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The Best Discover Credit Cards to Boost Your Earnings in 2025

Review Updated
Brendan Byrnes
Author: Brendan Byrnes
Brendan Byrnes
Brendan Byrnes

Currently Managing Director of Motley Fool Money, Brendan has worked full-time for The Motley Fool since 2011. He has written hundreds of articles for The Motley Fool and provided analysis on TV outlets including CNBC and Fox. He holds a degree in finance from Virginia Tech.

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Nathan Alderman
Fact Checked: Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
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Nathan Alderman has been a full-time Motley Fool employee since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As Motley Fool Money's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.

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Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation.

Choosing Discover for your next credit card is a solid move, but which card should you go for? With perks like Unlimited Cashback Match and Miles Match in the first year across all options, Discover has you covered when it comes to earning rewards. The best part? There’s not a single Discover card that charges an annual fee, so all the rewards you earn are pure profit.

Whether you’re after cash back, travel rewards, a balance transfer option, or a student-friendly card, Discover has something for you. Keep reading to find out which card is the best fit for your wallet.

  • Our team of experts reviewed over 260 credit cards
  • We evaluate all credit cards across the same 4 key criteria: value, welcome experience, fees, and perks
  • Our credit card ratings are never influenced by our advertising partners
  • If we wouldn't recommend an offer to a close family member, we won't recommend it to you

Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Our top Discover picks

If you're short on time, here are two of our favorite Discover cards that are likely to fit your needs:

Best for balance transfers and cash back: Discover it® Chrome

  • Get 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers (the go-to 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR applies at the end of the intro period), plus 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% on all other purchases.

Best for cash back potential: Discover it® Cash Back

  • Earn 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter (on up to $1,500, quarterly activation required), and 1% on all other purchases -- maximizing your rewards all year long.

Best Discover credit cards

Best for balance transfers: Discover it® Chrome

Ratings Methodology
Unlimited Cash Back Match

Discover it® Chrome

Great for: Balance transfers, gas & restaurants cash back, and no annual fee

Apply Now for Discover it® Chrome

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Discover it® Chrome
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Discover it® Chrome

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 6 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months

Regular APR

18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

1% - 2% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • The main draw of this Discover card is the balance transfer offer, which is one of the best we've come across. Unlike many balance transfer cards, it combines that with cash back rewards. But the cash back program doesn't measure up to what other cards offer. Read Full Review

    • Welcome bonus offer
    • Gas and restaurants rewards
    • 0% intro APR
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • Low cash back rates
    • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
    • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
    • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
    • No annual fee.
    • Terms and conditions apply.

Looking for a card that helps you pay down debt while still earning rewards? The Discover it® Chrome is a standout choice. With a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, you get plenty of time to tackle existing credit card debt interest free. (The go-to 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR applies at the end of the intro period.)

Meanwhile, you'll still earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, with Unlimited Cashback Match in your first year and no annual fee, this card offers solid rewards while helping you get ahead financially.

Best for cash back: Discover it® Cash Back

Ratings Methodology

Discover it® Cash Back

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Discover it® Cash Back
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular APR

18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

1% - 5% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • We think this card has among the highest cash back potential for cards with no annual fee. The key is the Unlimited Cashback Match — Discover automatically matches all the cash back new cardholders have earned at the end of the first year. That cash back can seriously add up when you earn 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories (when you activate them, up to the quarterly maximum) and 1% on other purchases. Read Full Review

    • Rotating bonus categories
    • Welcome bonus offer
    • Great intro APR offer
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • No fixed bonus categories
    • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
    • Earn 5% Cashback Bonus® at Grocery Stores and Wholesale Clubs, April 1 through June 30, 2025, on up to $1,500 in purchases, when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
    • Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
    • Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
    • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
    • Terms and conditions apply.

If you love maximizing rewards and don't mind a little hands-on management, the Discover it® Cash Back is a top contender. This card offers an impressive 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.

Here's the potential: If you max out the $1,500 quarterly spending cap the rotating categories you activate, that's $300 in cash back per year. And with Discover's Cashback Match, your first-year earnings double to $600 -- all from your regular $6,000 in annual spending.

Even outside the bonus categories, you'll keep earning rewards, making this a powerful choice for cash back enthusiasts.

Best for travel: Discover it® Miles

Ratings Methodology

Discover it® Miles

Apply Now for Discover it® Miles

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Discover it® Miles
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Discover it® Miles

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular APR

18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase

1.5X miles

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer

Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • A straightforward, no annual fee travel rewards card built for occasional travelers. The unlimited Miles and welcome offer are standout perks. Read Full Review

    • Earn miles on purchases
    • Great welcome bonus
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • Great intro APR
    • Limited ways to use miles
    • Lacks premium travel perks
    • No bonus categories
    • UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles.
    • Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
    • No annual fee
    • Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
    • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% - 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
    • Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide.
    • Terms and conditions apply.

If you're looking for a simple, no annual fee travel card, the Discover it® Miles is a solid choice. While it doesn't come with luxury perks like premium travel cards, it makes up for it with unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase -- no rotating categories, no spending caps, and no fees eating into your rewards.

This card is ideal for occasional travelers who want to earn credit card miles effortlessly without worrying about tracking bonus categories. Plus, with Discover's Mile-for-Mile Match, all the miles you earn in your first year double automatically, making it even more rewarding.

Best for no or low credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Ratings Methodology

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Apply Now for Discover it® Secured Credit Card

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: New/Rebuilding Under(579)
Apply Now for Discover it® Secured Credit Card

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

New/Rebuilding Under(579)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months

Regular APR

27.24% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

1% - 2% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • We think this card has among the highest cash back potential for a secured card with no annual fee. The key is the Unlimited Cashback Match — Discover automatically matches the cash back new cardholders earn at the end of the first year. This card could be perfect for you if you're new to credit, or rebuilding after past troubles. Read Full Review

    • Cash back rewards
    • Great welcome bonus offer
    • No annual fee
    • Can graduate to an unsecured card
    • Minimum deposit amount
    • No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
    • Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
    • 30 points or more—that’s how much you could increase your FICO Credit Score on average after just six months of responsible use.
    • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
    • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
    • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
    • Terms and conditions apply.

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a great option for credit card beginners looking to build or rebuild credit while still earning rewards. Unlike many secured cards, it offers cash back on purchases and the opportunity to graduate to an unsecured card over time.

After just seven months, Discover automatically reviews your account to determine if you qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured card and a deposit refund -- a standout feature among secured credit cards. This means you can continue building your credit history without needing to close the account, helping you establish long-term financial stability.

Best for students who don't mind activating bonus categories: Discover it® Student Cash Back

Ratings Methodology

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Apply Now for Discover it® Student Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Discover it® Student Cash Back
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair (300-669)
Apply Now for Discover it® Student Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Fair (300-669)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 6 months

Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months

Regular APR

17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

1% - 5% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • Student credit cards are sometimes light on perks, but this Discover one might surprise you. You can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 of spending in rotating bonus categories -- just opt in every quarter. And earning 1% back on other purchases plus an innovative Unlimited Cashback Match welcome bonus makes this one worth considering for college students. Read Full Review

    • Rotating bonus categories
    • Valuable welcome bonus offer
    • Good for avoiding fees
    • Credit score monitoring
    • Highly rated customer service
    • No fixed bonus categories
    • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
    • Earn 5% Cashback Bonus® at Grocery Stores and Wholesale Clubs, April 1 through June 30, 2025, on up to $1,500 in purchases, when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
    • No credit score required to apply.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
    • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
    • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
    • Terms and conditions apply.

Think of this card as the junior version of the Discover it® Cash Back. It offers the same 5% cash back on different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, but is designed specifically for students with lower credit score requirements and a shorter 0% intro APR period of 6 months for purchases. (After the intro period, the go-to rate of 17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR applies.)

This card is a great fit for students who want to build credit while earning rewards and don't mind being vigilant about activating categories each quarter. Plus, with responsible use, it can serve as a stepping stone to graduate to the standard Discover it® Cash Back card in the future.

Best for students that want simple rewards: Discover it® Student Chrome

Ratings Methodology

Discover it® Student Chrome

Apply Now for Discover it® Student Chrome

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Discover it® Student Chrome
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair (300-669)
Apply Now for Discover it® Student Chrome

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Fair (300-669)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 6 months

Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months

Regular APR

17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

1% - 2% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • Has all the important perks for a student credit card. It's light on fees and doesn't charge an annual fee, plus it has a solid cash back program and a potentially big welcome bonus. Read Full Review

    • Great welcome bonus offer
    • Gas and restaurant rewards
    • No annual fee
    • Credit score monitoring
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • Low cash back rate
    • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
    • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
    • No credit score required to apply.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
    • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
    • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
    • Terms and conditions apply.

If activating bonus categories sounds like too much to keep up with, the Discover it® Student Chrome offers a straightforward way to earn rewards. Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% on all other purchases -- no rotating categories to track.

Think of it as the student-friendly version of the Discover it® Chrome. It's a great option for students who want to build credit, earn steady rewards, and skip the annual fee -- all while keeping life (and finances) stress free.

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

Our highest-rated credit cards have:

  • ​​High value through rewards or 0% intro APR offers
  • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
  • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
  • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

Our highest-rated credit cards have:

  • ​​High value through rewards or 0% intro APR offers
  • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
  • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
  • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

How to choose the best Discover card for you

Choosing the right Discover card depends on your unique spending habits, financial goals, and credit situation. Here's what to consider:

Rewards type

  • If you're a cash back enthusiast, look for cards like the Discover it® Cash Back (5% rotating categories on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate) or Discover it® Chrome (2% at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter).
  • For travel rewards, the Discover it® Miles offers a straightforward way to earn miles on every purchase.
  • If you're looking to build credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card or Discover it® Student cards are great options.

Introductory offers

Many Discover cards offer 0% intro APR for balance transfers or purchases for a limited time, which can be valuable if you're looking to pay off debt or make a large purchase. Cards like the Discover it® Chrome are strong options if you're focused on saving on interest.

Credit score

Most Discover cards require good to excellent credit. If you have a fair or limited credit history, options like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card or Discover it® Student cards are designed with you in mind.

Annual fees and other costs

All Discover cards come with no annual fees, so you can maximize your rewards without worrying about extra charges.

By considering these factors, you'll find the Discover card that best aligns with your needs and financial goals.

How to apply for a Discover credit card

1. Check your credit score

Before diving in, take a quick look at your credit score. It'll give you a better idea of which Discover card options are available to you. Discover offers cards for a variety of credit profiles, but if you have good to excellent credit, you'll have more choices and better perks.

2. Review your options

Now that you have your score in mind, it's time to find the Discover card that matches your needs. Whether you're after cash back, travel rewards, or something to help with balance transfers, there's a card designed to work for you. Think about your goals and pick the one that aligns best with your lifestyle.

3. Get prequalified

If you're unsure about your approval odds, Discover offers a prequalification process that doesn't affect your credit score. This will give you a better idea of which cards you might be eligible for.

4. Apply online

Ready to apply? You'll be asked to provide basic information, such as:

  • Name and address
  • Income details
  • Social Security number (for identity verification)
  • Employment status

5. Wait for approval

After you submit your application, you won't have to wait long. Most of the time, you'll hear back within a few minutes with your approval status. Sometimes, Discover might need extra documents, in which case, expect a decision in about seven to 10 business days.

6. Activate your card

Once your approval comes through, your shiny new Discover card will be on its way to you. All you have to do is activate it online or through the app, and boom -- you're ready to start earning rewards.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right Discover card and getting the most out of your rewards.

Keep reading about Discover cards

FAQs

  • No, Discover cards have no annual fees. This is one of the standout features that make Discover cards so appealing. You get to keep more of your earnings without worrying about an annual fee eating into your rewards.

  • Discover is steadily expanding its acceptance, and you can use your Discover card at 99% of places in the U.S. While it's less widely accepted internationally, its global reach is growing, so you can expect more locations abroad to start accepting Discover over time.

  • With Discover's Unlimited Cashback Match, all the cash back you earn in your first year is automatically doubled -- no limits required. Whether you're earning 1% or 5%, Discover will match your rewards at the end of the year, effectively doubling what you've earned based on your everyday spending. It's as simple as that: more money back in your pocket, with no extra effort needed.

  • Yes, Discover has a few options for people with low credit. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a good option for folks with low credit, and the Discover it® Student Chrome and Discover it® Student Cash Back cards are good options for students.