Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus
- The
Discover it® Cash Back and theDiscover it® Student Cash Back offer 5% cash-back bonus categories that change every three months. - In previous years, Discover would release the entire year of bonus categories in one go, but now they're taking the
Chase Freedom Flex℠ approach and releasing quarterly. - For Q4 2023 (October through December), the Discover rotating categories are Amazon.com and Target.
- Read Insider's guide to the best rewards credit cards.
If you're looking to open one of the best cash-back credit cards, there are different earning structures to be aware of. Some cards offer a flat cash-back rate for all purchases, while others include extra rewards in specific categories, and a few (like some Discover credit cards) offer increased earnings in quarterly rotating bonus categories.
The
But Discover is switching things up in 2023 and announcing quarterly bonus categories every few months instead of all once. Once you activate the 5% bonus through your Discover online account, the bonus will be in effect from the day you activate
Discover has now announced the rotating bonus categories for the fourth quarter (October through December) of 2023.
We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Discover it Cash Back Calendar 2023
From October 1 to December 31, 2023,
It's important to remember that your 5% rewards earnings will be capped after the first $1,500 spent in combined purchases each quarter. Also, you must activate the bonus in your account in order to earn the cashback rate (otherwise 1% back).
Here's what's included:
- Amazon.com purchases include those made through the Amazon.com checkout, like digital downloads, Amazon Fresh orders, Amazon Local Deals, Amazon Prime subscriptions, and items sold by third-party merchants through Amazon.com's marketplace. It also includes purchases in-store at Amazon Go.
- Target purchases include those made in the store at Target, Target.com, or through the Target app. Purchases from individual merchants and stand-alone stores within physical Target locations may not be eligible.
Note that using a digital wallet to pay at gas stations will only earn a total of 5% back.
Discover Q3 Categories
The Q3 Discover categories for 2023 are active from July 1 to September 30, 2023, and include gas stations and digital wallets. Make sure you've activated the categories to ensure you'll earn the bonus cash back.
Discover Q2 Categories
The Q2 2023 categories on eligible Discover cards were active from April 1 to June 30, 2023, and include restaurants and wholesale clubs.
In 2022, we saw Discover cash back categories like gas stations, Target, fitness club/gym memberships, restaurants, and Amazon.com. Although we don't know what the future holds, it's safe to assume that the lineup for the rest of 2023 will include some of the same categories.
Previous Discover Rotating Categories
In Q1 2023, the rotating categories were grocery stores, drug stores, and select streaming services. The following were the rotating categories for 2022:
Q1 2022: January - March
- Grocery stores and fitness club/gym memberships
Q2 2022: April - June
- Gas stations and Target
Q3 2022: July - September
- Restaurants and PayPal
Q4 2022: October - December
- Amazon.com and digital wallets
How to Redeem Discover Cash Back Rewards
Discover offers more redemption options than many people realize. If you have any of its cash-back credit cards, you can apply rewards to your bill as a statement credit or request a direct deposit to your bank account, redeem them toward Amazon and PayPal purchases, or cash them in for gift cards from select retailers.
You can also donate your rewards to select charities, including:
- American Cancer Society
- ASPCA
- American Red Cross
- Children's Miracle Network
- Junior Achievement
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- Make-A-Wish
- Operation Homefront
- World Wildlife Fund
Other Cards With Rotating Categories to Consider
If you like the idea of earning a bonus in categories that rotate each quarter, you should consider the
With the
If you also have a