Hi there, it's Ernest from Trip Astute. In this video, we're reviewing the new
quarterly bonus categories for the Chase Freedom, Discover It, and Citi Dividend
card.
(light chiming music)
It's that time again to review the new categories for our rotating bonus
credit cards, specifically the Chase Freedom, Discover It, and Citi Dividend
card. I'll go through each one and share the new bonus categories. Before we go
through each card, I want to let you know that we put together a wallet size cheat
sheet that you can download for free from our website. If you're like me and
you can't remember the categories, this should be helpful. I'll include a link in
the video description below. For the Chase Freedom card, we're ending the
fourth quarter bonus categories of Walmart and department stores. Starting
on January 1st until the end of March, you'll earn 5% on purchases from gas
stations, internet, cable, and phone providers, and all purchases made by
mobile payments, including Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, and Chase Pay.
I was a bit disappointed by Chase's bonus category last month, especially
since they have offered Amazon purchases in the past year in the fourth quarter.
However, I think this quarter's bonus categories are pretty solid.
Most of us drive, use a mobile phone, or have an internet connection at home, so
this is an easy way to maximize your earnings with your daily spend. For gas
stations, keep in mind that the bonus only applies to standalone gas stations.
Fuel purchases from other stores like Costco, Sam's Club, or Walmart do not
count toward the 5% bonus, and the fine print says that truck stops, boat marinas,
oil and propane distributors, and home heating companies are excluded. Also, for
the internet, cable, and phone expenses, keep in mind that the bonus only applies
to the service. Any equipment expenses for payments made in the store won't
count toward the bonus. So, if you were to buy a phone at the wireless provider's
store, it will not count toward the bonus. To be honest, I'm super excited
about the mobile payments being included as a bonus category. I've been using
Apple Pay on my phone at more places, and I find it easier and faster than using
my traditional cards. It seems like more retailers are accepting mobile payments
too, so this should be an easy way to earn extra points or cash back. For the
Discover card, we're ending the fourth quarter bonus category of Amazon.com and
Target purchases, and entering a first quarter with a 5% bonus category on gas
station purchases and wholesale clubs. Like the Chase Freedom, there are some
restrictions. The fine print says that gas stations affiliated with super
stores or supermarkets may not be eligible, and purchases made with tap-and-
pay systems or virtual wallets may not count as well. So if you're using an app
or a fob to pay for gas, the charge may not be coded correctly to get the bonus.
Lastly, Citi Dividend users are ending the fourth quarter bonus category of
Best Buy and department store purchases and for quarter one 2018,
will be receiving 5% at gas stations and for car rentals. Keep in mind that Citi
also states in the fine print that non-standalone gas stations may not qualify,
and any car rentals that are not booked directly with the rental company (for
example, with a travel agency or site) may not qualify either. Make sure you log in
and activate the bonus for these cards. While you can wait until March 14th to
activate your Chase Freedom bonus category since Chase will award the
points retroactively, you're better off doing it now before you forget.
Unfortunately, Discover and Citi won't award you a bonus until you activate it.
So do it now so you don't miss out. I've included links to these cards below in
case you're interested in applying. As of January 2018, the Chase Freedom is
offering a $150 bonus and Discover is offering a cash back match for the
entire year, so it's pretty lucrative. Also, in case you're wondering about the
Citi Dividend card, it's no longer available for new applicants.
Just a reminder too that Trip Astute does get a percentage if you use our
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website for weekly travel news, updates, and giveaways. Until next time, travel
safe and travel smart.