Credit Card News
Discover Announces 5% Bonus Category Picks for Q2 2024
As 2024 rolls on, Discover has announced its second quarter 5% bonus categories.
About the Q2 2024 5% categories:
Starting in April, Discover It cardholders will be able to earn up to 5% back on a variety of purchases. First, Q2 will include Gas Stations & Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. This includes purchases made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline bought either at the pump or inside the station, as well as public electric vehicle charging stations.
However, Discover warns that stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible for this offer. In a related category, customers will also be able to earn up to 5% back on Public Transit. According to the bank, this category will include local commuter passenger bus, rail, and ferry services but will exclude taxis and rideshare services, as well as long-range passenger land, rail, and water transportation services.
The other major category included in Q2’s 5% back bonus is Home Improvement Stores. Both online and in-store purchases from home improvement retail stores are included here as are purchases at building supply stores, lawn and nursery stores, and garden supply stores. However, purchases made via third parties (such as contractors) will not apply. Additional exclusions include home furnishing stores, home appliance stores, plumbing, heating supply, and floor covering stores.
These 5% bonus categories will be in effect from April 1st through June 30th. To qualify, cardholders must activate the offer on Discover’s site or app. Additionally, 5% back is capped at a combined total of $1,500 in bonus category spending, meaning that the maximum benefit from this offer is $75. Bonus category purchases beyond that spending limit will earn the regular 1% back.
Currently (through April 1st), Discover It customers can continue to earn up to 5% on Q1’s categories: Restaurants and Drug Stores. Cardholders will still need to activate this offer and the $1,500 in combined bonus category spending limit does apply.
My thoughts:
Not that it has any bearing on these bonus category picks but I do feel compelled to note that this news comes on the heels of the announcement that Capital One is planning to purchase Discover Financial. Again, this doesn’t have much to do with the actual matter at hand but does seem like the elephant in the room.
As for the bonus category picks, I think the Home Improvement Store choice is perfect for the “spring cleaning” theme. On that note, though, I would have personally preferred if the gas/charging category were delayed until summer when road trips are more prominent. Then again, Spring Break is a thing, so maybe I’m out of line. Lastly, the inclusion of Public Transportation is a nice add-on for those who don’t own their own vehicles and, thus, couldn’t make use of the other category.
All in all, I think Q2 2024’s 5% bonus categories are pretty solid. I say this as a new homeowner who might need to make some large purchases (such as a lawn mower, hedge trimmer, etc.) at a home improvement store this spring. So, I’ll be sure to take advantage of this offer while I can and will look forward to the Q3 announcement in June.
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