Discover it Student Cash Back: Rewards & Building Credit Wisely

Unlock rewards with the Discover it Student Cash Back card. Earn 5% in rotating categories, 1% on all other purchases, plus an unlimited first-year Cashback Match. No annual fee. Ideal for students aiming to build credit and maximize Student Cash Back.

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Embarking on your financial journey as a student often involves making smart choices, and selecting the right credit card is a significant one. The Discover it Student Cash Back card is tailored for students, presenting an excellent opportunity to earn valuable rewards while establishing a solid credit history.

This card stands out with its attractive cash back program, featuring 5% on rotating quarterly categories and an impressive unlimited Cashback Match at the end of your first year. Designed to help you manage your finances, it’s a strong contender for students looking to get the most from their Student Cash Back experience. Read on and discover it!

A young man laughing while seated at an office desk with papers and a laptop, with a Discover it credit card image overlaid on the left side.

How the Credit Card Works

The Discover it Student Cash Back card functions like a standard credit card, allowing you to make purchases now and pay for them later. It’s specifically designed for students, often those new to credit, as no prior credit score is required to apply.

A key feature is its rewards program, offering cash back on spending. This card is ideal for students seeking to build their credit history responsibly while earning Student Cash Back on everyday expenses.

It also comes with modern features like mobile app management, security alerts, and the ability to freeze your card if misplaced.

What are the main advantages of Discover it Student Cash Back?

The Discover it Student Cash Back card offers several benefits for students looking to manage their finances and earn rewards. Here are 5 main advantages:

  • Generous Cash Back Rewards: You can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter. It includes grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, plus a consistent 1% cash back on all other purchases. This structure helps maximize your Student Cash Back.
  • Unlimited Cashback Match: Discover automatically matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This effectively doubles your rewards in the initial year.
  • No Annual Fee: This is a significant cost-saving feature, especially for students managing a budget. That’s because you won’t have to pay a yearly charge to keep the card.
  • Designed for Students to Build Credit: It’s accessible even if you don’t have a credit score, providing a pathway to establish and build a positive credit history. This is crucial for future financial goals.
  • Introductory 0% APR on Purchases: For the first six months, you’ll benefit from a 0% introductory APR on purchases. It gives you flexibility if you need to make a larger purchase and pay it off over time without interest.

Disadvantages

While the Discover it Student Cash Back card offers many benefits, consider these potential drawbacks:

  • Activation for 5% Rewards: You must activate bonus categories quarterly to earn 5% cash back; otherwise, it’s 1%.
  • Quarterly Spending Cap: The 5% cash back is limited to a specific spending amount each quarter (e.g., $1,500). Purchases beyond this earn 1%.
  • Variable APR Post-Intro: After the 6-month 0% intro APR on purchases, a variable APR applies, potentially leading to interest charges.
  • Base Cashback Rate: The 1% base rate on non-bonus category spending might be lower than some flat-rate cards.
  • International Acceptance: Discover, while widely accepted in the US, may have more limited acceptance internationally compared to Visa or Mastercard.

Rates and Commissions of Discover it Student Cash Back

Understanding the rates and fees is crucial. The Discover it Student Cash Back card notably has no annual fee. For purchases, there’s a 0% introductory APR for 6 months, after which a variable APR of 17.24% to 26.24% applies.

Balance transfers have a 10.99% intro APR for 6 months (for transfers by August 10, 2025), then the standard 17.24% to 26.24% APR; an intro balance transfer fee of 3% applies (then 5%). Cash advances incur a 29.24% APR and a fee of either $10 or 5% of the advance.

Good news on penalties: there’s no late fee for your first late payment (up to $41 thereafter) and no penalty APR. A returned payment fee can be up to $30. If interest is charged, the minimum is $0.50.

Requirements and eligibility criteria

To apply for the Discover it Student Cash Back card, you generally need to meet specific criteria primarily focused on your student status and identity verification. Here’s what’s typically required:

  • Must be a College Student: A key eligibility factor is being enrolled in a 2 or 4-year college or university. Discover will consider this enrollment status when reviewing your application.
  • U.S. Resident, 18 or Older: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in the United States.
  • Personal Information: You’ll need to provide personal details such as your date of birth and street address, as required by federal law for identity verification.
  • Creditworthiness Review: While no prior credit score is required to apply, Discover will assess your creditworthiness using the information you provide and potentially your credit report.
  • Account Limitation: You can typically only have one Discover student credit card account at a time.

How to get a Discover it Student Cash Back

Applying for the Discover it Student Cash Back is straightforward. Here’s a summary:

  1. Online Application: The primary way to apply is online through the Discover website. You’ll fill out an application with personal, financial, and student enrollment information.
  2. Tips for Approval: Ensure all information is accurate. Demonstrating some income (even part-time) and having your student details ready can be beneficial. Since no credit score is required, being a currently enrolled student is key.
  3. Receiving Your Card: If approved, you typically receive your physical card by mail within 7-10 business days, though instant use might be available for some online purchases immediately after approval.
  4. If Rejected: Discover will provide a reason. You can review it, address any issues (like incorrect information), or consider reapplying later after improving any relevant factors. You can also request the credit report they use.

Conclusion

The Discover it Student Cash Back card presents a compelling package for students aiming to earn rewards and build a positive credit history. With its attractive rotating cash back categories and no annual fee, it’s designed to provide real value.

While it’s important to be mindful of activating bonus categories and the APR after the introductory period, the card’s student-focused benefits, make it an accessible and rewarding financial tool. It offers a solid foundation for managing money responsibly while enjoying perks tailored to student life.

If you’re a student looking for a card that offers robust cash back opportunities and helps you build credit, the Discover it Student Cash Back is certainly worth considering.

To apply, you can visit the official Discover website by clicking here:

APPLY TO GET MY DISCOVER IT STUDENT CASH BACK

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