WalletHub Rating
3.9/5
The Discover it® Cash Back is a good credit card that's worth it for people with a credit score of 700+ who want a $0 annual fee and a high rewards rate. Discover it® Cash Back offers 5% cash back on purchases in rotating bonus categories up to a quarterly maximum, and Discover will match the rewards you earn the first year as a new cardmember. The 5% bonus categories change quarterly and require activation, though.
WalletHub Rating Breakdown
User Reviews
3.8/5
1,675 reviewsRead and write reviews
Editor’s Review
3.9/5
John Kiernan, Credit Card EditorRead full review
Market Comparison
Market Comparison
3.9
The Market Comparison is a key component of the WalletHub Rating, as it measures how appealing the terms of a card are compared to a pool of over 1,500 credit card offers monitored by WalletHub. To ensure cards are evaluated for their most relevant purpose, we score each card across various cardholder needs and select the rating for the need with the highest score, which is “Finance New Purchases” for this card.
Fees
5.0
Rewards
3.3
Cost
3.7
APR
3.9
3.9/5
Compared against 1,500+ credit cards
KEY TERMS
Accepted Credit Scores
Accepted Credit Scores
Excellent Credit, Good Credit
Discover it Cash Back Annual Fee
$0
Discover it Cash Back APR on Purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR after that
Discover it Cash Back Balance Transfer
0% intro APR for 15 months, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR after that
Balance Transfer Fee
Discover it Cash Back Rewards
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
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.
Discover it Cash Back's Additional Info
Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
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.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
No annual fee.
Terms and conditions apply.
show more
Apply Now
at Discover®'s secure site
Editor's ReviewFact checked
Fact checked
![Discover it Cash Back Card Reviews [2024] - 5% Back & Low Fees (1)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.wallethub.com/common/profile/images/150/John-avatar_180413301077i.jpg "Discover it Cash Back Card Reviews [2024] - 5% Back & Low Fees (1)"){kind=avatar}
John Kiernan, Managing Editor
September 12th, 2024
Fact Checked by Alina Comoreanu
Senior Researcher
Discover it Cash Back Pros & Cons
Rewards earned in the first year get doubled
Up to 5% cash back
No annual fee
Low intro rates
Potential for a very high regular APR
Bonus reward categories rotate, require quarterly signup and limit earnings
Balance transfer fee
Discover it Cash Back Review
3.9 / 5
The Discover it® Cash Back is a good credit card that's worth it for people with a credit score of 700+ who want a $0 annual fee and a high rewards rate. Discover it® Cash Back offers 5% cash back on purchases in rotating bonus categories up to a quarterly maximum, and Discover will match the rewards you earn the first year as a new cardmember. The 5% bonus categories change quarterly and require activation, though.
The cardhas more than cash back going for it, too. Other Discover it® Cash Back benefits include 0% intro rates on new purchases and balance transfers that last much longer than the market average (followed by a standard regular APR of 18.24% - 28.24% Variable). Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, and you won't owe a late fee the first time you miss a due date.
If you’re still undecided about applying forDiscover it® Cash Back, we’ll summarize it's biggest strengths and weaknesses below.
Discover it® Cash Back Review Highlights
1. Bonus categories you have to activate quarterly
The Discover it® Cash Back credit card gives you 5% back on the first $1,500 you spend in designated purchase categories (like, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more) each quarter. That means you can earn as much as $300 from this 5% rate each year. But it’s easier said than done.
You have to sign up for the new bonus categories each quarter. Plus, there’s no guarantee the things you spend the most money on will qualify. And you will earn 1% cash back on purchases that don’t qualify, which is roughly the market average for a rewards card.
2. First-year-rewards match is a great feature
The Discover it® Cash Back will double your first-year earnings as a new cardmember. That’s a great deal, worth an extra $525 to the average person, according to our calculations. But it’s not unique, as all of Discover’s rewards cards currently have this promotion.
3. 0% Intro APR for 15 months
For context, the average 0% intro rate lasts about 11 months for new purchases and 13 months for balance transfers, according to WalletHub’s latest Credit Card Landscape Report.The Discover it Cash Back card’sregular APR is 18.24% - 28.24% Variable.
4. Low fees
With no annual fee, Discover it® Cash Back is roughly $22.22 per year cheaper than the average credit card offer. That’s crucial if you don’t plan to use your card every day. But if you do, paying a fee for better rewards can make sense. The 0% foreign fee on Discover it® Cash Back will also save you about 1.57% on international purchases, compared to the average credit card offer.
5. Good credit required
Not just anyone can get this card. But everyone can check their latest credit score for free on WalletHub to gauge their approval odds. This will also help you narrow down your other options.
Finally, it’s worth pointing out that Discover it® Cash Back is one of several Discover it credit cards available right now. It’s not even the only offer with cash back rewards. So, you have options.And you can find more information to help you make up your mind below.
Learn More About Discover it® Cash Back
1. Discover it Cash Back minimum credit score
The minimum credit score we recommend for having good odds of being approved for the Discover it Cash Back card is 700. Applicants generally need a good credit score at a minimum, in other words.
2. Discover it Cash Back fees
The Discover it Cash Back card has a $0 annual fee and a 0% foreign transaction fee. There is no fee for your first late payment, either. However, that does not mean Discover it Cash Back is fee-free. It charges a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*, for example, along with a max late fee of $41 anda cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
3. Discover it Cash Back grace period
The Discover it Cash Back grace period is at least 23 days, running from the end of an account’s billing period to the due date. Cardholders who always pay in full by the due date do not incur any interest charges during this period.
Show More
Compare The Discover it Cash Back vs. Popular Alternatives
![Discover it Cash Back Card Reviews [2024] - 5% Back & Low Fees (2)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.wallethub.com/common/product/images/creditcards/500/discover-it-credit-card-2227801c.png "Discover it Cash Back Card Reviews [2024] - 5% Back & Low Fees (2)") Discover it® Cash Back | ![Discover it Cash Back Card Reviews [2024] - 5% Back & Low Fees (3)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.wallethub.com/common/product/images/creditcards/500/chase-freedom-unlimited-10082293c.png "Discover it Cash Back Card Reviews [2024] - 5% Back & Low Fees (3)") Chase Freedom Unlimited® | ![Discover it Cash Back Card Reviews [2024] - 5% Back & Low Fees (4)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.wallethub.com/common/product/images/creditcards/500/capital-one-savorone-credit-card-14463067c.png "Discover it Cash Back Card Reviews [2024] - 5% Back & Low Fees (4)") Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
3.9WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 3.9 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Finance New Purchases." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 3.9 User Reviews 3.8 Market Comparison 3.9 fees: 5.0 rewards: 3.3 cost: 3.7 APR: 3.9 | 4.1WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 4.1 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 5.0 User Reviews 3.6 Market Comparison 4.0 fees: 3.8 rewards: 3.4 cost: 4.7 Other Features: 0.0 | 4.3WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 4.3 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 4.8 User Reviews 3.6 Market Comparison 4.2 fees: 5.0 rewards: 3.9 cost: 4.5 Other Features: 0.0 |
annual fee$0 | annual fee$0 | annual fee$0 |
Purchase Intro APR0%for15 months | Purchase Intro APR0%for15 months | Purchase Intro APR0%for15 months |
transfer intro apr0% for 15 months|Transfer Fee: 3% intro balance, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* | transfer intro apr0% for 15 months|Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days (5%, min $5 after) | transfer intro apr0% for 15 months|Transfer Fee: 3% for the first 15 months, 4% at a promo APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time |
Regular APR18.24% - 28.24% Variable | Regular APR20.49% - 29.24% (V) | Regular APR19.99% - 29.99% (V) |
rewards rate | rewards rate | rewards rate |
bonus offer | bonus offer | bonus offer |
Sponsored Apply Now | Sponsored Apply Now | Sponsored Apply Now |
Discover it Cash Back FAQ
Can't find what you are looking for? Submit your question about Discover it® Cash Back to our community. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by the issuer of this offer. Please keep in mind that it is not a financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered. In addition, WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
Most Popular
22
Upvotes
Is Discover it Cash Back a good card?
Reply
Jillian Moya
@jillian_moya
Discover it® Cash Back is a good credit card for people with good credit or better that offers a high rewards rate with no annual fee. If you don't mind the hassle of bonus rewards coming in rotating categories, you'll find the Discover it® Cash Back worthwhile. It offers:
- 5% cash back for the first $1,500 spent quarterly in qualifying bonus categories when you activate
- Unlimited 1% cash back for other purchases
- First-year-rewards match for new cardmembers
- Intro purchase APR of 0% for 15 months, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR after
- Intro transfer APR of 0% for 15 months, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR after
- 0% foreign transaction fee
- $0 annual fee
If you don't mind signing up for the new bonus categories each quarter, I'd say this card is a decent choice for everyday purchases!
7
19
Upvotes
What is the starting Discover it Cash Back credit limit?
Reply
19
2
George Cook
@cook_george
The Discover it® Cash Back credit limit is at least $500 for all cardholders. It has the potential to be higher, too. Discover does not disclose a maximum credit limit, but there are reports of some cardholders receiving credit limits between $2,000 and $11,000.
As with all credit cards, an applicant will need to exceed the Discover it Cash Back card's approval requirements in order to get a credit limit above the minimum. Credit limits are based on much of...
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5
1
View more answers
23
Upvotes
What are my Discover it approval odds?
Reply
23
1
WalletHub
@WalletHub
The Discover it approval odds aren't the same for every applicant. We recommend a 700+ credit score (which means at least good credit) to qualify for most Discover it credit cards. There are, though, some Discover it credit cards that you can apply for if you have a lower credit score.
Generally, besides a certain minimum credit score, issuers require applicants to have enough income or assets to pay the bill, in light of...
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12
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21
Upvotes
What credit score do you need for the Discover it Cash Back card?
Reply
21
2
Daniel Phaneuf
@phdaniel77
The Discover it® Cash Back credit score requirement is 700+. That means applicants need at least good credit to get the card. This credit score requirement is in line with most other cards that Discover offers, as well as comparable cash back credit cards from other issuers. The higher an applicant's credit score is above 700, the more likely they are to be approved for the Discover it Cash Back credit card. But your credit score is far from the only...
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6
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23
Upvotes
Is Discover a good credit card company?
Reply
23
1
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
Discover is a good credit card company, ranking third-best in customer satisfaction and offering cards with $0 annual and foreign transaction fees. Plus, Discover rewards users with at least 1% cash back on purchases and will match new cardholders' earnings from their first year as a special anniversary gift. Most Discover cards also offer 0% introductory APRs on purchases and balance transfers (with a standard variable rate applying after that).
Reasons Discover is a...
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2
23
Upvotes
What is the minimum credit limit for Discover Card?
Reply
23
6
WalletHub
@WalletHub
Discover it credit card limits can be as low as $200 or $500, depending on the card. The available Discover it cards include offers for people with good and bad credit alike. Each has a specified minimum credit limit. So, you're guaranteed of getting at least that much spending power if approved for an account. But there's no way to determine whether you'll qualify for a higher limit prior to submitting an application. Some Discover...
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10
53
Upvotes
How does the Discover cashback bonus work?
Reply
53
10
Dominick Evans
@dominickevans
The Discover cash back bonus pays you back a certain percentage of the money you spend as a reward. The Discover cash back bonus can be redeemed either at select merchants or for cash. More specifically, there are three types of Discover cashback bonuses:
- 5% bonus rate: You earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined category spending per quarter in rotating bonus categories (which change every quarter and require activation), and 1% back on all other purchases. The Discover credit cards that offer this deal are the Discover it® Cash Back, the NHL® Discover it®, and the Discover it® Student Cash Back.
- Cash back in categories that don't...
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10
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25
Upvotes
Which is better: Discover More vs. Discover it Cash Back?
Reply
25
4
Kari Bailey
@baileyk79
Discover More vs. Discover it isn't really an issue anymore, unless you already have Discover More and are considering switching. The Discover More credit card was discontinued in 2013 and replaced with Discover it Cash Back, which has better introductory financing and a first-year bonus.
Discover More offered 12 months interest free on purchases and balance transfers, while Discover it Cash Back extends that offer by 3 months, giving 0% for 15 months. Both cards give 5%...
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4
22
Upvotes
Where do I see what Discover it Cash Back designs are available?
Reply
22
3
WalletHub
@WalletHub
You can see what Discover it® Cash Back designs are available online, either while applying for the card or, if you're already a cardholder, by logging into your account. Options for Discover it Cash Back designs depend on whether you're opening a new account or looking for a replacement card. You'll have a small number of generic designs to choose from when applying for a new account. But once your account is open, you can immediately order a replacement card bearing...
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12
5
Upvotes
Can I get cash back on my Discover credit card?
Reply
5
Dan Tomlin
@dan_tomlin
Yes, you can get cash back on your Discover credit card, in the form of statement credit. You can also deposit any amount to your bank account.
To do this, sign in to your Discover account and click on “Rewards”. Then, select “Redeem Cashback Bonus” to be redirected to the redemption page where you can see your balance.
Other ways to redeem the Cashback Bonus are:
- To pay at Amazon.com or...
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3
2024 WalletHub Awards
Discover it® Cash Back is an Editor's Pick for:
Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Best 5% Cash Back Credit Cards
Best Discover Credit Cards
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Discover it Cash Back Reviews
Share your insights and review for the Discover it® Cash Back
5
43%
4
27%
3
15%
2
6%
1
10%
3.8
1,675 reviews
1,675 reviews
What's Your Rating?
Most Recent
Anthony Chin
@fl_anthony
3 Star Rating
I like the idea of the Discover It card. There are only two credit card issuers I know off the top of my head who offer the ability to graduate from a secured to an unsecured credit card.
However, I personally have had a setback. At the time of writing, I still have not received my card. I applied in the first week of March, and the process itself was odd: They said I was approved, withdrew the deposit from my bank account a couple of days later, and then told me again that I was approved a few days later. But I digress.
When I called and spoke with an associate, she informed me that Discover had my address as CT, which was incorrect. I'm not even sure how they had CT, as my auto-fill has always had the correct address, which I've never changed and have used for other deliveries. I had to log on to my computer to ensure I wasn't going crazy.
Needless to say, we're nearing the end of March, and it still hasn't arrived. If I log-in to check the application, it just says I will receive the card in 3-9 days, which is the same as before. I can't even get a virtual card in the interim.
So, Discover isn't off to a good start with me so far. I can't even use them to give a decent enough review.
Comment
1
Julie Cain
@julie_h_cain
1 Star Rating
I was a Discover card user for almost 27 years and had one late payment during that time in 2020. I used them for a couple of personal loans that were paid in full ahead of time. I have had paperless billing for years and text alerts. However, they closed my account due to inactivity, with just one letter sent as a warning. I have tried calling to see what we can do to restore my history. I do not even care about the available credit I had. They responded, "We sent a letter, and you can apply for a new card." When asked why they didn't call or send a text or even an email, they said they were only required to send a letter. Would it not be possible to go above and beyond and alert your loyal customer by their preferred means of communication? I am beyond frustrated. I cannot believe this is how they handled the situation. Yes, I politely tried to find a resolution. To continue to be told to reapply, I want others to realize that this is the loyalty that Discover returns to its customers.
Comment
3
1
Bill Sloss
@mtsloss_wm57
Companies are out to make a profit they don’t run their business on any sentimental grounds:
Comment
Esther Leach
@04_macrame_drone
5 Star Rating
The approval process was easy. I had actually seen the Discover It Cash Rewards Card on Credit Karma, and my probability of approval was surprisingly poor. But, of course, I don't disclose all of my information on those websites. I went on Discover's website and completed the pre-approval/pre-qualification form, and was offered three different card options, and chose this card. I was approved for $10,000. I have already submitted my balance transfer request for 0% APR for 15 months. My credit score is 732.
Comment
2
1
Deborah Armstrong
@darm9433
5 Star Rating
Discover is Truly Awesome!!! Never an issue! Always great Customer Service!!! Still waiting to be unsecured, but I am patient. Honestly, they are a good company. 5 stars!!!! Rewards are great.
Comment
okeliee
@okeliee
1 Star Rating
Card is descent but I do not love it. Nothing to love about this card! But overall a solid card. I have been over the limit a few times and they did not lower my available credit.
Comment
3
Jeff
@jeffc_48
5 Star Rating
Love this card. Was approved for a student card in 1991 and have used the card for 30 years. Great rates, excellent customer service, and accepted everywhere.
Comment
2
Christina Massey
@christinam_105
5 Star Rating
Great credit card. Any wrongful charges are always taken care of. Extra 5% savings all year long. Strongly recommend any Discover card!
Comment
1
Charles
@chazz792002
5 Star Rating
Great card! Cash back feature is easy to use. Customer service is superior. Was pre approved with a very generous credit line. They track all your cash back without any complicated formulas. Just wish it was accepted more internationally. Overall, a very satisfied customer!
Comment
1
Priscilla
@priscillaw_14
5 Star Rating
They work with you
Explain everything in concise and certain terms
No gimmicks
Also, the people who answer are excellent at customer service
Comment
1
1
shaunda M Heine
@shaundam_1
5 Star Rating
Always been a good card for me and my family's needs. The card can be paid off before the due date and that has made life easier for unexpected expenses. Customer service is pleasant and helpful.
Comment
1
Review Discover it® Cash Back
Expert Thoughts on Discover it Cash Back
There is always something new to discover about credit cards, especially when you ask a panel of experts to lead the class. That is exactly what we did, too, posing the following questions about Discover it credit cards, particularly Discover it Cash Back, to a group that certainly has some insights to share.
- Do you think Discover’s policy of matching the rewards cardholders earn the first year will last?
- What type of person should consider a credit card withbonus rewards on purchases categories that rotate each quarter?
- What would you say the biggest conception people have about Discover credit cards is, and why do you think people feel that way?
Taylor Hanson
Assistant Professor, Economics and Management, College of Business, Leadership, and Ethics, Viterbo University
Read More
Diane M. Phillips
Ph.D., Professor of Marketing, Saint Joseph’s University
Read More
Srdan Zdravkovic
Ph.D., Professor of Marketing and International Business, Bryant University
Read More
Jeff S. Johnson
Ph.D., Valentine Radford/Missouri Associate Professor of Marketing, Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, Henry W. Bloch School of Management, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Read More
Somjit Barat
Associate Professor, Baccalaureate Business Program and Baccalaureate Project and Supply Chain Management Program, Pennsylvania State University, Mont Alto
Read More
Frank G. Cabano
Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Texas at El Paso - College of Business Administration
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More Experts
Discover it® Cash Back
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Irrespective of whether an institution or professional is a paid advertiser, the presence of information on WalletHub does not constitute a referral or endorsem*nt of the institution or professional by us or vice versa.
We work hard to show you up-to-date product terms, however, this information does not originate from us and thus, we do not guarantee its accuracy. Actual terms may vary. Before submitting an application, always verify all terms and conditions with the offering institution. Please let us know if you notice any differences.
* The information about the following cards has been independently collected by WalletHub: Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card and NHL® Discover it®.
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