Discover It Student Cash Back Card: Smart Rewards For College Students

Ready to turn everyday spending into real rewards while building your credit? The Discover it student cash back card is here to make that happen. Whether you’re grabbing coffee, buying books, or filling up your gas tank, this card helps students earn and learn financially. In this post, you’ll discover its benefits, how it compares, real user reviews, and answers to common questions.

Discover It Student Chrome Card Review

Table of Contents

What Is The Discover It Student Cash Back Card?

The Discover it student cash back card is tailored for college students with little to no credit history. It offers 5% cash back on rotating categories like grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants (up to the quarterly max after activation), plus 1% on all other purchases. Best of all, it has no annual fee and includes a unique cash back match at the end of the first year.

How Does The Cash Back Match Work?

When you use the Discover it student cash back card, you’ll earn rewards throughout the year. At the end of your first 12 months, Discover will match all the cash back you earned. For example, if you earned $50 in cash back, they’ll match it and give you $50 more.

Discover It Student Cash Back Benefits

This card is packed with perks that make spending as a student feel a little more rewarding.

Earn 5% Cash Back In Rotating Categories

Every quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in categories that change—like gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, or even Amazon.com. All you have to do is activate the offer each quarter. It’s a smart way to earn more on things you’re probably buying anyway.

1% Unlimited Cash Back On Everything Else

Outside the rotating categories, you’ll still earn 1% cash back on all your other purchases. Whether you’re buying books, paying for a streaming service, or grabbing a late-night snack, that 1% adds up over time.

Cashback Match In The First Year

This is where it gets exciting—Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. If you earned $150 in cash back, they’ll double it to $300. There’s no cap and no complicated rules—just straight-up doubling.

No Annual Fee—Ever

There’s no annual fee to worry about. So, even if you’re just starting to build your credit or don’t spend a ton, you won’t feel pressured to “make the card worth it.” You get the benefits without the cost.

Designed For Students With Limited Credit History

You don’t need a long credit history to apply. The card was made with students in mind, so even if you’re new to credit, you’ve got a good shot at being approved. It’s a solid stepping stone into responsible credit use.

Free Credit Score Updates (FICO Score)

Each month, you get to see your FICO credit score for free right from your account. It’s a great way to monitor your progress and stay on top of your credit-building journey while you’re in school.

Good Grades Reward

If you maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you can earn a $20 statement credit each school year for up to five years. It’s like a high-five from your credit card company for doing well in class.

No Penalty APR For First Late Payment

Slip-ups happen. If you miss your first payment, Discover won’t raise your APR as a penalty. Of course, it’s still best to pay on time, but this gives you some breathing room if life gets chaotic.

Flexible Redemption Options

You can redeem your cash back in several ways: as a statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, or even at checkout on Amazon. There’s no minimum to redeem, which makes using your rewards super easy.

U.S.-Based Customer Service—24/7

If you ever need help, Discover’s customer service reps are all based in the U.S. and available anytime. That can be a real lifesaver if you’re dealing with a billing issue or have a question late at night.

Who Should Get The Discover It Student Cash Back Card?

If you’re a college student in the U.S. and want to start building your credit responsibly while getting cash back, this card is a perfect entry point.

For Students With No Credit History

This card is designed to accept applicants without a credit score. Discover understands students are just starting out.

For Budget-Conscious Students

No annual fee, no over-the-limit fees, and cash back on purchases you’d make anyway make this card a win for students who need to stretch every dollar.

Discover It Student Cash Back Card Reviews

Let’s take a look at what real users are saying about the Discover it student cash back card on Reddit, Trustpilot, and NerdWallet.

Reddit Reviews

On Reddit, many college students praise the card for being their first-ever credit card. They love the rotating 5% cash back categories and how easy it is to use. One user mentioned they received a decent credit limit increase within six months and found the mobile app very intuitive. Another shared that Discover’s customer service was helpful and understanding during a billing issue, which made a lasting positive impression.

Trustpilot Reviews

Trustpilot users generally give Discover high ratings, noting that the student card offers generous rewards and beginner-friendly policies. One reviewer highlighted how Discover approved them with no credit history, while another appreciated the FICO score monitoring feature. However, a few users mentioned that the rotating categories require activation, which they sometimes forget to do. Still, most feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

NerdWallet Reviews

On NerdWallet, experts and user reviews alike praise the Discover it student cash back card for its unmatched first-year cash back match and low fees. Users said it was a solid choice for students and even better than many entry-level cards for non-students. The mobile tools, educational resources, and ability to upgrade to a non-student version later also earned favorable mentions.

How To Maximize Your Discover It Student Cash Back Rewards

Before diving into the FAQ, it’s important to understand how to make the most of your rewards.

Activate Quarterly Categories

Don’t miss out on 5% cash back. Be sure to activate each quarter’s bonus categories through your account.

Set Up Automatic Payments

Avoid late fees and interest by setting up automatic payments. You’ll keep your credit score healthy, too.

Monitor Spending With The App

Discover’s app is one of the best in the industry. Use it to track your budget and spending trends.

Pair With Student Discounts

Double-dip on savings by using the card where student discounts are already available, like streaming services or public transport.

FAQs About The Discover It Student Cash Back Card

Here are answers to 40 common questions people ask about the Discover it student cash back card.

How Do You Qualify For A Discover It Student Card?

You need to be a U.S. college student with basic income or allowance, and no prior credit history is required.

Does The Discover It Student Card Require A Cosigner?

No, you don’t need a cosigner. Discover considers students’ financial situations and usually approves applicants independently.

Can International Students Apply For The Discover It Student Card?

International students may qualify with a U.S. Social Security number or ITIN and proof of student status.

Is There An Annual Fee?

No, the Discover it student cash back card comes with no annual fee.

What Is The Interest Rate On The Card?

The APR typically ranges from 18.24% to 27.24% variable, depending on your creditworthiness.

What Credit Score Is Needed To Apply?

There is no minimum credit score required since this card is built for students new to credit.

How Do I Activate The 5% Categories?

How Long Does Approval Take?

Approval is often instant, but sometimes it can take up to 7–10 business days.

Can I Use This Card Abroad?

Yes, the Discover it student card has no foreign transaction fees and is accepted globally where Discover is recognized.

What Happens After I Graduate?

Your account can be transitioned to a standard Discover cash back card with the same benefits.

Is There A Mobile App?

Yes, Discover offers a highly-rated app to manage your account, pay bills, freeze your card, and more.

Can I Upgrade My Card Later?

Yes, once you’re no longer a student, you can upgrade to a non-student Discover cash back version.

What Happens If I Miss A Payment?

Your first late payment won’t trigger a late fee. However, future ones might.

Do I Earn Rewards On Every Purchase?

Yes, you earn 1% cash back on all purchases and 5% on rotating categories after activation.

Can I Use My Rewards For Amazon?

Yes, you can use your cash back directly on Amazon purchases at checkout.

Are There Balance Transfer Options?

Yes, but balance transfers may include fees and a different APR. Check your offer details.

Does Discover Offer Customer Support?

Yes, 24/7 U.S.-based customer service is available by phone or chat.

Can I Freeze My Card?

Yes, with the Freeze It feature, you can lock your card instantly if it’s lost or stolen.

Can I Get A Credit Limit Increase?

Yes, Discover periodically reviews your account and may offer a higher credit limit.

Is There A Referral Bonus?

Yes, you can earn rewards for referring friends who get approved and use their cards.

What Are The Current Bonus Categories?

They change each quarter—typically including restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, or digital wallets.

Do I Need A Bank Account To Apply?

You don’t need a bank account, but it can help with payments and verifying income.

How Do I Redeem My Cash Back?

You can redeem through your Discover account via statement credit, direct deposit, or use on Amazon.

Can I Add Authorized Users?

Yes, but be aware you’ll be responsible for any charges they make.

Is This Card Good For Building Credit?

Yes, with responsible use, this card helps you establish and grow your credit history.

Will Discover Report My Activity To Credit Bureaus?

Yes, Discover reports to all three major credit bureaus every month.

How Do I Check My FICO Score?

You can check your FICO score for free through your online account or the app.

Can I Use It For Online Shopping?

Absolutely. The card works for all online purchases, just like in-store.

Is There A Minimum To Redeem Rewards?

No, you can redeem cash back in any amount at any time.

What Is The Grace Period On Payments?

Typically, the grace period is 25 days from the close of your billing cycle.

Can I Pay With A Digital Wallet?

Yes, the Discover card is compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Can I Pay My Tuition With This Card?

It depends on your school. Some accept credit cards, while others may not.

What Should I Do If I Lose My Card?

Immediately freeze it via the app or call Discover’s support to report it.

Does Discover Offer Fraud Protection?

Yes, they offer $0 fraud liability for unauthorized purchases.

Will My APR Increase If I Miss A Payment?

Unlike other cards, Discover won’t increase your APR after one late payment.

Is It Easy To Cancel The Card?

Yes, you can cancel at any time, but it’s better to keep it open for credit history.

Can I Set Spending Limits For Myself?

Yes, you can track and control spending using the app’s budgeting tools.

Are There Any Hidden Fees?

No, there are no hidden fees, over-the-limit fees, or foreign transaction fees.

Can I Get Alerts For Transactions?

Yes, set up real-time alerts via the mobile app or email for all activity.

Does The Card Support Contactless Payments?

Yes, the Discover it student card supports tap-to-pay technology for fast checkouts.

Conclusion: Is The Discover It Student Cash Back Card Worth It?

The Discover it student cash back card is a fantastic choice for students looking to build credit, earn real rewards, and enjoy low fees. With its rotating 5% categories, generous cash back match, and user-friendly tools, it’s more than just a starter card—it’s a smart financial step toward long-term credit health. If you’re in college and want financial flexibility, this card is well worth considering.