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Discover it Student Cash Back Review

For students ready to take the first step into the world of credit, the Discover it Student Cash Back card is an exceptional choice.

Discover it Student Cash Back
Source: Discover it Student Cash Back

Get ready to be rewarded for your hard work, both in and out of the classroom! The Discover it Student Cash Back card not only offers exciting, rotating 5% cash back categories but also a unique welcome offer that doubles your rewards in the first year. 

With no annual fee and features designed to help you learn and grow financially, this card is an enthusiastic partner in your success, making it one of the most popular and rewarding student credit cards available.

Incredible Benefits of the Discover it Student Cash Back Card

  • 5% Rotating Cash Back Categories: Earn a phenomenal 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating categories each quarter you activate. These categories often include places students frequent, like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and Amazon.
  • Unlimited 1% Cash Back: On all purchases outside the 5% bonus categories, you’ll automatically earn a solid 1% cash back with no limits.
  • Unlimited Cashback Match Welcome Bonus: In your first year, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of the year. There are no spending minimums or maximums to worry about. You could turn $100 in cash back into $200!
  • Good Grades Reward: Earn a $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for the first five years of your account. It’s a great incentive for hitting the books!
  • No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the fantastic benefits and rewards of this card without paying an annual fee, ever.
  • Introductory APR on Purchases: Get a head start on paying for textbooks and other school supplies with a 0% introductory APR for 6 months on purchases. 
  • Redeem Rewards in Any Amount: Your cash back is yours to use as you please. Redeem any amount of your rewards, at any time, for a statement credit or a direct deposit to your bank account.
  • Pay with Rewards: Seamlessly use your cash back rewards to pay for purchases directly at checkout on Amazon.com and with PayPal.
  • No Credit Score Required to Apply: This is a huge advantage for students just starting. Discover doesn’t require a credit score to apply, making it one of the most accessible student cards.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Take your card with you on study abroad programs or international trips without worrying about extra charges on your purchases.
Discover it Student Cash Back
Source: Discover it Student Cash Back

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the Discover it Student Cash Back card, you should generally meet the following criteria:

  • Student Status: You must be enrolled at a two- or four-year college or university.
  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • U.S. Residency: You must be a resident of the United States.
  • Identification: A Social Security Number (SSN) is typically required. International students may be able to apply with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other documentation.
  • Income: You will need to provide information about your annual income, which can include part-time jobs, allowances, and other sources.

How to Apply

Applying for the Discover it Student Cash Back card is a simple and quick process that can be done online.

  1. Visit the Discover Website: Navigate to the official Discover website’s application page for the Discover it Student Cash Back card.
  2. Check for Pre-Approval (Recommended): Discover offers a pre-approval tool that allows you to see if you are likely to be approved for the card without impacting your credit score.
  3. Complete the Application: Fill out the secure online application with your personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number, and financial details like your annual income and housing payment.
  4. Review the Terms and Conditions: Before submitting, carefully read and agree to the card’s terms and conditions, including the rates and fees.
  5. Submit Your Application: Once you have filled out all the required information, submit your application.
  6. Receive a Decision: Discover often provides a decision in as little as 60 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I have to activate the 5% cash back categories each quarter?
    Yes, you must activate the new 5% categories each quarter to earn the higher cash back rate. You can easily do this through your online account, the Discover mobile app, or by email link. If you forget to activate, you will still earn the standard 1% cash back on all purchases.
  2. Is there a limit to how much I can earn with the 5% cash back?
    Yes, the 5% cash back rate applies to the first $1,500 in combined purchases in the bonus categories each quarter. After you reach the $1,500 spending cap, you will continue to earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases in those categories for the rest of the quarter.
  3. How does the Cashback Match work?
    The Cashback Match is Discover’s unique welcome offer for new cardmembers. At the end of your first year (after 12 consecutive billing cycles), Discover will automatically match all the cash back you have earned throughout that year. For example, if you earned $150 in cash back, Discover will give you an additional $150, for a total of $300.
  4. What if I don’t have a credit history?
    That’s no problem with this card. The Discover it Student Cash Back is specifically designed for students who are new to credit. Discover does not require applicants to have a prior credit score to be approved.

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