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

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6 reviews from Intuit Credit Karma members

5

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Great for rotating cash back categories

Annual Fee: $0

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Discover it® Student Cash Back or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $4,089, with $500 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Discover it® Student Cash Back or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 669, with 748 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

42.5%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

27 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$64,755

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

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Cash back on rotating bonus categories

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First-year Cashback Match could be valuable

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Intro purchase APR offer

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Caps on bonus rewards

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Bonus categories need to be activated

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Potentially high regular APR

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.

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 and restaurants.

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 17.49% - 26.49% (rates as of December 12, 2024).

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.

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 are 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 $30.
• 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 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 Savor 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.