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In previous years, Discover has announced a cashback calendar for Discover® Cash Back And Discover it® Student cashback all at once, towards the end of the year, for the coming calendar year. However, since early 2023, Discover has changed its policy to emulate Chase’s cashback calendar and will announce the categories featured on its calendar on a quarterly basis.
The advantage that Discover previously had over Chase in releasing its bonus categories at the same time gave cardholders an idea of what to expect, allowing them to plan their purchases accordingly. Now consumers can only base their hopes for rewards on past calendars and wish for the best.
However, the reward structure at Discover it Cash Back remains as generous as ever. The card refunds 5 percent cash on post-enrollment purchases up to $1,500 on combined purchases per quarter, and 1 percent thereafter. You can also earn 1 percent on regular purchases.
Discover the 5% cashback calendar for 2023
Here is a look at the Discover cashback calendar for this year:
| Quarter | Bonus Categories |
| Winter (January-March) |
|
| Spring (April-June) |
|
| Summer (July-September) | TBD |
| Holiday (October-December) | TBD |
Discover the 5% cashback calendar for 2022
For comparison, here’s what the Discover it Cash Back calendar looked like last year.
| Quarter | Bonus Categories |
| Winter (January-March) |
|
| Spring (April-June) | |
| Summer (July-September) | |
| Holiday (October-December) |
|
Read on for everything you need to know about the current Discover cashback bonuses, including our 5% maximizing offer and how the Discover bonus categories compare to the Chase bonus categories.
What is included in the category of restaurants?
In this category, cardholders can receive bonus cashback at any restaurants and cafes where they dine in person. Other suitable locations include cafeterias, fast food outlets, and restaurant delivery services.
What is included in the category of wholesale clubs?
Whether you’re shopping for toilet paper or a large pack of Gatorade, most purchases made at wholesale clubs fall into this category. Affiliate products such as delivery services, travel, and cell phones may not qualify.
Tips for maximizing your bonus in Q2 2023
- Don’t forget to activate your bonus categories on the first day you can. You can easily sign up by logging into your Discover account through the issuer’s cashback calendar page.
- Make the most of your home and food shopping, from shampoo to cleaning products to fresh produce, at wholesale clubs. And don’t forget to check with the rotating Discover category map.
- From April to the end of June, be sure to pay for all meals with your Discover it Cash Back or Discover it Student Cash Back card. Whether you’re eating a hamburger at your favorite local eatery, sipping coffee at a nearby Starbucks, or ordering home delivery of sushi, you’ll get a 5 percent cashback.
Bonus Categories Discover vs. Chase
Chase is also offering a 5% cashback bonus in categories that rotate quarterly and also from April to June of this year. Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders can receive a 5 percent cashback from Lowes and Amazon upon activation.
Chase vs. Discover cashback categories 2023
| Chase Freedom Flex |  Discover cashback |
|
| January March |
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| April June |
|
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| July-September | TBD | TBD |
| October December | TBD | TBD |
Which card offers the best deal?
If you want to apply for any card at the beginning of the year, the right option for you (strictly speaking of categories) comes down to where and how you prefer to make most of your purchases throughout the year.
In truth, it’s best to take into account everything that each card has to offer, such as welcome bonuses, initial APRs, and additional card perks, before deciding to apply. Comparing historical bonus categories across cards is also a great way to determine which card is more likely to offer bonus categories that fit your lifestyle in the future.
If you’re deciding which Discover card you should apply for, the choice is fairly simple. The Discover it Student Cash Back program, designed for students, has the same reward structure as the Discover it Cash Back program, but requires applicants to be enrolled in a two- or four-year university and is for those with no credit history. However, working adults do not need to apply for student cashback, especially since student credit cards tend to have lower credit limits.
The Discover it Cash Back program is great for cashback enthusiasts and offers solid rewards, a 15-month 0% annual interest rate on balance transfers and new purchases (thereafter a variable annual interest rate from 16.24 to 27.24 percent), and A cashback match that will match all the cashback you earned in your first year, dollar for dollar. Be aware, however, that the Discover it Cash Back program is for consumers with a good to excellent credit score (FICO score of at least 670), so those below may find it difficult to qualify.
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