It’s the 15th of the 3rd month of the quarter so 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 June 15th to get the bonus cash-back in the categories you select. As a reminder, you choose two 5% categories and one 2% category. Effective this past November, US Bank changed the way you select your categories. Now you’ll need to log into your account and go to the Rewards Center. I found it a little clunky but I’m sure I’ll get used to it. For more info, see this post from Travel with Grant. I’m choosing Home Utilities again as 5x categories and will choose Ground Transportation as my second 5x category as I’ll need shuttle services for some upcoming ski trips. I’ll continue with Grocery Stores for 2x.
Discover Card
Unlike years past, Discover is not revealing the entire year’s calendar. For Q1 the categories are:
I will likely come close to maxing out this category as I eat out a lot.
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
Chase Freedom’s Q1 categories are Grocery Stores, Fitness Clubs and Gyms, and Self-Care and Spa Services. This last category is a new one and I’ll be switching my massages to use this card and will also use it for my haircuts.
Activate these changes by visiting the Chase registration site by March 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!




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