It’s now possible to activate all 5% category credit cards for the second quarter of 2026, including the Chase Freedom, Chase Freedom Flex, Discover IT, Citi Dividend, US Bank Cash+ and some smaller cards. In this post we’ll provide the activation link for each card, spend tracker links, and strategies to help increase spend within these categories.
Dates: April 1st – June 30, 2026. Store purchases can usually be done until the last minute while online purchases should be given a buffer zone since the charge typically posts on the shipping date.
Contents
Chase Freedom – Amazon, Chase Travel, Feeding America
Activation Link / FAQ / Our original post
With the Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex cards, activate to earn 5% back this quarter on up to $1,500 in spend on Amazon, Chase Travel, and Feeding America.
- Amazon – could be a solid return for someone who does not have the Amazon 5% card or who values Ultimate Rewards highly.
- Chase Travel – this should end up as 9x on the Freedom Flex card since that card always earns 4x bonus on Chase Travel.
- Feeding America
Tip: Click this link (login required) to check how far you are along the $1,500.
Discover – Restaurants, Home Improvement
Activation Link / Our original post
With your Discover card, activate to earn 5% back this quarter on up to $1,500 in purchases at Restaurants and Home Improvement Stores.
- Restaurant purchases: This includes purchases at or with full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations and caterers. Note, bakeries and restaurants located inside of or affiliated with another business may not qualify.
- Home improvement store purchases: Earn on online and in-store purchases at home improvement retail stores, building supply stores, home furnishing stores, home appliance stores and floor covering stores. Lawn, nursery and garden supply stores also count toward category earnings.
Tip: Login, then click this link to see you how far along the $1,500 you are.
Citi Dividend – Grocery, Citi Travel
Landing Page | Our Original Post
With your Dividend card, activate to earn 5% back this quarter on Amazon and select Streaming services. Citi is different than the other cards in that you have a $6,000 annual cap rather than a $1,500 quarterly cap. You can get 5% back on up to $6,000 in this quarter, you can save the entire amount for a different quarter, or you can use part up each quarter.
- Grocery Stores – always a welcome category
- Citi Travel
U.S. Bank Cash+/Elan – Select your Categories
Activation link | Merchant List | Our Original Post
U.S. Bank Cash+ and Elan Max offer 5% cash back in two categories, up to $2,000 combined total per quarter.
Here are the current options:
- TV, Internet, and Streaming Services
- Home utilities
- Select clothing stores
- Cell phone providers
- Electronic Stores
- Gyms/Fitness
- Fast food
- Ground Transportation
- Sporting goods
- Department Stores
- Furniture Stores
- Movie theaters
Tip: Login here, then scroll down and click on the red “View Your Cash+ History” button.
U.S. Bank Shopper – Select your Categories
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards comes with a $95 annual fee and offers 6% cashback on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose. Options include Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, Target, and many more. You must enroll each quarter for two retailers.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
The Cash Rewards card from Bank of America offers 3% back on one selected category, up to $2,500 per quarter. If you don’t select anything it defaults to gas. Once you selected a category for one quarter, that remains your category in the future unless you change it. Each calendar month you can change it if you’d like, but you’re always limited to $2,500 for the entire quarter.
- Gas and EV charging stations (default category)
- Online Shopping; this category also includes cable, streaming, internet, and phone plan
- Dining
- Travel
- Drug Stores
- Home Improvement/Furnishings
This category is especially lucrative for those who have Preferred Rewards status with Bank of America which can get you 5.25% back on one of these categories at the higher relationship level.
Lots of useful categories here. Important note: the Cash Rewards card also offers 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs up to $2,500 per quarter, and that $2,500 limit combines with the Category Selection limit. After spending $2,500, you’ll earn 1% back on everything.
Other Cards with 5% Category
Nusenda FCU – Wholesale, Discount, Home & More
Landing Page & PDF| Our Original Post | 2025 Post
- Earn 5% this quarter on up to $1,500 in purchases for Equipment, Furniture, and Home Furnishings Stores, Miscellaneous House Furnishing Specialty Shops, Reupholstery and Furniture Repair, Furniture Refinishing, Equipment Rentals and Leasing Services, Tool Rental, Furniture Rental, and Appliance Rental, Gardening/Nurseries, Florist Supplies, Nursery Stock, and Flowers, Nurseries, Lawn and Garden Supply Stores, Home Improvement, Home Supply Warehouse, Lumber and Building Materials Stores, Glass, Paint and Wallpaper Stores, Hardware Stores, Floor Covering Stores, Drapery, Upholstery, and Window Coverings Stores, Fireplace, Fireplace Screens, and Accessories Stores, Household Appliance Stores, Auto, Home Supply Stores (valid for Mastercard), Wholesale Clubs, Discount Store.
This is on top of the regular 1% for a total earn of 6% back.
Langley FCU – Various
Landing Page | Our Original Post
- Langley Federal Credit Union offers 5% back each month in one selected category, on up to $100 cash back total ($2,000 spend).
- The category options at time of this writing: Automotive Services, Dining, and Amazon. (via email: Automotive Services includes charging, gas, and automotive maintenance)
Huntington Business Voice – Select 4% Category
Huntington Voice Business credit card you choose one of ten categories where you’ll earn 4% cash back—on the first $7,000 you spend per quarter.
- Category options: Grocery Stores, Gas Stations, Restaurants, Travel and Entertainment, Home Improvement Stores, Utilities and Office Supply Stores, Department, Apparel, and Sporting Goods Stores, Electronic, Computer, and Camera Stores, Discount and Warehouse Stores, Auto Parts and Services Stores.
Safe Credit Union [CA] – Various
Landing Page | Our Original Post
Safe Credit Union Cash Rewards Visa card offers 5% this quarter on your choice of one category each quarter, now limited to $1,500 in spend each quarter. This quarter the category is one of these three:
- Wholesale Clubs, Hardware Stores, Pet Care.
Redstone FCU (TN,AL) – Dining, Travel, Amazon & More
Landing page | Our original Post
- Redstone Visa offers 5% on a category of your choice: travel, Amazon, restaurants, home improvement, and more options.
- $1,500 cap per quarter.
- For Q1 2026, the default category is restaurants if you don’t choose. After that there is no category if you don’t select it.
