Your 2026 Grocery, Wholesale, and Streaming Game Plan with Discover

Hey there! If you're a Discover it cardholder, it's that time again—time to activate your next round of bonus categories. For the first three months of 2026, you've got a pretty useful lineup that can help offset some common expenses. Let's break down what's included, how to make the most of it, and a few important caveats to keep in mind so you don't miss out on any cash back.

What Counts (And What Doesn't)

The headline categories sound straightforward, but the devil is often in the details with these promotions. Knowing exactly where your card will work is key to maximizing your return.

For groceries, think traditional supermarkets, local butchers, bakeries, and even grocery delivery from those stores. However, major discount retailers like Walmart and Target are explicitly excluded, even if you buy groceries there. Convenience stores and dollar stores usually don't qualify either.

At wholesale clubs (think Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's), you should be good for most in-warehouse purchases. But be careful: services like travel bookings, cell phones, or separate in-club vendor kiosks might not code correctly for the bonus.

The streaming category has a long list of included services, from Netflix and Spotify to YouTube Premium and Apple TV+. The main catch? Your subscription must be billed directly by the streaming company. If it's part of a bundle from your cable, internet, or phone provider, or billed through a third-party platform, it likely won't earn the 5%.

Don't Forget to Flip the Switch

This is the most common mistake! The 5% rate isn't automatic. You must activate the offer for the quarter. You can do this by logging into your online account or mobile app. The good news is you can activate now for the 2026 period.

Remember, your 5% earnings start either on January 1st or on the date you activate—whichever is later. So if you activate on January 15th, purchases from the 1st through the 14th won't get the bonus. Best to take care of it now and set a calendar reminder for future quarters.

Strategies to Hit the $1,500 Cap

With a $1,500 combined cap across all three categories, you could earn the full $75 quarterly bonus. For many households, regular grocery spending alone might get you there. If not, consider these tactics:

Buy wholesale club gift cards during the quarter for future use (ensure gift card purchases are eligible for the bonus at that merchant).

Prepay for a few months of your streaming services, if the provider allows it.

Shift all eligible spending from other cards to your Discover it during this period. Just always pay your statement balance in full to avoid interest, which would negate any cash back gains.

A Quick Word for Potential New Cardmembers

If you don't have this card yet, it's known for being a solid, no-annual-fee option. Beyond the rotating 5% categories, it often features a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. It also has some nice purchase protection benefits. If your spending aligns well with the rotating categories, it can be a rewarding keeper card in your wallet.

Bottom Line

• Activate now! The 5% rate doesn't start until you do.
• Walmart, Target, and bundled streaming bills won't earn the bonus.
• Plan your spending to maximize the $1,500 quarterly limit.
• Mark your calendar to activate for Q2 before April 1st.

Common Questions