5% Categories For 2024 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 2024 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…
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
- McDonald's
- Pet Shops & Vet Services
- 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.
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:
- Restaurants
- Citi Travel
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 2024 Fourth Quarter: ToP Thoughts
This feels like the worst 4th quarter that I can remember. Some will like Amazon on Discover, but it doesn't move the needle much for me. Restaurants for Citi isn't too exciting either. I guess Chase wins with the Freedom and PayPal overall. Gonna be a bit of tough sledding for some of these.
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 2024 fourth quarter? Let me know over in the ToP Facebook Group.
