The Discover It is a great credit card for earning cash back. Like the Chase Freedom, it earns 5% cash back on quarterly rotating categories. The current categories are Restaurants and Pay Pal purchases. And these categories will remain until September 30, 2020. Thereafter, the Discover It Card’s 4th Quarter categories will replace them.
Those who received the ”up to 2% bonus cash for the next 12 months” Discover It promotion in either late December 2019 or early January 2020 will receive up to 7% cash back within the bonus categories. Plus, they will receive up to 3% cash back on non-bonus spend. This is something to consider if you took advantage of it. This is the last quarter for which this promotion will be valid.
What’s Going On?
The Discover It 4th Quarter categories for 2020 are Walmart.com, Target.com, and Amazon.com purchases! These categories will provide some easy and excellent ways to earn cash back, especially during the current pandemic. Plus, all three categories are great ways to earn cash back on holiday expenses.
All three categories are websites from which you can buy almost anything. But brick-and-mortar (in store) purchases from Target and Walmart will not count for the 5% categories. In-store Target purchases counted for 2019’s 4th Quarter categories.
Which Cards Will Rival the Discover It Next Quarter?
The Discover It will earn 5% (or up to 7% with the promotion) cash back within the categories. However, there are a few cards that earn the same rate (or better):
Target Red Card
The Target Red Card is an underrated, but lucrative card for frequent Target shoppers. You will earn 5% cash back on all Target purchases made in-store or online. Plus, you will receive free shipping for online purchases and the chance to stack rewards by using the Target Circle app.
Furthermore, the Red Card comes in two formats: debit and credit. The former takes the money out of a connected bank account and does not require a credit check. But the latter works like a regular credit card.
Chase Amazon Prime Rewards Credit Card
Alternatively, the Chase Amazon Prime Rewards Credit Card is a great option for Amazon.com purchases. You will earn 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases and Whole Foods purchases as long as you have Amazon Prime. Otherwise, you will earn 3% cash back.
Moreover, you will earn 2% cash back at Restaurants, Pharmacies, and Gas Stations, as well as 1% cash back on non-bonus spend. This makes the Amazon Prime Rewards card a decent option for everyday purchases in three common bonus categories.
Final Draw
Discover It cardholders can register here for the new categories. The first day of registration is today, August 1.
Remember to calculate your break-even point on your normal dining credit cards before deciding to register. If your break-even point is more than your valuation of that card’s points, sock drawer the Discover card. Otherwise, register today and start using your Discover It on October 1.
