Discover it Student Cash Back Review

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Pros

Cash back on rotating bonus categories
First-year Cashback Match could be valuable
Intro purchase APR offer
Can help build credit
No annual fee

Cons

Caps on bonus rewards
Bonus categories need to be activated
Potentially high regular APR

From our partner

Annual Fee

$0
Intro Purchase APR

0% Intro APR for 6 Months
Intro Balance Transfer APR

10.99% Intro APR for 6 Months
Regular Purchase APR

18.24% – 27.24%* Variable
Regular Balance Transfer APR

18.24% – 27.24%* Variable

Additional Rates and Fees

Cash Advance Rate	29.99%* Variable
Cash Advance Fee	See Terms*
Late Fee	None the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41.
Penalty APR	See Terms*
Balance Transfer Fee	3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Foreign Transaction Fee	None
Return Payment Fee	Up to $41.

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
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 unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
No credit score required to apply.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
Terms and conditions apply.
See offer and benefit terms

^*See the online provider's credit card application for details about terms and conditions. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However, all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the "Apply Now" button, you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the provider's website.

See details, rates & fees

4 things to know about the Discover it® Student Cash Back card

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is designed for students with limited or no credit history. There’s no annual fee, and the card can help students build credit while earning unlimited cash back.

Learn more: Credit Karma Guide to Student Credit Cards

1. Earn cash back on useful everyday bonus categories

With the Discover it® Student Cash Back, you can earn 5% cash back on purchases in categories that rotate quarterly — on up to $1,500 spent (then 1%). To earn cash back at the bonus rate, you must activate each quarter. Plus, you’ll earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover’s rotating categories include a range of everyday purchases that you might find useful, including groceries, gas, restaurants and Amazon.com purchases.

But if you’re considering the card, it’s important to keep the quarterly spending cap and activation requirement in mind. And take a look at Discover’s previous bonus categories to see if your current spending lines up with what Discover typically offers.

Even still, these rotating bonus categories can be a great feature to earn cash back at a higher rate — especially if the categories align with your everyday spending habits.

2. Get an introductory 0% purchase APR

Though the card lacks a traditional welcome bonus, students needing a bit of breathing room when paying for textbooks and supplies may appreciate the card’s introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 6 months from account opening.

After the intro periods ends, the purchase APR will increase to a variable rate of 18.24% - 27.24%.

Keep in mind, that you should have a plan in place to pay off your balance in full before the introductory 0% APR period ends, to avoid paying costly interest charges.

3. Double your cash back rewards in the first year

Discover it® Student Cash Back’s unlimited cash back match introductory offer could be an easy way to double your cash back rewards during your first year of having the card.

With Cashback Match, Discover matches all the cash you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earned $50 cash back in your first year, Discover will match that for a total of $100.

Just be sure to keep your spending in check and within your budget, so you don’t rack up unnecessary interest charges or credit card debt just to earn cash back.

4. Build credit while using the card

If you’re a college student with little to no credit history, the Discover it® Student Cash Back card can serve as a valuable tool to help you establish credit while earning cash back. Plus, you don’t even need a credit score to apply.

Learn more: How to build credit as a student in 5 easy steps

What to keep in mind before applying for the Discover it® Student Cash Back card

If you’re thinking about applying for this card, here’s a few other things you’ll want to consider.

No fee for first late payment — It’s never a good idea to pay your credit card bill late, but if it should happen, Discover will waive the fee your first time. After that, if you’re late, Discover will charge you a fee of up to $41. Returned payments have a fee of up to $41.
Zero fraud liability — If you discover that there are unauthorized charges on your card, you won’t be responsible for covering the cost.
Can help protect your privacy online — Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. To use this free feature, you’ll have to activate it on the mobile app.
No foreign transactions fees — If you plan to use the card to make purchases overseas, you won’t have to worry about paying foreign transaction fees.
Referral program — You can earn a statement credit up to $100 if you refer a friend to apply for the card.
Freeze your card instantly — If you misplace your card or think it’s been stolen, you can use the app or website to freeze access to your card.
Strong customer support — If you need help with your card, you can call Discover and speak to an agent based in the U.S. or get help on the mobile app or online.

Who the Discover it® Student Cash Back is good for

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is a solid card for college students with little or no credit history. The ability to earn cash back on all purchases can help offset some of your college expenses.

But if the bonus categories don’t align with your spending habits, a more straightforward cash back student card may be a better choice.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

Here are few other cards that might be worth checking out.

Discover it® Student Chrome: This card could be a strong alternative for students who spend often on gas stations and restaurants.
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card may be a good choice for students who often spend money on dining out and entertainment.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students: This card might be a good option for students who love to travel.

About the author: Juan is a freelance editor and writer on topics involving credit cards, loyalty programs, travel and personal finance. Outside of Juan's passion for writing, he enjoys embarking on global travel adventures (using poi… Read more.

Discover it® Student Cash Back review: Build credit and earn unlimited cash back

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