5% Categories For 2023 Fourth Quarter

As we near the end of the third quarter it is just about time to turn the page for the fourth quarter. Hopefully you have already wrapped up your third quarter spend and are fully locked onto October 1st. If not, then get to it! For this post I wanted to share the 5% categories for 2023 fourth quarter and provide shortcut activation links for each.

It is best to activate each one today when they are ToP of mind so you don't forget. You wouldn't want to complete the spend and then wonder where your bonus points are. Who would do such a thing? Hi, it's me, I'm the idiot, it's me. Don't be Mark…

Updated 12/12/23: These activation links vanish in a few days. Make sure that you have activated and it should count even if you already did the spend but forgot to activate the offer.

Chase Freedom Flex (or OG Freedom – No Longer Available)

The categories for this upcoming quarter for the Freedom Flex, and OG Freedom, are as follows (5x earning on your first $1,500 in spend from all 3 combined):

• PayPal
• Wholesale Clubs
• Select Charities

This quarter for the Freedom Flex is pretty good. PayPal should be easy for a lot of people to use online or with their in store QR code. Or, you can just load up on goods at your favorite warehouse club!

Activation Link

Discover Card

Next up is the Discover card, my second favorite option solely because I have a few of them. This card earns cash back and because Discover has no transfer partners. You can earn a cumulative 5% back on the first $1,500 in spend on the following categories this quarter:

• Amazon.com
• Target

This will be a favorite of many but it is probably my least favorite quarterly option. I can get 5% off Target any time with the RedCard. The same can be said with Amazon if you have one of their 5% earning cards. Even though it isn't the best quarter for me it could be an easy one for you.

Activation Link

US Bank Cash+

This is a card I have had my eye on for a bit. I wouldn’t sign up for it directly though. The way to do it is to grab a very underrated US Bank Altitude Connect card and then downgrade it to this after the first 12 months. That is of course if you are past Chase 5/24 status and are not worried about getting back under soon. The card earns 5% back on up to $2,000 in spend each quarter, which is higher than most other options capped at $1,500. You also get to select 2 categories from their list which is a nice feature.

• Shopping
  • Furniture stores
  • Electronic stores
  • Department stores
  • Select clothing stores
  • Sporting goods stores
• Services & Utilities
  • Home utilities
  • Cell phone providers
  • Gyms/fitness centers
  • Ground transportation
• Entertainment
  • Movie theaters
  • Fast food
  • TV, internet and streaming

Activation Link

Citi Dividend

The precursor to the Citi Custom Cash, which is a really unique 5% option, was the Citi Dividend card. Unlike the Custom Cash the Dividend works on the traditional 5% back on $1,500 in spend each quarter set up. The categories for the card for the second quarter of 2023 are as follows:

• Grocery Stores

The Citi Dividend steals the show while pulling up the rear. Grocery stores is probably the most popular quarterly bonus option we see, especially with how expensive food is now. I really wish this card was still accessible to more people.

Activation Link

5% Categories For 2023 Fourth Quarter: ToP Thoughts

This quarter has some great options with the Chase Freedom Flex and Citi Dividend card. The Discover card probably has my least favorite categories this quarter, especially if you have multiple cards with them (like I do – doh!). It is just too difficult to scale and a better return can be had elsewhere with that spend.

I wish the US Bank Cash+ was just a little more useful. They don't touch any of the really good categories but can be useful for certain areas of spend too.

What is your favorite 5% categories for 2023 fourth quarter? Let me know over in the ToP Facebook Group.