Discover announced the 5% category for the fourth quarter of 2016 (October – December) will be Amazon, Department Stores, and Sam’s Club. Sam’s will work both in-store and online.
This is good news for Sam’s shoppers, and it’s also good news for Walmart shoppers. Remember, Sam’s Club sells Sam’s gift cards, even online. Those gift cards can be used at Sam’s or at Walmart, and even on gas from Sam’s or Walmart.
Walmart shoppers can buy up $1500 worth and nab the 5% that way. You do have to get creative with buying those gift cards if you don’t have membership, though. There are workarounds like going getting a one-day guest membership in-store, using a friends account, etc. Also, there’s currently a targeted Amex Offer to get free Sam’s membership.Â
Direct Walmart or Target purchases probably won’t count as Department stores.
Amazon.com purchases include those made through the Amazon.com checkout, including digital downloads, Amazon.com gift cards, Amazon Fresh orders, Amazon Local Deals and Amazon Prime subscriptions and items sold by third party merchants through Amazon.com’s marketplace. Department Stores are defined as retailers selling a wide variety of merchandise, with separate checkout counters in each department. Sam’s Club purchases made in store and online qualify. Gas and fuel purchases are not eligible. With the exception of Sam’s Club, purchases made at warehouse clubs, wholesale distributors and discount stores are not eligible. Purchases made using tap-and-pay, mobile or wireless card readers, virtual wallets or similar technology may not be eligible.
Sears.com purchases have always worked as part of the ‘Department Stores’ category. If you are planning on buying gift cards, note that only e-gift cards or reloads will trigger the 5%, since physical gift card purchases are processed through Kmart which doesn’t come through as Department Stores.
Other Card Issuers
Chase Freedom
We’ll have to wait to find out what the Chase Freedom category will be; currently, it’s just showing as Holiday Shopping. We do know Wholesale Clubs will be included in the fourth quarter of 2016. A combined total of $1500 in purchases on Holiday Shopping and at wholesale clubs will earn 5x.
Sam’s shoppers will have $1500 in Discover 5% and $1500 in Freedom 5x to use during Q4.
Citi Dividend
The Dividend card will offer 5% back at Best Buy and Department stores.
U.S. Bank Cash +
Check out the current Cash+ 5% categories here. There’s a limit of $2000 per quarter.
Hat tip t0 r/churning
