Best Discover Credit Card Review: Is it Good Credit Card?

Discover is a financial services company that provides a variety of banking and payment products. It is known for its credit cards, which often offer cashback rewards and competitive benefits.

Discover also operates a direct banking platform, offering savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and other financial services. The company’s goal is to provide innovative and customer-centric financial solutions to its clients.

Discover offers a diverse range of credit cards known for their appealing cashback rewards, often featuring no annual fees and introductory 0% APR offers. Cardholders benefit from free FICO credit score tracking, robust security measures, and high-quality customer service.

Discover also caters to students and individuals seeking to build or rebuild their credit. With wide acceptance and numerous partnerships, Discover provides a solid option for various financial needs.

How to Choose the Best Discover Credit Card?

Discover credit cards can be a good choice, depending on your financial needs and spending habits. To choose the best Discover credit card, consider factors such as your credit score, preferred rewards (cashback, travel, or student benefits), and any specific features like 0% APR introductory periods or no annual fees.

Card NameDiscover it® Cash BackDiscover it® Student Cash BackDiscover it® MilesDiscover it® Student ChromeDiscover it® Secured Credit Card
Rewards ProgramCashback on PurchasesCashback on PurchasesTravel MilesCashback on Gas and DiningCashback on Purchases
Cashback MatchYes, doubles your rewardsNoNoNoNo
Introductory APR0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 14 months, then variable APR applies0% on purchases for the first 6 months, then variable APR applies0% on purchases for the first 14 months, then variable APR applies0% on purchases for the first 6 months, then variable APR applies10.99% for 6 months, then variable APR applies
Annual Fee$0$0$0$0$0
Credit Score RequiredGood to ExcellentFair to GoodGood to ExcellentFair to GoodLimited or No Credit History
Student-FocusedNoYesNoYesNo
Miles Redemption OptionsNot applicableNot applicableMiles can be used for travel or statement creditsNot applicableNot applicable
Special CategoriesRotating quarterly categories for enhanced cashbackRotating quarterly categories for enhanced cashbackEarn 1.5x miles for every dollar spent on all purchases2% cashback on gas and dining at restaurantsNot applicable
Security Deposit (if applicable)Not applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicableRequired

Discover it® Cash Back

Discover it® Cash Back is a credit card by Discover Financial Services known for its cashback rewards program. Cardholders can earn cashback on various purchases, with bonus categories that change quarterly.

One unique feature is the Cashback Match, where Discover doubles the cashback earned in the first year. It typically offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 14 months, and there’s no annual fee.

Cardholders also benefit from free FICO credit score tracking and a range of redemption options.

  • Best Feature: Cash back on everyday purchases.
  • Rotating bonus categories for 5% cash back.
  • No annual fee and a long 0% introductory APR.
  • Double cash back for the first year.
  • No foreign transaction fee.
  • Freeze your account if your card is lost or stolen.
  • Free monthly FICO credit score access.

Discover it® Student Cash Back

The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a credit card crafted for students. It offers cashback rewards on purchases, with a unique Cashback Match feature that doubles the rewards in the first year.

Additionally, it usually features a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first six months, making it suitable for students. There’s no annual fee, and Discover provides free FICO credit score tracking, educational resources, and various redemption options.

  • Best Feature: Student rewards.
  • 5% cash back in rotating categories.
  • Dollar-for-dollar match on all points earned in the first year.
  • Redeem cash back rewards for a statement credit.
  • No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

Discover it® Miles

Discover it® Miles is a travel rewards credit card from Discover. It allows cardholders to earn miles on every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for travel expenses like flights and hotels.

The card usually comes with no annual fee and offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 14 months. Cardholders also enjoy free FICO credit score tracking and security features like the $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee.

  • Best Feature: Travel rewards.
  • All miles earned in the first year are matched by Discover.
  • Earn 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases.
  • Miles do not expire and can be redeemed as a statement credit.
  • No foreign transaction fees and no annual fee.

Discover it® Student Chrome

The Discover it® Student Chrome is a credit card tailored for students, featuring cashback rewards geared toward student spending habits, particularly on gas and dining.

It offers a unique Cashback Match feature, doubling all rewards earned in the first year for new cardholders. The card often includes a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the initial six months and doesn’t come with an annual fee.

It provides valuable credit education resources, robust security features, free FICO credit score tracking, and versatile cashback redemption options.

  • Best Feature: Rewards for students.
  • 2% cash back on combined gas and restaurant purchases each quarter.
  • Dollar-for-dollar match on all cash back earned in the first year.
  • No annual fee.
  • Ideal for students who spend consistently in certain categories.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is designed for individuals seeking to establish or rebuild their credit. It requires a refundable security deposit, which becomes the credit limit, making it accessible to those with limited or damaged credit.

The card offers cashback rewards on purchases, coupled with the Cashback Match feature that doubles rewards in the first year.

It typically includes a 10.99% introductory APR for balance transfers during the first six months, no annual fee, credit education resources, and security features such as the $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee.

  • Best Feature: Secured purchases.
  • 2% cash back on gas and restaurant purchases (up to $1,000 per quarter).
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Dollar-for-dollar match on all cash back earned in the first year.
  • Opportunity to build or rebuild credit.
  • No annual fee and refundable security deposit.

How Discover Card Rewards Work?

Discover card rewards are a straightforward and beneficial way to get something back from your purchases. When you use your Discover credit card, you earn cashback rewards, which can be redeemed through the Discover website or app in various ways.

These include getting your cashback as actual cash or as a statement credit to lower your card’s balance. You can also use your rewards for travel credits, get gift cards, make charitable donations, or use them for direct payments on Amazon.com.

The amount of cashback you earn depends on the type of purchase and usually ranges from 1% to 5%. There are often special categories that change every few months where you can earn more cashback, like at grocery stores or gas stations. To take full advantage of these bonus categories, you typically need to activate them each quarter.

Discover has an exciting feature called Cashback Match. In your first year as a new cardholder, Discover matches all the cashback you’ve earned. It’s like getting double the rewards for your first year, which is quite a bonus, especially if you plan to make substantial purchases during that time.

When you decide to redeem your rewards, the value may vary based on what you choose. If you opt for gift cards or e-certificates from Discover’s partners, you can start redeeming them with as little as $5.

Other options, such as making charitable donations, getting account credits, depositing money electronically, or making purchases on Amazon.com, can be redeemed for even small amounts, starting from just a penny.

The great thing about Discover’s cashback rewards is that they don’t expire, even if you close your account or don’t use it for a while. You have the flexibility to redeem your rewards whenever and for whatever amount suits you best. It’s a rewarding system designed to give you more value for your spending.

How to Apply Discover Credit Card?

  • Explore Discover’s credit card offerings on their official website.
  • Select the specific Discover credit card that best suits your needs and preferences.
  • Ensure you meet the card’s eligibility requirements, which typically include a good credit score.
  • Complete the online application form with your personal and financial details.
  • Carefully review your application for accuracy and submit it.
  • Discover will review your application and may request additional information if needed.
  • You will receive a decision via email or regular mail, typically within a few weeks.
  • Once approved, follow the instructions provided to activate your Discover credit card.
  • After activation, you can begin using your Discover card for purchases and payments.

Other Credit Cards

Discover Credit Card FAQs

Is Discover card in India?

Discover cards were not widely available in India. Discover is primarily a U.S.-based financial services company, and its cards are typically issued and accepted primarily in the United States. However, acceptance and availability can change over time, so it’s recommended to check with financial institutions in India or Discover’s official website.

Is Discover card a good credit card?

Discover offers a range of credit cards with various features, including cashback rewards, low or no annual fees, and strong customer service. Whether a Discover card is good for you depends on your financial needs and spending habits. Many users find Discover cards appealing due to their rewards programs and customer-centric approach, but it’s essential to assess if the card aligns with your specific requirements.

What type of credit card is Discover?

Discover issues several types of credit cards, including cashback cards, travel rewards cards, and student cards. The specific type of Discover card depends on the benefits and features it offers. Discover is known for its cashback rewards cards, such as the Discover it® Cash Back, but it provides a variety of options to cater to different financial needs.

What company owns Discover card?

Discover Financial Services is the company that owns and operates Discover card. Discover Financial Services is a direct banking and payment services company headquartered in the United States.

Why is Discover card so popular?

Discover’s popularity is partly attributed to its innovative cashback rewards programs, competitive benefits, and customer-friendly policies. The Cashback Match feature, strong customer service, and absence of certain fees, such as foreign transaction fees, have contributed to its appeal among consumers.

Is Discover card better than Visa?

Whether Discover is better than Visa depends on individual preferences and needs. Visa is a global payment network, while Discover is primarily focused on the U.S. market. Visa cards are widely accepted worldwide, whereas Discover’s acceptance may be more limited. The choice between the two depends on factors like where you plan to use the card and the specific features and benefits offered.

Does Amazon accept Discover card?

Yes, Amazon generally accepts Discover cards for purchases. Discover cards are widely accepted by many online retailers, including Amazon. However, it’s a good practice to verify acceptance with the specific merchant at the time of purchase.

Can I use my Discover card internationally?

Discover cards can be used internationally, but acceptance may vary by country and merchant. Discover cards typically do not charge foreign transaction fees, making them a good choice for international use. Before traveling, it’s advisable to inform Discover of your travel plans and check the card’s acceptance in your destination.

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