Best Rotating Category Credit Cards for September 2025
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Written by
Angela Mae
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Edited by
Emily Gadd
The best rotating category credit cards offer more flexibility and greater perks than other rewards cards. But unlike most rewards credit cards, the perks you get change routinely (usually once a quarter or based on your spending habits).
Rotating category credit cards can be an excellent choice for those looking to earn higher cash back or other rewards. But they require careful planning and a thorough understanding of the rules (and restrictions) to ensure you get the most benefits possible.
Here’s what you should know about rotating category credit cards, how to compare them and whether or not they might be right for you.
What Is a Rotating Category Credit Card?
Many rewards credit cards offer things like cash back, miles or points for regular spending. With most cards, these perks remain the same for as long as you have the card.
A rotating category credit card is one that changes rewards every so often — usually once a quarter. These categories generally earn higher reward rates than other rewards cards. However, these elevated perks may only apply to specific categories or have other caps or limitations.
For example, the Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card comes with 5% cash back on combined rotating categories each quarter (but only for the first $1,500 spent, then 1%). You must activate this bonus category each quarter in order to earn the elevate rate.
You’ll want to check with your card issuer to see which categories they offer the highest rewards for — and when. While every card is different, some of the most commonly rotating categories include:
- Travel (like airfare and hotels)
- Gas
- Groceries
- Certain subscriptions
- Online shopping
Note that some rotating category credit cards will automatically activate the new rewards categories for you. Others, like the Discover it® Cash Back card will require you to do this manually (usually via the app, phone, or online account) by a certain date. This is generally near the beginning or end of each quarter. If you miss the deadline, you also miss out on the extra rewards.
How To Compare Rotating Category Credit Cards
Choosing the right rotating category rewards card isn’t quite as straightforward as selecting a typical rewards or cash back card. You’ll need to compare several cards, their categories and their other key features. Here’s how to compare these credit cards to ensure you’re getting the best one for your needs:
Rotating Categories
Each credit card has its own rotating categories. You may earn better or more valuable rewards in:
- Travel purchases
- Online spending
- Groceries
- Restaurants
- Other specific areas — depending on the quarterly bonus
Sometimes, the card issuer will set its categories based on the season to incentivize spending in those areas. For example, summertime might have better perks for travel or gas. Winter might have rewards for online shopping at major retailers (like Amazon).
Flexibility
Some cards offer more flexibility than others. While certain categories may still offer better perks, spending in other areas could also let you earn points or cash back.
New Cardholder Bonuses
Many cards feature additional perks, like a low introductory APR or welcome bonus.
For example, the Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card has a low intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles. It also comes with a $200 welcome bonus (available if you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening).
Spending Limitations
Be aware of any limitations and restrictions. Some cards come with spending caps, meaning you can only earn the elevated bonus up to a certain amount (say, $1,500 each quarter). After that, you’ll earn a lower rate (often 1%).
Activation and Category Selection Requirements
Some rotating category cards come with manual rewards activation, while others are automatic. Make sure you know when and how these work so you don’t miss out.
Fees
Compare each credit card’s fees to ensure you’re getting the most value out of your card. Common fees include:
- Annual fee
- Foreign transaction fee
- Late fee
- Annual percentage rate (APR)
Top Rotating Credit Cards
While many rotating category credit cards exist, these are a few notable ones and some major perks of each:
Citi Custom Cash® Card
This card from Citi, an advertising partner, offers 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent. This is a uniquely flexible feature. If your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories. These categories include:
- Restaurants
- Grocery stores
- Select streaming services
- Gas stations
- Select transit
- Select Travel
- Drugstores
- Home improvement stores
- Live entertainment
- and more
All other purchases earn 1% cash back. You can also earn $200 when you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months. It comes with no annual fee and 0% intro APR for 15 months on Purchases and Balance Transfers, then 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable). To learn more, read our Citi Custom Cash® Card review.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
With this card, you can earn 6% cash back in the first year in the category you choose, plus 2% cash back at wholesale clubs and on groceries. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on the category of your choice and 2% cash back at wholesale clubs and on groceries. These rewards are capped quarterly at $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases. You can change your choice category monthly or keep it the same. Categories include:
- Gas and EV charging stations
- Online shopping/cable/internet/phone plans/streaming
- Dining
- Travel
- Drug stores/pharmacies
- Home improvement/furnishings
You also earn 1% on all of your other purchases. There is no annual fee and also a 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends a 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. To learn more, read our Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card review.
Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card
This card features a 5% bonus cash back category each quarter you activate. The spending cap for this reward is $1,500 each quarter.
Categories examples include:
- Grocery stores
- Fitness clubs
- Hotels
- Gas stations
There’s no annual fee and 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, then 18.99% - 28.49% Variable. Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card
This card features 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. It also comes with 0% Intro APR on purchases and on balance transfers for 15 months, then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR. To learn more, read our Discover it® Cash Back review.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
This card lets you choose two categories to earn a combined 5% cash back on the first $2,000 (per quarter). Categories include:
- Fast food
- Television
- Internet
- Department stores
- Gym centers
- Movie theaters
- Certain clothing stores
You can also earn 2% cash back on another everyday category. All other eligible purchases get 1% cash back. There’s no annual fee and an intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles. To learn more, read our U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card review.
How To Make Sure You’re Getting the Best Rewards From a Rotating Category Credit Card
Even the best rotating category credit cards require some forethought to maximize rewards. Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your card:
- Familiarize yourself with the rotating categories on the credit card. Plan your spending based on the quarterly bonus categories and your needs. This may require planning some purchases around certain times of the year.
- Get another credit card. To balance the rotating categories, consider getting another card that charges an above average flat rate. That way you can use the flat rate card to earn 1.5%-2% when you spend outside of the rotating categories.
- Activate your card categories on time. Don’t miss the deadline for activating your card. If you do, you may have to wait until the next quarter to take advantage of the higher rewards.
- Resist temptation. Don’t run your card just so you can get bonuses. Use it for the things you normally would so you don’t end up overspending.
- Pay off your balance each month. That way, you won’t have to pay interest on your balance. Interest can eat away at any savings or rewards earned.
- Be aware of the exclusions and limitations. Rotating category credit cards may have spending caps and deadlines for activating quarterly bonuses. Knowing these ahead of time can help you maximize your rewards.
Pros and Cons of Rotating Category Credit Cards
Pros
- Offer significant rewards, like higher cash back, on select categories
- May give you the chance to earn more on less common categories
- Many cards don’t have an annual fee
- May have a welcome offer or other bonuses outside of the rotating categories
- Best rotating category credit cards come with an introductory APR
Cons
- Categories can be difficult to track as they change often (usually quarterly)
- Quarterly bonuses usually come with a spending limit or other restrictions
- Requires some planning to maximize benefits
- Increased risk of overspending
- May need to manually activate bonus categories
*The information related to the Citi Custom Cash® Card and Chase Freedom Flex® has been collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best rotating category credit cards come with the categories match your spending habits. These answers to some frequently asked questions will help you decide if one of these cards is right for you.
Are rotating category credit cards worth it?
A rotating category credit card may be worth it if you enjoy planning out your purchases, want to benefit from higher cash back on select categories and can maximize the card’s benefits. It’s vital not to overspend, however, or you could end up paying high interest fees that offset — or even negate — the rewards.
What are quarterly rotating categories?
These are the specific categories that earn the most rewards each quarter. They vary by issuer but typically include things like grocery stores, restaurants, online shopping, gas stations and travel purchases.
How many revolving credit cards should I have?
Whether you have rotating category credit cards or standard credit cards, you should only have as many as you can reliably handle. If you struggle to keep up with multiple due dates or find yourself with growing credit card debt, it may be a sign that it’s time to condense or consolidate. Review your finances and goals to determine how many cards you should have.
What credit card do multi-millionaires use?
Many millionaires and multi-millionaires use exclusive credit cards like the Centurion® Card from American Express, which requires an invitation to apply. Another option for high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals is the Insignia Jewellery Card, a luxury card with unique and exclusive features.
