Maximize Your Spending with Q2 2025 Bonus Categories for Chase and Discover

As spring kicks off, it’s the perfect time to make the most of your rewards credit cards. Chase and Discover have announced their Q2 2025 bonus categories, offering an excellent opportunity to earn extra cash back or points on your everyday spending. Here’s a breakdown of each issuer and tips to maximize your rewards.

Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex

The Chase Freedom (no longer available to new card applicants) and Freedom Flex cards are known for their rewarding quarterly bonus categories, which often align with common spending areas. For Q2 2025, Chase has selected categories that make it easy to earn rewards on essentials and fitness.

Bonus Categories:

• Amazon
• Select Streaming Services

Earning Rate: 5% cash back or 5X Ultimate Rewards points on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in the bonus categories. 

Tips to Maximize Rewards:

1. Use Amazon for everyday essentials instead of the grocery store or Walmart/Target.
2. Stock up on Amazon gift cards for future use if you don’t plan to spend $1,500 at Amazon naturally.
3. Prepay your streaming services for the year.

Don’t forget to activate your bonus categories to start earning!

Discover It

The Discover It card offers a straightforward rewards program with rotating categories that cater to a wide range of spending habits. For Q2 2025, the selected categories cover essential expenses like groceries and household goods.

Bonus Categories:

• Grocery Stores
• Wholesale Clubs

Earning Rate: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in the bonus categories. 

Tips to Maximize Rewards:

1. Many grocery stores sell third-party gift cards for restaurants, gas stations, Amazon, Uber, etc. Buying these counts toward the 5% bonus.
2. Wholesale clubs often sell discounted gift cards (e.g., $100 value for $80-$90), adding extra savings.
3. If you don’t hit $1,500 naturally, buy gift cards to use later.

Don’t forget to activate your bonus categories to start earning!

Recommended Strategies for Q2 2025

1. Stack Rewards: Use store loyalty programs, coupons, or cashback apps like Rakuten or TopCasback to stack savings on top of your card rewards.
2. Set Reminders: If you have multiple cards, set calendar alerts to activate your bonus categories before the deadline.
3. Buy Gift Cards: If you can’t meet the spending requirement naturally, consider buying gift cards.
4. Track Spending: Use apps or spreadsheets to monitor your spending and ensure you’re maximizing the bonus caps.
5. Plan Ahead: If you’re nearing the $1,500 spending limit on one card, switch to another rewards card to optimize your earnings.

Key Takeaways

• The Q2 2025 bonus categories are a great opportunity to boost your cash back or points earnings.
• Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex offer 5% back on Amazon and select streaming services in Q2 2025.
• Discover It’s bonus categories include grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
• Activate the quarterly categories in the app or online.
• Plan spending strategically is key to maximizing rewards.
• Stack rewards through loyalty programs, cashback apps, and spending trackers to get the most value.

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