Last updated on January 3rd, 2023
Cash back credit cards are a popular option for consumers who want to save money on everyday purchases. Certain cards, however, offer higher rates of cash back than others, with the Chase Freedom Flex and Discover It being two of the most popular options available. These cards offer 5% back on select categories each quarter. Here are the 2022 5% cash back calendars for three leading card issuers: Chase, Discover, and Citi.
What Are the Chase Freedom Flex 5% Cash Back Calendar Categories for 2022?
The Chase Freedom Flex Card is one of the most popular cash back credit cards on the market. The card offers 5% back on select categories each quarter, with 1% back on all other purchases. Here are the 5% cash back categories for 2022:
| 5% Cash Back Category | |
| January - March 2022 | Groceries (excluding larger stores like Target or Walmart) and eBay |
| April - June 2022 | Amazon.com and select streaming services |
| July - September 2022 | Gas stations, car rentals, movie theatres, and select live entertainment |
| October - December 2022 | PayPal and Walmart |
How Does the Chase 5% Cash Back Calendar for 2022 Compare to 2021?
While the previous year’s cash back calendar usually provides insights into future categories in 2022, that may not be the case this year. Here’s a quick rundown of the 2021 Chase Cash Back Calendar:
- January to March: Wholesale clubs, select streaming services, and phone, internet, & cable service providers
- April to June: Gas stations and home improvement store purchases
- July to September: Select streaming services and grocery stores
- October to December: Walmart and PayPal
Related Article: Best Credit Cards for Grocery Shopping
What Are the Discover It 5% Cash Back Calendar Categories for 2022?
Discover is another card issuer that offers a 5% cash back credit card. The issuer’s Discover It Cash Back is an excellent cash back card with no annual fees. It also features Discover’s Cashback Match for the first year (only for new cardholders).
Unlike Chase, Discover announces its Cashback Calendar in full. Here is the full list of 2022’s 5% cash back categories:
| 5% Cash Back Category | |
| January - March 2022 | Grocery stores plus gym and fitness club memberships |
| April - June 2022 | Gas stations and Target |
| July - September 2022 | Restaurants and PayPal |
| October - December 2022 | Amazon.com and digital wallets |
How Does the 2022 Discover 5% Calendar Compare to 2021?
Beyond streaming services in Q2, the Discover 5% Cashback Calendar is the same as 2020’s. For reference, here’s the 2021 Discover Calendar:
- January to March: Grocery Stores, Walgreens, and CVS
- April to June: Gas Stations, Wholesale Clubs, and Streaming Services
- July to September: Restaurants and PayPal
- October to December: Amazon.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com
Related Article: Discover Announces 2022 5% Cashback Calendar
Citi Dividend Card 5% Calendar for 2022
The Citi Dividend Card (no longer accepting new applicants) is another 5% cash back card. The card enjoys impressive popularity among Citi customers thanks to its lucrative rewards and versatile categories. Here are the Citi Dividend cash back categories for 2022:
| 5% Cash Back Category | |
| January - March 2022 | Amazon.com and Streaming Services |
| April - June 2022 | Drugstores and Grocery Stores |
| July - September 2022 | Gas Stations and Home Improvement Store |
| October - December 2022 | TBD |
Bottom Line
The Chase Freedom and Discover It, and Citi Dividend are three excellent cash back cards. The 5% cash back calendars offer significant value for those who either like to shop online or prefer to plan their major spending ahead of time. The bonus categories are incredibly useful around the holidays, as department stores, online shopping, and other major retailers are the focus.
Those who don’t spend heavily in bonus categories, however, don’t have to settle for 1% cash back. There are plenty of excellent credit cards that offer accelerated cash back on all purchases.
Not sure which card is best for you? Check out some of our “Best Of” lists to discover the top credit cards in each category:
Featured photo by Matthew Henry/ Burst
