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.  To register, click on the link in the email you received from US Bank or visit this link.  I’m choosing Home Utilities again as 5x categories and will choose Gyms/Fitness Centers as my second 5x category.   I’ll continue with Grocery Stores for 2x.  You have until June 25, 2023 to make your selections.

US Bank CashPlus categories for Q2 2023

Discover Card

Unlike years past, Discover is not revealing the entire year’s calendar.  For Q3 the categories are:

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.  Since I’m still working from home this is not an easy category to max out unless you find a gas station that sells high-dollar Visa gift cards or can make use of the digital wallet.

Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom’s Q3 categories are Gas Stations, EV Charging stations and Select Live Entertainment.  Also, don’t forget to check your Chase co-branded offers each quarter at chase.com/mybonus.

I was curious what kind of “live entertainment” was included and the category is much broader than I thought:

So that may be very helpful if you’re taking the family to a theme park or purchasing tickets for a sporting event.  Of course there are exclusions as well.  From the Chase site:

Merchants that sell tickets for in-person entertainment are not included in this category; for example, movie theaters, bowling alleys, horse racing tracks, casinos, and dance hall/clubs. Purchasing from a hotel/concierge is not included nor excursions or purchases as part of a travel package.

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!