For the third 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 gas stations and on EV charging, public transit and utilities.
You’ll need to activate the bonus categories between July 1, 2025, and Sept. 30, 2025, before you can start earning your 5% cash back.
Read on for a closer look at these categories, including how Discover defines them, and a guide on activating and redeeming 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
Gas stations and EV charging
Eligible fueling includes most standalone gas stations and EV charging options, but there are some notable exceptions.
For instance, you may not earn the 5% rate at gas stations and EV charging locations attached to supermarkets, supercenters and wholesale clubs, or in some parking garages with EV charging spots.
Public transit
This category covers local commuter bus, rail and ferry services, but not taxis, rideshare services or shared bikes and scooters affiliated with rideshare services. While these category classifications can get blurry, our read is that you need to use a service operated by a public agency.
Discover also notes that long-range passenger trains and water transportation services are not included.
Utilities
Utilities include standard expenses like residential electricity, natural gas and water, plus other services you may not consider to be utilities.
Discover clarifies that purchases made over the phone or online for internet, cable, satellite TV, and mobile and landline phone services qualify as utilities. But these purchases must be made directly with suppliers to earn the 5% rate — you may not earn it if you pay for your utilities through a third party like a landlord.
How to activate your Discover it® Cash Back bonus categories
To earn 5% cash back in the second quarter, you’ll need to activate the bonus categories between July 1, 2025, and Sept. 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 Discover it® Cash Back 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.
Discover also lets you redeem your rewards for gift cards, select charitable donations, or directly on purchases with retailers like Amazon.com.