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 December 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 but wouldn’t use this card at a grocery as I get a better return with my Discover Card for Q1.

Discover Card

Discover’s Q1 categories are Grocery Stores, Wholesale Clubs and Select Streaming Services.  I’ll switch my grocery store spending for sure but for now I’m getting over 25% off my Peacock Premium Plus subscription by paying with my Barclays Hawaiian Airlines card which gives me $5 off each bill, so that’s definitely a better deal.

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 Norwegian Cruise Lines, Dining, and the American Heart Association.  If I had an NCL trip upcoming I’d use this in a heartbeat.  I’m also glad to see a charity on here though would appreciate a broader range of charities.  But the dining I will definitely make use of!

Activate these changes by visiting the Chase registration site by December 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!