Discover has activated its 5% Cashback Bonus categories for Q3 2025, and while Gas Stations and Public Transit are familiar returning options, the third category—Utilities—is a rare and valuable inclusion that’s worth highlighting.
From July 1 through September 30, 2025, Discover cardholders who activate the promotion can earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases across:
- Gas Stations & EV Charging
- Public Transit
- Utilities
Gas Stations & EV Charging
Gas stations are a staple category for Discover’s 5% calendar, but it’s still worth noting what qualifies. Purchases at places classified as gas stations—including fuel purchases made at the pump or inside the station—will earn 5% back. Public EV charging stations also count.
However, gas stations that are part of wholesale clubs, supercenters, or supermarkets may not be eligible.
Want more cards that earn extra rewards at the pump? Check out our guide: What’s the Best Credit Card to Maximize Earnings for Gas Purchases.
Public Transit
Qualifying purchases in this category include local commuter transportation like buses, subways, and ferries. Rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft, as well as taxis or long-distance rail services like Amtrak, do not qualify.
We’ve rounded up the best cards for everyday commuting in this post: The Best Credit Cards for Tolls and Mass Transit Expenses.
Utilities – A Rare Find
This quarter’s standout category is Utilities—a bonus category you almost never see on personal credit cards. Discover’s definition is surprisingly broad. It includes residential electricity, natural gas, and water service. Even better, it also covers online or phone payments for internet, cable, or satellite TV, as well as mobile or landline phone service.
However, there are caveats. In-store purchases for internet or phone services, payments made through third parties such as landlords or homeowners associations, and streaming services (like Netflix or Disney+) are excluded.
The only personal cards that typically reward utility spending are niche options. The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® allows you to select Utilities as a 5% category, but you can only pick two categories per quarter. Meanwhile, the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card earns bonus points for utility purchases, but—as the name implies—it’s meant for business expenses.
If you’ve been looking for a way to earn rewards for monthly bills you’re already paying, this is your chance.
Final Thought
While Discover’s 5% categories are often useful, the Q3 lineup goes a step further by including Utilities—a rare, practical bonus category that covers a wide range of essential services. Gas stations and public transit are welcome standbys, but it’s this wildcard that makes the current quarter especially rewarding.
Just don’t forget to activate the bonus to start earning those extra rewards.
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1 comment
FYI, do a test charge, because my water bill appeared as “charity” on my Discover bill. No 5x. It bills correctly with amex. It may be better to just buy MCGC / VGC at Staples with Ink and use those depending on fees at the utility.