Discover
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Key Features
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | Unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of cash back |
| Rewards Rate | 5% cash back on everyday purchases |
| Intro APR | Purchase APR: 0% intro rate for 6 months. Balance Transfer APR: 10.99% intro rate for 6 months. |
| Regular APR | Then 16.49% to 25.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply. Cash Advance APR: 28.49% variable. then Purchase APR applies. |
| Other Fees | Minimum interest charge: $.50. Cash advance fee: greater of $10 or 5% of the advance amount. Balance transfer fee: 3% Intro fee of the amount transferred; 5% fee for future transfers. |
| Network | Discover |
About this card
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is a good option for students seeking to build credit while earning rewards. Its strengths lie in the robust rewards program, particularly the 5% rotating categories and the first-year cashback match, as well as the absence of an annual fee. The positive reputation of Discover and the card's accessibility for those with limited credit history are also significant advantages. However, the high regular APR is a major drawback, potentially negating the rewards value if balances are carried. The need to manage rotating categories may also be cumbersome for some users. The card's reputation and target audience alignment contribute positively to the overall rating. Balancing the strengths and weaknesses, a 3.7 rating reflects a 'Good' overall assessment. It's well-suited for responsible students who can take advantage of the rewards and avoid high-interest charges.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period
- Cashback on purchases
- Generous sign-up bonus
- Low credit score requirement
- Rotating bonus categories
Things to consider
- High regular APR
- Limited rewards categories
- High balance transfer fee
What this card offers
Sign-up bonuses
- Get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, automatically. There is no limit to how much we'll match. So you could turn $50 cash back to $100. Or you could turn $100 cash back to $200.
Rewards
- Earn 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. Plus, earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Earn 5% Cashback Bonus at Restaurants and Home Improvement Stores, now to June 30, 2026, on up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate.
Other features
- No credit score required to apply
- $0 Fraud Liability You're never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card.
- 99% nationwide acceptance: Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of places that take credit cards.
- Choose from several colorful card designs when you apply to become a cardmember. Go ahead – express yourself.
Additional Notes
Rates as of March 31, 2026.