It’s time to activate bonus categories for card that have quarterly bonuses for next quarter.  All of these cards offer bonus points or cash back on up to $1500 in purchases during the quarter.

US Bank Cash+

If you’re not already getting 5x Ultimate Rewards points by using a Chase Ink card (and even if you are!) you may want to switch the card you’re using for payment for TV/Internet/Streaming Services and Cell Phones.  You must register your card before September 15th to get the bonus cash-back in the categories you select.  As a reminder, you choose two 5% categories and one 2% category.  I’ll stick with Home Utilities and Gyms for this quarter.  I’ll pick Grocery Stores for the 2% category just to pick something because I get a better rate from my Amex Gold Card.

Discover Card

Discover’s Q3 categories are Gas Stations, Transportation and Drug Stores.  This is the first time ever Discover has offered 5% back for Transportation and the good news is that airfare is included in the Transportation category!  This is fantastic timing for me as we’ll start looking at airfare for ski trips soon (I’ve got some flights on hold with miles but if the price comes down will switch to cash). Register by September 15th to activate your bonuses.

To activate the bonus, simply log into your Discover account and click on the Activate Now button or look for the email where you can register in one click.

Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex

The Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex card categories are Gas Stations/Public Transit/EV Charging, Select Live Entertainment, and donations to the United Way.

Activate these changes by visiting the Chase registration site by September 14.

In the end

Always register for the bonus categories even if you don’t think you’re going to use them.  You’ll never know when they might come in handy!