Discover credit cards are a great way to earn rewards and finance new purchases. Since its inception in 1986, Discover has become one of the most recognized card issuers in the US. In comparison to Discover’s largest credit card competitors, its strengths include cash rewards, and strong customer service. Discover’s credit card business hones in on its reward programs and merchant acceptance to stay competitive. If you’re looking for a lengthy 0% APR intro period or worthwhile cash back rewards, it might be worth considering a Discover credit card. Check out the best Discover credit card offers below: [This article was first published on The Simple Dollar in 2020. It was updated in July 2022.] Why you’ll love it: Who doesn’t appreciate 18 months of no interest for balance transfers? The Discover it® Balance Transfer card offers a temporary solution to accumulating credit card debt, in addition to a substantial rewards program. Things to consider:
3% intro balance transfer fee Up to 5% fee on future balance transfersCaps on rotating bonus rewards per quarter
Pro tip: The Discover it Balance Transfer card matches all the cashback you earn at the end of your first year, plus a 1% rate on everything else. How to use it: With the Discover it® Cash Back, you can earn up to 5% cashback each quarter at various places, including grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, select rideshares and online shopping, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases. Why you’ll love it: The Discover it® Cash Back will automatically give a dollar-for-dollar match on all cashback rewards at the end of your first year, and there’s no spending requirement. If you’re looking for a straightforward return on your spending, the Discover it® Cash Back card could be a perfect match. Things to consider:
Limit on how much you can earnRotating bonus categories require activationDiscover isn’t as widely accepted as cards in the Visa or Mastercard network
Pro tip: With Discover it® Cash Back, your cashback never expires. Redeem your rewards in any amount at any time. How to use it: With the Discover it® Student Cash Back, take advantage of the cashback at different places each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, select rideshares and online shopping, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Discover’s spending tool lets you see where your money is going and improve your spending habits. Earn 5% cashback in quarterly rotating categories after activation, up to the quarterly maximum, and 1% cashback on everything else – automatically. Why you’ll love it: After using the Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card for a year, cardholders get dollar-for-dollar matching on all cash back earned at the end of the first year. Things to consider:
Activation required each quarter to earn bonus rewardsLacks additional features like an extended warranty or purchase protection featuresSpending may not align with quarterly categories
How to use it: At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned automatically. For example, 35,000 miles turns into 70,000 miles. The more you earn, the more Discover will match it. Why you’ll love it: You can redeem miles for cash, travel or statement credit with the Discover it Miles card. With a flat rewards rate great for everyday purchases alongside trip expenses, this card provides value beyond a typical travel rewards card. Things to consider:
Discover isn’t used as widely as Visa or MastercardUsers have to wait an entire year for bonus milesOther cards offer a higher rewards rate
Pro tip: Discover doesn’t have any specific travel partners, meaning no blackout dates and the ability to earn credits from any airline, hotel or rental car agency. How to use it: Use this card to dine out with classmates or fill up your gas tank (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter). Cardholders earn 2% cashback at restaurants and gas stations, up to $1,000 in transactions each quarter. All other purchases earn unlimited 1% cashback. Why you’ll love it: After the end of the first year of using the Discover it® Student Chrome, cardholders get all cashback matched, with no limit to how much you earn. Things to consider:
High APR after the intro periodHigh APR for balance transfersNo fee if your payment is late the first time, up to $40 fee after that
Pro tip: No FICO history is required to apply to the Discover it® Student Chrome, making it a perfect option for students wanting to build their credit. How to use it: Discover it® Secured card offers the same reward features like the Discover it® Chrome card, but you have to put down a security deposit as collateral for the credit card account. The minimum cardholders can deposit is $200, up to $2,500. The deposit is refundable, following six consecutive on-time payments, and provided the account was in good standing for six months prior to review. Why you’ll love it: The Discover it® Secured card puts money back in your pocket while you’re trying to build your credit. This card offers a lot – a refundable deposit and late fee forgiveness on your first late payment and impressive cashback rewards in popular spending categories. Things to consider:
Security deposit requiredLow $2,500 maximum credit limitCashback rewards are capped each quarter
Pro tip: Starting at eight months after the account opening, Discover reviews the account to determine if the security deposit can be refunded to the customer, and they graduate to an unsecured line of credit. It’s worth noting that Discover credit cards aren’t as widely accepted as some of their leading competitors, however. Similar to American Express, Discover cards run on their own payment processing network, different from Visa and Mastercard, accepted by most vendors. You must activate your bonus cash back each quarter by enrolling online, through the mobile app or by calling 1-800-347-3085. You’ll have access to detailed information about eligible purchases and cashback limits when you activate. You can qualify for the Discover it® Secured Card with a credit score below 640. And college students don’t need a credit score, or credit experience, to get one of Discover’s two student credit cards, Discover it® Chrome for Students and Discover it® Student Cash Back. However, you do need good or excellent credit for all the other offers, including Discover it® Miles and Discover it® Cash Back, two of the most popular options. These rewards will add to your Cashback Bonus account within two billing periods.
