5% Categories For 2024 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 2024 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…

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.
• Movie Theaters

If you have some season ticket renewals lined up etc. then you can probably knock this out in one big charge. If not, then gas stations, and everything they sell, will probably be your best bet.

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:

• Walmart
• Grocery Stores

If you don't like this lineup, then I don't know what to tell 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

If you don't have a Chase Ink Cash to earn 5x on your cable and streaming then this is a good option each quarter.

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 spend each quarter set up. They just give you a yearly cap of $6,000 in spend, cumulative of all quarters. So you can pick and choose when you hit it I guess. The categories for the card for the third quarter of 2024 are as follows:

• Gas Stations

This one will be enticing for big spenders, but may a be a miss for people that prioritize the Freedom Flex etc.

Activation Link

5% Categories For 2024 Third Quarter: ToP Thoughts

All in all, I like the 5% categories for 2024 third quarter. I actually really like them all, as someone who has a lot of gas and grocery costs. They offer some nice earning in areas of big spend for us. Discover having Walmart AND grocery stores is probably the winner here for most though.

I always get excited for new quarters to kick off since it is a chance to rack up some points in a big way. Especially when the categories line up well with my needs. Let me know what you think of these quarters over in the ToP Facebook Group. Remember to activate them all now!

Hopefully we see some good Chase bonus spending offers soon too.