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

Updated:

image_0fe3fdImage: image_0fe3fd

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

$0-$3K $3K-$5K $5K-$10K $10K-$20K $20K+ 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 59% 16% 16% 8% 1%
$0-$3K $3K-$5K $5K-$10K $10K-$20K $20K+ 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 59% 16% 16% 8% 1%
$0-$3K $3K-$5K $5K-$10K $10K-$20K $20K+ 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 59% 16% 16% 8% 1%

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $4,075, 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

Thin file Poor Fair Good Excellent 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 2% 21% 19% 54% 4%
Thin file Poor Fair Good Excellent 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 2% 21% 19% 54% 4%
Thin file Poor Fair Good Excellent 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 2% 21% 19% 54% 4%

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 671, with 747 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.


Member stats

Updated daily

42%

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.

$64,447

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

yesImage: yes

Cash back on rotating bonus categories

yesImage: yes

First-year Cashback Match could be valuable

yesImage: yes

Intro purchase APR offer


ConImage: Con

Caps on bonus rewards

ConImage: Con

Bonus categories need to be activated

ConImage: Con

Potentially high regular APR


Discover it® Student Cash Back review

Updated September 24, 2024

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Written by: Juan Ruiz


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.

Learn more: Credit Karma Guide to Student Credit Cards

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%.

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.

Learn more: How to build credit as a student in 5 easy steps

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.

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.


Member reviews

Overall rating:

5

Rating: 5 out of 5.

6 reviews from Intuit Credit Karma members

Most helpful positive review

March 14, 2023

5

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Great Card

Credit Karma Member

This is a great and easy card for people and students who are looking to build credit! The app makes it super easy to make payments on time and develop credit! Thank you Discover!! Might I add the card looks gorgeous too!

Most helpful negative review

 

 

Rating: 0 out of 5.

 

All member reviews