In a Nutshell
The Discover it® Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in various bonus categories that change every three months. And the card also offers 1% cash back on all your other purchases. The bonus categories for 2024 range from grocery store to gas station purchases — but you must activate this offer every three months in order to unlock that higher cash back rate.For the second quarter of 2025, the Discover it® Cash Back and Discover it® Student Cash Back offer 5% cash back on up to $1,500 (then 1%) in combined purchases at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
You’ll need to activate the bonus categories between April 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025, before you can start earning your 5% cash back.
Read on for a closer look at these categories, including how Discover defines grocery stores, and a guide to how to activate and redeem your rewards.
- Discover it® Cash Back calendar
- A closer look at this quarter’s bonus categories
- How to activate your bonus categories
- How to redeem your rewards
Discover it® Cash Back calendar
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| 2024 |
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A closer look at this quarter’s bonus categories
Grocery stores
Grocery stores are defined broadly, but there are some notable exceptions.
Qualifying purchases include for rewards include those made at supermarkets, meat markets, bakeries, smaller grocery stores and grocery delivery services.
But it’s important to note that purchases from Walmart or Target are not eligible, and transactions at convenience stores and discount stores may not qualify either.
Wholesale clubs
Wholesale clubs are technically covered by this quarter’s categories, but the category comes with some key exceptions.
For instance, Costco does not accept Discover for payment, so you won’t be able to earn your bonus cash back rate with one of the nation’s most popular wholesale clubs.
Even if your club does accept Discover, certain services, including delivery, travel and cellphone purchases, might not qualify for this category. Plus, purchases from individual merchants and stand-alone stores within physical wholesale club locations (or online) may also be ineligible.
How to activate your bonus categories
To earn 5% cash back in the second quarter, you’ll need to activate the bonus categories between April 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025.
Keep in mind that you’ll only get 5% back from the date you opt in, so it’s best to do so as early as possible.
You can activate the bonus categories through the Discover app, the online portal or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
How to redeem your rewards
Discover offers several ways to redeem your cash back. You can log into your account or call the customer service number on the back of your card to choose your preferred method.
If you’re looking for simple cash back, you can opt for direct deposit into a bank account or apply it as a statement credit to your bill.
If you’d prefer another option, Discover also lets you redeem your rewards for gift cards, select charitable donations, or directly on purchases with retailers like Amazon.com.