5% Categories For 2023 Third Quarter

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

7/2/23 Update: Q3 is live. Remember to register your cards before spending in these bonus categories.

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):

• Gas
• EV (Electric Vehicle) charging
• Select live entertainment
  • Merchants in this category sell tickets for live in-person entertainment such as:
    • major sporting events
    • zoos and aquariums
    • concerts
    • theatrical productions
    • museums
    • tourist attractions and exhibits
    • amusement parks
    • circuses
    • carnivals
    • bands
    • entertainers
    • Ticket agencies selling on behalf of the entertainment venue are included
  • Some merchants that sell tickets for in-person entertainment are not included in this category:
    • movie theaters
    • bowling alleys
    • horse racing tracks
    • casinos
    • dance hall/clubs
    • purchasing from a hotel/concierge is not included nor excursions or purchases as part of a travel package.

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:

• Gas stations
• Mobile wallets

Anyone that wasn't too excited about the Freedom Flex quarter probably isn't happy about the Discover overlap. At least they threw mobile wallets in there which should make things a bit easier for people that use them.

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:

• Gas Stations
• Home Improvement Stores

It seems like everyone is all about gas this quarter. It would have been nice if they spread them out across the year but here we are. Home improvement stores should be useful if you didn't use up all your spend on the Freedom Flex this quarter.

Activation Link

5% Categories For 2023 Third Quarter: ToP Thoughts

After going through the 5% categories for 2023 third quarter I am left hoping you drive a tank to work. It is practically all gas! This quarter is a tough one if you don't, especially for people with multiples of these cards. At least each card has a different secondary option that may make it a bit easier to spread your spend around a bit.

What is your plan for each of these cards in the third quarter? Let me know over in the ToP Facebook Group.