Discover announced their quarterly categories for the fourth quarter of 2026. Earn 5% cashback on up to $1,500 in purchases at:
- Utilities – Should work for things like electric, gas, and water bills. I like this category as these typically only get base earn on all cards. (Some people might use it for phone and internet as well, though those are bonused on other cards.)
- Restaurants – Always a popular category. Not sure if UberEATS and DoorDash will count for this.
- Entertainment – Might be useful to some.
-
- Restaurant purchases include those made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and caterers. Restaurants located inside of or affiliated with another business, such as hotels or retail stores, and establishments classified as a bakery may not qualify.
- Entertainment purchases include ticket purchases at movie theaters, sports promoters (professional and semi-professional live events), theatrical promoters, concert promoters, amusement parks, tourist attractions, aquariums, zoos, dance halls, record stores, video rental locations, pool halls and bowling alleys. Tickets for or fees at golf courses, country clubs, some collegiate sporting events, charitable events, as well as cable and digital streaming and subscription services, amusement park tickets purchased on third-party sites, and entertainment and resort packages categorized as “travel” or “hotel” do not qualify.
- Utilities purchases include purchases for residential electricity, natural gas, and water service. Utilities purchases also include purchases made over the phone or online for internet, cable, satellite TV, and mobile and landline phone service. Purchases at physical retail stores for internet, cable, satellite, and mobile and landline phone service do not qualify. Purchases made through third parties, such as through a landlord, property management company, or homeowners association, may not qualify. Purchases for home fuel delivery, standalone streaming services, some satellite phone and internet service, vehicle connectivity, accessories, or equipment may not qualify.
