Credit Card News

Discover Announces 5% Bonus Categories for First Quarter of 2025

by Kyle BurbankDec 9, 2024

With the end of the year fast approaching, Discover has revealed its bonus category picks to kick off 2025.

About Discover’s Q1 2025 5% bonus categories:

To start the year, during the first quarter of 2025, Discover It customers can earn up to 5% back in three categories: Restaurants, Home Improvement Stores, and Select Streaming Services.

First, for the Restaurants category, full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and caterers are all included as are restaurant delivery services. However, dining establishments found inside other businesses, such as hotels or retail shops might not qualify. Additionally, Discover warned that businesses classified as bakeries are excluded.

Next, Home Improvement Stores include online and in-store purchases from improvement retail stores and building supply stores. Also included are lawn, nursery, and garden supply stores. In terms of exclusions, purchases made via contractors or other third parties might not qualify. Also, purchases from home furnishing sellers, home appliance retailers, and floor-covering stores are not part of this category.

Lastly, Select Streaming Services includes several video and audio streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Paramount+, Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music, FUBO, YouTube Premium, SiriusXM, and many more. While a list of explicitly eligible services can be found on Discover’s site, they do note that other popular streaming services may also qualify. That said, subscriptions bundled with other products or services, as well as those billed by third parties might not be eligible.

As always, to earn 5% back in these categories, Discover customers must activate the offer in the Discover app or on the website. The 5% back is also capped at a total of $1,500 in combined bonus category spending, meaning that customers can earn a total of $75 back from this promotion during the first quarter.

For Q4 2024 purchases Discover It customers can still earn up to 5% back on Amazon purchases and at Target.

What they’re saying:

Announcing the Q1 2025 5% bonus picks, Discover VP Shannon Kors said, “We know how quickly everyday expenses can add up, so we’re starting the new year with cash back categories tailored to where our cardmembers are already spending. Whether Cardmembers are looking to grab a quick bite at their favorite restaurants, picking up home & outdoor essentials, or watching favorite shows and movies, they will earn 5% cash back all winter long.”

My thoughts:

Overall, these are some pretty decent bonus selections for the first quarter of the year. For me, the 5% on dining bonus is always a winner — but that’s especially true this year as I just downgraded my Amex Gold Card. And while it’s a bit early for Spring Cleaning, I actually appreciate the Home Improvement Stores category moving up to the Q1 since we ended up buying a lawnmower just before Discover’s bonus took effect last time.

Finally, while the Select Streaming Services category might sound nice, it may actually be more hassle than it’s worth. Plus, I suspect that, by introducing this option, Discover is hoping that cardholders will simply leave their It card set as the default payment for their streaming services throughout 2025 (and beyond). While it’s not that hard to change your card back next quarter, I would be willing to bet that a good number of members who do swap over to take advantage of this 5% back will indeed forget to go back.

For what it’s worth, if you want to earn 3% back on dining and streaming services year-round, I’d recommend checking out the Capital One Savor.

Author

Kyle Burbank

Head Writer ~ Fioney

Kyle is the head writer for Fioney. He is a personal finance nerd, constantly looking for new apps and services to test and incorporate into his own financial game plan. In addition to his role at Fioney, he's written for other publications including Born2Invest, Lifehack, and Laughing Place, as well as his own site Money@30. He also creates personal finance and travel-related videos for Fioney's YouTube channel, which has garnered more than 2 million views. Currently, Kyle resides in Springfield, Missouri with his wife of 10 years. Together, they enjoy traveling (including visiting Disney Parks around the world), dining, and playing with their dog Rigby.

Synchrony Latest Bank to Add Pay Later Features to Apple Pay

by Kyle BurbankJan 16, 2025

After teasing new capabilities for credit card customers in October, Synchrony is now officially bringing a "pay later" option to Apple Pay. About the new pay later feature: Synchrony cardholders will now have more options when using Apple Pay via iPhone or iPad to shop online or in-app. In addition to being able to make a regular credit card payment, eligible customers will also have a promotional offer option that...

Personal Finance News

CFPB Suing Capital One Over Savings Interest Rate Discrepancy

by Kyle BurbankJan 15, 2025

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has announced that it's suing Capital One, accusing the bank of tricking customers with its savings account products. About the suit: In a press release, the CFPB revealed that it was taking action against Capital One, saying that the bank had deprived millions of customers of more than $2 billion in total interest. This accusation stems from Capital One's 360 Savings account, which was...

Personal Finance News

National Use Your Gift Card Day Returning January 18th

by Kyle BurbankJan 14, 2025

A retail holiday that reminds consumers to claim forgotten funds is just around the corner. About National Use Your Gift Card Day: On January 18th, National Use Your Gift Card Day will return. Celebrated on the third Saturday of January, this retail "holiday" was coined in 2020, with 2025 marking the sixth installment. On this day, consumers are encouraged to locate and redeem any gift cards they may have acquired...