Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card: A Comprehensive Review

The Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card is tailored for college students looking to build their credit history while earning cash back on their purchases. With features designed to reward students for everyday spending, coupled with a variety of benefits and no annual fee, this card offers a compelling option for young adults managing their finances. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the key features, benefits, potential drawbacks, and overall value of the Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your financial needs.

What is the Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card?

The Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card is a cash-back rewards card specifically designed for students. It features a rotating 5% cash-back program on select categories each quarter, a solid sign-up bonus, and a variety of perks that can help students start building their credit responsibly. With no annual fee and additional benefits, this card is an attractive option for college students looking to earn rewards while managing their spending.

Key Features of the Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card

The Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card comes with several features that make it a standout choice for students:

• 5% Cash Back on Rotating Categories: Cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating categories each quarter, when activated. Popular categories often include groceries, gas, restaurants, and online shopping. The categories change every three months, providing new opportunities to maximize your rewards.
• 1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases: For purchases outside of the rotating categories, the card offers 1% cash back. This ensures that you continue to earn rewards on every dollar spent, even if it’s not in a bonus category.
• Dollar-for-Dollar Match of Cash Back Earned: Discover offers a unique benefit with its dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back earned during your first year as a cardholder. For example, if you earn $200 in cash back during your first year, Discover will match that amount, giving you an additional $200 in cash back.
• No Annual Fee: The Discover it® Student Cash Back card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for students. You can enjoy the benefits of the card without worrying about ongoing costs.
• 0% Introductory APR: The card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 6 months from account opening. This feature can help you manage expenses or consolidate existing credit card debt without incurring interest. After the introductory period, a variable APR applies.
• Flexible Redemption Options: Cash back earned with the Discover it® Student Cash Back card can be redeemed in various ways, including as a statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, or for purchases at Amazon.com. This flexibility allows you to use your rewards in a way that suits your needs.
• Discover Deals: The card provides access to Discover Deals, offering additional cash-back opportunities at participating retailers. This feature helps you earn extra rewards on everyday purchases.
• Fraud Protection and Alerts: Discover provides zero liability for unauthorized charges, ensuring you won’t be responsible for fraudulent transactions made with your card. Real-time alerts help keep your account secure by notifying you of suspicious activity.
• Free Credit Score Monitoring: Cardholders have access to their FICO® Credit Score for free, allowing you to track your credit health and progress over time.