About the Card
The Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card is a highly attractive option for individuals looking to earn substantial rewards on everyday purchases.
This card stands out due to its 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (upon activation) and a 1% unlimited cash back on all other transactions.
Additionally, the Cashback Match feature effectively doubles all cashback earned in the first year, making it a lucrative choice for new cardholders.
Unlike many competitors, this card does not charge an annual fee, allowing users to maximize savings while benefiting from a competitive rewards program.
Who Should Consider This Card?
This credit card is an excellent option for those who can take full advantage of the rotating bonus categories.
If you frequently shop at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, or online retailers, this card can help you earn significant cashback.
Additionally, it is ideal for individuals who prefer a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
If you are a responsible credit user who pays off balances on time and doesn’t mind activating categories each quarter, the Discover it® Cash Back card is a fantastic choice.
Key Benefits of the Card
- 5% Cash Back on Rotating Categories: Cardholders can earn significant cashback on select categories that change every three months, such as travel, grocery stores, restaurants, and more.
- Unlimited 1% Cash Back: Even when spending outside of the bonus categories, users will always earn 1% cashback on all other purchases.
- Cashback Match: At the end of your first year, Discover matches all the cashback you’ve earned, effectively doubling your rewards.
- No Annual Fee: Unlike many premium rewards cards, this card does not charge an annual fee, making it a cost-effective option.
- 0% Intro APR: Cardholders benefit from a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, making it a smart option for financing larger expenses.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Cashback can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or even Amazon purchases.
Additional Features & Protections
- FICO® Credit Score Monitoring: Cardholders receive free access to their credit score, helping them track their financial health.
- Security Alerts: Users receive real-time alerts for suspicious activities, reducing the risk of fraud.
- Freeze It® Feature: If the card is lost or stolen, cardholders can freeze the account instantly to prevent unauthorized transactions.
- $0 Fraud Liability: Discover ensures that users are not held responsible for fraudulent charges.
- 24/7 Customer Service: Dedicated support is available at all times, ensuring that issues can be addressed promptly.
- Free Overnight Card Replacement: If you lose your card, Discover will provide an expedited replacement at no extra cost.
Fees & Interest Rates
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- Standard APR: Variable, ranging from 17.24% – 28.24%, depending on creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% intro fee, then 5% after the introductory period.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None, making it an excellent option for international travelers.
- Late Payment Fees: No fee on the first late payment; up to $41 for subsequent late payments.
Is This Credit Card Worth It?
The Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card is a top-tier option for individuals looking to earn substantial cashback rewards.
Its 5% rotating bonus categories allow cardholders to accumulate significant savings when strategically utilized.
The Cashback Match feature effectively doubles the first-year rewards, setting it apart from many competing cashback credit cards.
Additionally, the no annual fee structure makes it a budget-friendly option for anyone looking to maximize rewards without incurring additional costs.
The 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers provides flexibility for managing large expenses.
However, users who prefer a straightforward cashback system without needing to activate bonus categories may find a flat-rate cashback card more suitable.
Despite this minor drawback, the Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card remains an excellent choice for consumers who want a high-rewards, low-cost credit card with strong security and customer service features.
Fees and charges
Late Payment: $0 first time, then up to $41.
Returned Payment: Up to $30.
● Introductory APR: 0% for 15 months;
● Standard APR: 18.24% - 27.24%;
● Balance Transfer Fee: 3% fee on balance transfers in the first 60 days; afterward, 5%;
● Cash Advance: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance.
Expert review
The Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card is a top-tier choice for individuals seeking generous rewards without an annual fee.
It offers 5% cash back on rotating categories, maximizing savings on everyday purchases.
The unique Cashback Match feature effectively doubles first-year earnings, making it highly rewarding.
With a 0% intro APR for 15 months, this card is also a great option for balance transfers.
However, the need to activate bonus categories may not appeal to everyone. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for savvy spenders.
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+Pros
- 5% Cash Back on Rotating Categories: Earn up to 5% cash back on purchases in rotating categories each quarter, making it ideal for those who want to maximize rewards.
- Cashback Match: Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, which can significantly increase your rewards.
- No Annual Fee: This card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for users who want to earn cash back without worrying about additional charges.
- Introductory APR Offer: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, which is great for individuals looking to pay off existing balances without incurring interest.
- Wide Acceptance: As a major credit card provider, Discover is widely accepted in the U.S. and increasingly at international locations.
- Cons
- Activation Required for Bonus Categories: To earn 5% cash back, you must activate the quarterly bonus categories, which can be an inconvenience.
- Limited Cash Back Categories: The rotating categories are limited and may not always align with your regular spending habits, potentially reducing the card’s usefulness.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: While Discover has many benefits, it charges a foreign transaction fee, making it less ideal for international travelers.
