Discover It Student Credit Card Review

College is already expensive—your first credit card doesn’t have to be. The Discover It Student Credit Card gives you a way to start building credit while earning rewards on everyday purchases. In this guide, I’ll walk you through its standout perks, potential downsides, real user feedback, and all the answers you’re probably searching for—so you can decide if it’s the right move for your wallet.

Why Students Choose The Discover It Student Credit Card

Students often gravitate toward the Discover It Student Credit Card because it combines simplicity with real benefits. The card is built to reward responsible use while keeping costs low. Whether you’re buying textbooks or late-night pizza, this card has you covered.

No Annual Fee

One of the biggest draws for students is that there’s no annual fee—ever. This means you can focus on using the card responsibly without worrying about extra costs.

Cashback Rewards

Students earn 5% cashback on rotating categories each quarter (like Amazon, grocery stores, and gas stations) up to a quarterly maximum after activation. Plus, you earn unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases.

Cashback Match In The First Year

Discover automatically matches all the cashback you earn at the end of your first year. So if you earn $100, they’ll double it to $200—automatically. This can be a nice boost for students trying to stretch every dollar.

Free Credit Monitoring

You’ll get free access to your FICO® Credit Score, which helps you track your credit-building journey. It’s a great tool for anyone starting out.

Good Grades Reward

Earn a $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher, for up to five years. That’s money back for doing well in class.

Freeze It® Feature

If you misplace your card, you can instantly freeze it via the mobile app to prevent unauthorized purchases.

U.S.-Based Customer Service

Students can reach support 24/7 with reps based in the United States, making it easier to get help when needed.

Requirements For Getting Approved

Before applying, it’s good to know what’s needed. While requirements are relatively relaxed, students still need to meet basic criteria to qualify.

Minimum Credit History

The card is geared toward people with limited or no credit history. If you’ve never had a credit card before, that’s okay—this one is built with you in mind.

Age And Income

You must be at least 18 years old. If you’re under 21, you’ll need to prove you have your own income or access to income sources to repay the debt.

Student Verification

While not always strictly enforced, it helps if you can provide proof of enrollment, such as a student ID or course schedule.

Discover It Student Credit Card Reviews From 3 Platforms

Many users share their experiences online, giving potential applicants real insights into how the card works in practice. Let’s look at how it fares on three popular platforms.

Reddit:

Reddit users often appreciate how beginner-friendly the Discover It Student card is. Many students say it’s their first credit card, praising the automatic cashback match and no annual fee. Others mention how useful the app is for managing their balance. However, a few users report credit limit increases are slow unless requested.

NerdWallet:

Reviews here typically highlight how well the card helps students build credit. People appreciate the good grades reward and the ability to track FICO scores. Most reviewers say the cashback program is generous for a student card, although some wish the rotating categories were more consistent. Customer service also gets a positive mention.

WalletHub:

Students on this platform love the simplicity of the application process and Discover’s proactive communication. Several reviews mention using the card abroad with minimal issues. Cashback tracking is described as seamless. However, a few students caution about high APR rates if balances aren’t paid in full each month.

How Does It Compare To Other Student Credit Cards?

You might be wondering how this card stacks up against its competitors. Let’s take a look.

Discover It Vs. Capital One SavorOne Student

The Discover It offers higher cashback for rotating categories, while the SavorOne offers unlimited 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, and groceries. If your spending aligns with rotating categories, Discover might offer better value.

Discover It Vs. Chase Freedom Student

While the Chase Freedom Student offers a flat 1% cashback and potential for credit limit increases, it lacks the rotating 5% categories and first-year cashback match. Discover’s rewards system tends to be more generous overall.

What Are The Drawbacks?

No card is perfect. Let’s explore where the Discover It Student Credit Card might fall short.

Rotating Categories Require Activation

You have to activate the 5% cashback categories each quarter. Forgetting to activate means you’ll only earn 1%.

High APR For Carrying Balances

If you don’t pay off your balance in full each month, the interest charges can add up quickly. As of now, APRs range from 18.24% to 27.24% variable.

Limited International Acceptance

While Discover is accepted in many countries, it doesn’t have the global reach of Visa or Mastercard. Students studying abroad may find it less useful.

Tips To Make The Most Of This Card

Want to maximize your rewards and build credit faster? Here’s how.

Pay Your Balance In Full

This helps you avoid interest and build a strong credit score.

Activate Categories Promptly

Mark your calendar to activate rotating categories each quarter.

Use It For Everyday Purchases

Buy groceries, school supplies, or even pay your phone bill to rack up cashback.

Monitor Your Credit Score

Stay on top of your score so you can spot issues early and watch your progress.

FAQ About Discover It Student Credit Card

Does The Discover It Student Credit Card Have An Annual Fee?

No, there’s no annual fee for this card, which makes it ideal for students on a budget.

How Much Cashback Can I Earn With This Card?

You can earn 5% on rotating categories up to a quarterly max (after activation) and 1% on everything else.

Can I Apply If I Have No Credit History?

Yes, the card is specifically designed for students with little or no credit history.

What Credit Score Do I Need For Approval?

You don’t need a high credit score. Even those with limited credit history can qualify.

Is There A Foreign Transaction Fee?

No, Discover does not charge foreign transaction fees.

How Do I Activate The Rotating Categories?

You can activate them easily online or through the Discover mobile app.

What Happens If I Miss A Payment?

Your first late payment fee may be waived, but after that, a fee applies. It can also impact your credit.

Can I Use This Card Abroad?

Yes, but Discover isn’t accepted everywhere internationally. It’s better for use in the U.S.

Will This Card Help Me Build Credit?

Yes, using the card responsibly can help you build a solid credit history.

How Long Does Approval Take?

You can get a decision within minutes, though some applications may take longer.

What’s The Cashback Match?

At the end of your first year, Discover matches all the cashback you’ve earned—automatically.

Can I Add An Authorized User?

Yes, but keep in mind that their spending affects your account.

What Is The Freeze It® Feature?

It lets you freeze your account via the app if your card is lost or stolen.

How Do I Redeem My Cashback?

You can redeem for statement credit, gift cards, or even PayPal purchases.

Does Discover Report To Credit Bureaus?

Yes, they report to all three major credit bureaus.

Is There A Sign-Up Bonus?

There’s no traditional sign-up bonus, but the cashback match in year one is a strong incentive.

Are There Penalty APRs?

Discover does not apply a penalty APR for late payments, but late fees still apply.

How Can I Increase My Credit Limit?

Discover may increase your limit automatically after months of responsible use, or you can request one.

What Mobile App Features Are Available?

The app allows you to monitor spending, freeze your card, and redeem cashback.

What Is The Intro APR?

You get 0% APR on purchases for 6 months. After that, a variable APR applies.

Can I Pay My Tuition With This Card?

If your school accepts credit cards, yes. But watch out for transaction fees.

What Is The Good Grades Reward?

You get a $20 statement credit annually for maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

What Happens After I Graduate?

You may be eligible for a product upgrade to a regular Discover card.

Can I Link This Card To Mobile Wallets?

Yes, it works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Can I Use This Card To Build A Payment History?

Absolutely. Just pay on time and keep your balances low.

How Secure Is The Card?

It includes zero liability fraud protection and real-time alerts for unusual activity.

Does Discover Offer Student Support?

Yes, their customer service is U.S.-based and available 24/7.

Is There A Limit To Cashback Matching?

No, there’s no cap. Whatever you earn in the first year will be matched.

Can I Get A Replacement Card Quickly?

Yes, Discover offers expedited delivery if your card is lost or stolen.

Will Using This Card Help Me In The Future?

Yes, building good credit now sets you up for better financial opportunities later.

Is There A Minimum To Redeem Cashback?

No, you can redeem any amount of cashback at any time.

Can International Students Apply?

Most international students will need a U.S. Social Security number and income proof to apply.

Can I Use It For Subscriptions Like Netflix?

Yes, it works for recurring subscriptions and can earn cashback.

Is The Discover It Student Credit Card A Good First Card?

Yes, it’s widely considered one of the best starter cards for students.

Conclusion

The Discover It Student Credit Card delivers a lot of value for students who want to build credit while earning rewards. Between cashback, no annual fees, and credit education tools, it’s hard to find a better entry-level card tailored to college life. If you’re ready to take control of your finances while in school, this card is definitely worth considering.