Roundup of 5% Bonus Categories for Q1: Chase Freedom, Citi Dividend & Discover it
Chase Freedom, Discover It and Citi Dividend are the three major 5% cashback credit cards with rotating bonus categories. The first quarter of 2020 is almost here so lets take a look at the 5% bonus categories for each card and some ideas on how to maximize each one.
Discover it 2020 Q1 Bonus Categories
The Discover It card is paying 5% at Grocery Stores, Walgreens and CSV this upcoming quarter. Grocery stores are probably the favorite bonus category for most people, since it is so easy to rack up spend. Everyone already has some significant spend on groceries, plus most grocery stores sell a variety of gift cards as well. CVS is also a possibility for gift cards, if your location lets you make those purchases with a credit card.
You can earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases per Discover card. If you have more than one then you get to have even more fun. Remember at the most basic level grocery stores sell their own gift cards if you want a simple way to hit the $1,500. As long as you regularly shop there, then purchasing store gift cards works well. Click here to activate 5%.
Chase Freedom Q1 2020 Bonus Categories
Chase Freedom categories are probably not as good as Discover for Q1. The list includes Gas stations, Select streaming services, Internet and cable and phone services. See our earlier post for full category details. Gas stations are the best option here, since many people already spend money on gas, plus some of them also sell gift cards. The full 2020 calendar has not been released yet, but we’ll keep you posted when Chase announces the rest. You can activate the 5% categories here.
Citi Dividend Q1 2020 Bonus Categories
Citi Dividend is unique to either the Discover it or Chase Freedom cards since you can earn all of your cashback ($300) total any time during the year in whichever category you choose. For Q1 they are offering 5% cashback at supermarkets and fitness clubs. You can easily maximize this years cashback at supermarkets. If you’re unable to max out spending this quarter, there are some great categories opportunities coming in Q2 as well with Amazon.com and drugstores. You can sign up for this quarter here and make sure you sign up prior to making a qualifying purchase.
The Dividend card isn’t available to the public anymore, but you may be able to product change over another card to it. You can find the calendar here.
Conclusion
You’re covered on groceries in the first quarter, that’s for sure. Then you have gas covered from Chase Freedom. The Citi Dividend should be very easy to maximize this year as well, with good categories in the first two quarters.
 Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the old king of travel rewards cards. Right now bonus_miles_fullLearn more about this card and its features!
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.