How to Optimize Chase Freedom Flex, Discover it Cash Back for Q2 2023
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Spring is here, and so is a new set of quarterly bonus categories for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and eligible Discover cards, such as the Discover it® Cash Back.
From April 1 to June 30, 2023, cardholders will earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly spending in the following bonus categories:
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Amazon.com.
Lowe's.
Discover it® Cash Back (and other qualifying Discover cards)
Restaurants.
Wholesale clubs.
Both cards earn 1% back after the $1,500 spending cap is met and on all non-bonus category purchases. (The Chase Freedom Flex℠also has other bonus categories that are uncapped and fixed — not rotating.)
The rotating categories must be activated each quarter to qualify for 5% back. Chase cardholders can activate bonus categories online or in the Chase app by June 14, 2023. Bonus rewards can be earned retroactively (purchases during the quarter but prior to activation will still earn bonus rewards). For eligible Discover cards, bonus rewards can be earned starting from the date cash-back categories are activated online.
Here are some tips to maximize your 5% bonus categories this quarter.
Although the original Chase Freedom® card is no longer accepting applications, existing cardholders still earn 5% cash back based on the same bonus calendar and terms for the Chase Freedom Flex℠.
Optimizing the Chase Freedom Flex℠
Do more of your shopping online
As the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon sells almost everything. So if you’re a Chase Freedom Flex℠cardholder and prefer the convenience of shopping from your couch, you can earn bonus rewards on everything from electronics to spring cleaning supplies and more.
If you don’t have $1,500 worth of stuff to buy in Q2, you can always buy Amazon gift cards to lock in that 5% back on future purchases. Amazon also sells many third-party gift cards. So if you plan to purchase at another retailer, see whether Amazon sells a gift card to that retailer first and use the gift card for your purchase.
It’s also a good idea to set your Chase Freedom Flex℠ as the default payment method on Amazon so you don’t miss out on that cash back.
Take on springtime home improvements
Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders can also be rewarded for tackling home improvement projects this spring. From plants and paint to lightbulbs and lumber, purchases at Lowe’s (including at Lowes.com) will earn bonus cash back (up to the quarterly cap) through the end of June.
If work around the house isn’t on your to-do list, Lowe’s sells other merchandise, such as household cleaning products, cornhole boards, batteries and snacks. Lowe’s stores also have a gift card rack, so you can still grab that 5% cash back while purchasing at other retailers.
Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus rewards categories for 2023 | |
|---|---|
Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31) |
|
Q2 (April 1-June 30) |
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Q3 (July 1-Sept. 30) |
|
Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31) |
|
Optimizing the Discover it® Cash Back
Have someone else cook
The average American spends around $3,000 dining out every year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Discover wants to put some of that cash back in your pocket in Q2.
Eligible Discover cardholders can earn bonus cash back on full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast food and restaurant delivery services. In addition, food ordered through an app like DoorDash or UberEats will qualify for bonus rewards, which can help offset those notorious service and delivery fees.
Buy in bulk
Buying in bulk can help you save time and money. For Q2 2023, Discover will make it even more rewarding to stock up on essentials at wholesale clubs in person or online, including BJ’s and Sam’s Club. While Costco doesn’t accept Discover in-store, you can still use your card to check out online to grab that bonus cash back.
If you're all stocked up on paper towels and cereal, wholesale clubs generally also have competitive prices on consumer electronics, furniture, jewelry and more.
Discover bonus rewards categories for 2023 | |
|---|---|
Q1 (Jan. 1–March 31) |
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Q2 (April 1–June 30) |
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Q3 (July 1–Sept. 30) |
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Q4 (Oct. 1–Dec. 31) |
|
*The grocery stores category does not include grocery purchases at Walmart or Target or at other superstores or wholesale clubs. | |
The information related to the Chase Freedom® credit card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
on Chase's website
1.5%-5%
CashbackMatched Cash Back
on Chase's website
1x-5x
Points60,000
Points
on Chase's website
1%-5%
Cashback$200
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