What is Bonus Category?
Credit Card Glossary · Updated April 2026
A spending category that earns rewards at a higher-than-base rate. For example, a card might earn 3x points on dining, where dining is the bonus category. Some cards have permanent bonus categories; others rotate them quarterly.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bonus Category?⌄
A spending category that earns rewards at a higher-than-base rate.
What does Bonus Category mean on a credit card?⌄
A spending category that earns rewards at a higher-than-base rate. For example, a card might earn 3x points on dining, where dining is the bonus category. Some cards have permanent bonus categories; others rotate them quarterly.
What terms are related to Bonus Category?⌄
Closely related concepts include Rotating Categories, Flat-Rate Rewards, Multiplier (1x, 2x, 3x, etc.). Each of these helps clarify different aspects of the same topic.
Where does Bonus Category apply?⌄
Bonus Category is a rewards concept. It typically appears in the context of earning and redeeming rewards.
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