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Discover it® Cash Back Review: Earn Up to $600 or More in Your First Year

Review Updated
James McClenathen
Author: James McClenathen
James McClenathen
James McClenathen

James is the Managing Editor for Motley Fool Money, overseeing the production and quality of our editorial content. James has worked full-time for The Motley Fool since 2012. He's a personal finance wonk, longtime editor, former reporter, and University of Michigan alum.

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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.

Our pick for the Best No Annual Fee Cash Back Card of 2025, Discover it® Cash Back is a solid choice for hands-on cardholders who like to strategically optimize their spending.

Think of it this way: if you activate and max out the 5% cash back in $1,500 of rotating bonus category spending each quarter, that's $300 in rewards over the course of a year. And thanks to Discover's Cashback Match, your total first-year cash back doubles to $600 -- all from your regular $6,000 in annual spending. Not bad, right? You can continue to rack up earnings on spending outside the rotating bonus categories, too.

If that kind of earning potential sounds appealing, keep reading to see if this card is the right fit for you.

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.

    • 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.

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.

Who should consider the Discover it® Cash Back card?

This card is a great choice for anyone who wants to maximize cash back without paying an annual fee. While some other cards offer higher fixed rewards, they often come with trade-offs like annual fees or shorter 0% APR periods.

It's ideal for:

  • People who don't mind activating rotating quarterly categories to earn 5% cash back (capped at $1,500 in spending per quarter).
  • Those who want a strong first-year welcome bonus, thanks to Discover's Cashback Match.
  • Anyone looking for a long 15 months of 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (with a go-to 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR afterwards). There's a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*.

If you like the idea of earning solid rewards with no extra cost, this card could be a great fit.

What I like about the Discover it® Cash Back card

Up to 5% cash back (that never expires)

The main perk of this card is the 5% cash back on rotating categories, up to $1,500 in spending per quarter. That's up to $300 in annual cash back rewards if you max it out. Categories often include essentials like groceries, gas, and dining, making it easy to earn without changing your spending habits. Just remember: You'll need to activate the categories each quarter to get that 5% rate.

For all other purchases, you still earn 1% unlimited cash back, so every purchase adds up.

Unlimited Cashback Match welcome offer

This is where Discover really outshines the competition. At the end of your first year, Discover will match every dollar of cash back you've earned -- without a cap. That means if you earn $300 in cash back, they'll match it for a total of $600. Earn $500? Now you've got $1,000. No hoops, no gimmicks.

If you play your cards right and maximize the rotating categories, this could turn into one of the most lucrative welcome offers out there.

15 months 0% intro APR for purchases and balance transfers

Beyond the cash back perks, this card also comes with a 0% intro APR period on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. That's longer than what many competing cash back cards offer. The go-to 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR applies at the end of the intro period and there's a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*.

Need time to pay off a big purchase? Want to transfer a balance from a high-interest card? This card gives you breathing room before the variable APR kicks in, making it a smart choice for those looking to manage their finances strategically.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
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
Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. 1% - 5% Cashback 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.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

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
Best for cash rewards on everyday spending 		$200 cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. 2% cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 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
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5-3 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Downsides you should consider

Quarterly rotating bonus categories require activation and have spending caps

The rotating bonus categories can make it tricky to consistently maximize your cash back. Each quarter, Discover changes the categories for all cardholders.

But here's the catch: You don't automatically qualify. You have to manually activate the categories each quarter, or you'll only earn 1% cash back, which isn't as competitive as other cards with fixed high-reward categories.

Since you're at the mercy of Discover's quarterly picks, the usefulness of these categories depends on your spending habits. If you rarely shop at home improvement stores, that bonus category won't do much for you. That said, Discover frequently includes restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations -- places most people spend money.

Another limitation is the spending cap. You can only earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 per quarter in bonus categories. After that, purchases in those categories revert to 1%. For those who prefer a predictable, unlimited rewards structure, this lack of control could be a drawback.

You need good to excellent credit to qualify

To get approved for this card, you'll likely need a credit score of 670 or higher. That makes it less accessible for credit card beginners with no credit history or individuals with fair to poor credit. If you're just starting out or rebuilding your credit, you might need to explore other options before qualifying for this one.

How to apply for the Discover it® Cash Back card

Applying for the Discover it® Cash Back card is simple, and you can do it right here without leaving this page. Here's what you need to know to get started:

1. Check your credit score

You'll typically need a credit score of 670 or higher to qualify. If you're unsure where you stand, you can check your score through your bank or a free credit monitoring service.

2. Gather your information

If your credit score is in the qualifying range, you're ready to apply. To speed up the application process, have the following details ready:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Employment status and income
  • Housing costs (rent/mortgage)

3. Apply online

You can start your application right here on this page by clicking this link: Discover it® Cash Back

You'll enter your details, and the process takes just a few minutes.

4. Get an instant decision

Many applicants receive an instant approval decision. If additional review is needed, Discover may request more information or take a few business days to process your application.

5. Receive your card and activate it

If approved, you'll receive your card within seven to 10 business days. But most people are eligible for a digital card immediately after approval, so you can start swiping even before you get your physical card.

6. Set up online banking and autopay

To make managing your card easier, enroll in online banking and set up autopay to avoid missed payments. You can also activate rotating bonus categories right from your account dashboard.

Final thoughts: Should you get the Discover it® Cash Back card?

The Discover it® Cash Back card is ideal for those who want to earn cash back without an annual fee. If you prefer consistent, automatic rewards or are still building your credit, this card may not be the best fit.

With rotating quarterly bonus categories you active, and unlimited 1% cash back on everyday purchases up to the quarterly spending limit, it's a good choice for those who can actively engage with the categories. Plus, the Cashback Match in your first year can double your rewards.

Ready to maximize your cash back? Apply for the Discover it® Cash Back card and start earning today.

FAQs

  • Yes, you can redeem your cash back for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or even use it at Amazon.com checkout.

  • Discover is widely accepted in the U.S., and while it's accepted at many international locations, it may not be as universally accepted as Visa or Mastercard in some countries.

  • No, the Discover it® Cash Back card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travel.