2025: Amazon.com; drugstores.) | |
