As the calendar rolls over once more, frugal travelers must once again prepare themselves for the traditions that come with the beginning of the year. When we return from our favorite destinations for New Year’s Eve and once again return to our lives already in progress, the time to begin planning a new set of adventures and prepare to pay taxes is upon us once again.
However, one tradition that should not be forgotten is activating the first quarter bonuses on some of our favorite credit cards. Many of the favorites that we hold dear in our wallets are not just good for cash back opportunities, but also offer bonuses in different categories every quarter. These bonuses can only be utilized when they are activated online or over the phone.
If you hold one of the following cards, be prepared to add another task to your to-do list this month. Here are the cards that offer bonus categories in the first quarter of 2017.
Discover IT Card: Gas Stations, Ground Transportation and Wholesale Clubs
In addition to double cash back for qualifying new accounts, the Discover IT card offers travelers bonus categories every quarter. In the first quarter of 2017, frugal travelers can earn even more cash back on their spending at gas stations, ground transportation and wholesale clubs.
While earning extra points at gas stations should not be a challenge, getting a bonus at wholesale clubs and ground transportation may be a challenge. While travelers can pay for taxis or rideshares with their Discover IT card, not many wholesale clubs offer Discover as a payment option. Despite the obstacles, the bonus five percent cash back on the first $1,500 spent can make signing up for this bonus a worthwhile cause.
Chase Freedom: Gas Stations and Local Commuter Transportation
Although the Chase Freedom may no longer be offered for new account holders, those who still hold this legacy card are already familiar with the rotating bonus categories every three months. In the opening months of 2017, this Visa allows frugal travelers to earn five Ultimate Rewards points on every dollar spent at gas stations and local commuter transportation.
While this may seem like a generous benefit, it may not be as generous as it seems. The “local commuter transportation” benefit excludes parking fees, or fees paid to toll roads. This leaves cardholders limited to other commuter transportation options, such as bus passes. Despite this, Ultimate Rewards points are still one of the most versatile points programs out there, making this bonus worth considering.
Citi Dividend Card: The Home Depot and Home Furnishing Stores
Finally, the Citi Dividend card allows frugal travelers the opportunity to earn cash back, or convert upwards to ThankYou points. Along with those points comes the option to earn even more points every quarter. In the first quarter of 2017, travelers can earn bonus cash back at The Home Depot or at home furniture stores.
While the bonus categories may seem nice, it is important to remember that the total cash back earnings on this card is limited every year. For those who cannot maximize this bonus by refurnishing their homes, don’t lose sleep. The next quarterly bonus is “drug stores,” which many of us frequent on a regular basis.
By signing up for these quarterly bonuses, every traveler can make the most of their credit cards to open the year. Between gas stations and transportation, there’s no reason to not make the most points to get closer towards that big trip coming up in 2017.
Which bonus categories are you most excited about this quarter? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com