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Discover Cardholders, Mark Your Calendars: Q1 2026's 5% Categories Are Here!
Published on December 1, 2025, 9:06 PM
Hey AwardTrail blazers! Discover just dropped a little nugget of info to help you plan ahead: the 5% cash back categories for Q1 2026 (January through March) are out! While the specific categories weren't provided, knowing this heads-up allows you to anticipate and strategically use your Discover it® Cash Back or Discover® More® Card to maximize your rewards. Why does this matter? Well, Discover offers a rotating 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending each quarter in specific categories. By knowing what's coming down the pike nearly two years in advance, you can potentially shift spending to the first quarter of 2026 to take full advantage of the bonus. Think about big purchases you might be planning – maybe some home improvement or travel expenses. If they align with the Discover categories (once announced), you'll be sitting pretty with some serious cash back! Don't forget you *do* need to activate the bonus each quarter to actually earn that sweet 5%. Keep an eye out for the official announcement closer to the date for the precise categories and activate your bonus!