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Discover Reveals 5% Bonus Categories for Third Quarter 2025
July will usher in the third quarter of 2025, meaning that it’s time for another update to the Discover It card’s 5% bonus categories.
About Discover’s Q3 2025 Bonus Category Selections:
Discover has announced the bonus categories that cardholders can earn up to 5% back in from July through September of 2025. Q3’s picks include Gas Stations & EV Charging, Public Transit, and Utilities.
First, the Gas Stations & EV Charging category includes gasoline purchased at the pump or inside a station as well as public EV charging station purchases. However, Discover warns that gas stations and EV chargers affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, or warehouse clubs may not qualify. Similarly, parking garages that offer public EV charging might also not properly trigger this bonus.
Next, Public Transit specifically includes local commuter passenger buses, rail, and ferry services. Meanwhile, taxis, rideshare services, city bike and scooter rentals, long-range passenger rail, and long-range water transportation services are not included.
Lastly, the Utilities category features a variety of eligible services. Residential electricity, natural gas, and water service are also included, as are internet, cable, satellite TV, mobile phone service, or landline phone services purchased either online or over the phone. In terms of exceptions, purchases made through third parties (including landlords, property management companies, or homeowners associations) may not qualify. Other ineligible purchases include streaming services, some satellite phone or internet services, vehicle connectivity, accessories, and equipment.
As always, in order to earn 5% back in these categories, cardholders must activate this quarter’s offer on the Discover site or app. Also, the 5% back is capped at a total of $1,500 in combined bonus category spending. In other words, when maxed out, cardholders can earn $75 back from Q3’s bonus offer.
What They’re Saying:
Commenting on this quarter’s picks, Discover Vice President Shannon Kors said, “With summer travel and activities just around the corner, these categories are designed to help cardmembers earn more, enjoy more and make the most of every meaningful moment – while also maximizing the value of their benefits.”
My Thoughts:
From what I can tell, this is the first time Discover has offered “utilities” as a bonus category pick. Personally, I think it’s a great, practical choice — and one that covers a lot of ground. Plus, while it’s a good category for a homeowner like me, even those who rent or don’t pay for electricity et. al. may still benefit from the mobile phone plan and Internet side of things. I’ll definitely be trying to make the most of this category in the next three months (before moving utilities payments back to my Mesa Homeowners Card, which earns 3x points on many utilities and home-related purchases).
Meanwhile, the Gas Stations & EV Charging category is a staple for a reason. Even if it’s not new or exciting, it is still perfect for the summer road trip season. Throwing in Public Transportation is also great for those without their own vehicles.
Overall, I think this is a good bonus category line-up from Discover.
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