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If you want to get a Discover® credit card, you may be wondering how hard it is to get approved. Your credit score plays an important role here. The best Discover credit cards are aimed at consumers with FICO® Scores of 670 or above. If you have good or excellent credit, that helps quite a bit.
While there's no way to guarantee an approval, there are ways to make it more likely. To help with that, here's a look at whether it's hard to get a Discover card, and the main factors that go into a successful application.
Is it hard to get a Discover card?
It's not hard to get a Discover card. Discover has credit card options for just about everybody, from people who are building or rebuilding credit to those who have a high credit score already.
Make sure to pick a card that matches your financial situation. For example, if you're a student with no credit history, then a student credit card from Discover would be the best choice.
If you're not sure which cards you'll qualify for, check for Discover pre-approval offers. You can do this online on the Discover website to see which credit cards you have a strong chance of getting.
Discover's credit card application rules
Discover has a few firm credit card application rules that determine whether you're eligible for a new card:
You can have a maximum of two Discover credit card accounts.
Your first Discover card must be open for at least one year before you can open a second.
No matter your credit score, you can't get around these application rules. If you opened a Discover card three months ago, you need to wait another nine months before applying for a new one. And if you have two Discover cards, you can't get a new one. You would need to cancel one to open another.
Easy-approval Discover cards
Some Discover credit cards are designed for consumers with low credit scores or no credit history. Below are three of the easiest credit cards to get from Discover.
5.00/5
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
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
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
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
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
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 Rating Requirement:
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)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
New/Rebuilding Under(579)
Credit Rating Requirement:
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/New to Credit Under(669)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Fair/New to Credit Under(669)
Credit Rating Requirement:
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/New to Credit Under(669)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Fair/New to Credit Under(669)
Welcome Offer:
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Welcome Offer:
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Welcome Offer:
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Rewards Program:
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
Rewards Program:
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
Rewards Program:
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
Intro APR:
Purchases: n/a
Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months
Intro APR:
Purchases: 0%, 6 months
Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months
Intro APR:
Purchases: 0%, 6 months
Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months
Regular APR:
27.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024.
Regular APR:
17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024.
Regular APR:
17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024.
Annual Fee:
$0
Annual Fee:
$0
Annual Fee:
$0
Highlights:
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.
Raise your credit score by 30+ points.
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. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
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.
Highlights:
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! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
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.
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. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
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 17.49% - 26.49% applies. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
Terms and conditions apply.
Highlights:
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! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
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. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
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 17.49% - 26.49% applies. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
Your credit score is one factor that Discover looks at when you submit an application. It's far from the only factor though. Here are common examples of other reasons Discover could think twice about approving your application.
Insufficient income
There are multiple ways your income affects credit card applications. Discover uses your income to determine if it will approve you for a card and, if so, what your credit limit will be. What's especially important is your income compared to the credit you already have. If you make $45,000 per year, that would typically get you approved for a credit card. However, if you already have $50,000 in total credit across other credit cards, that could be an issue that prevents you from getting a Discover card.
Recent accounts opened
Another risk factor that can make card issuers wary is when you've opened multiple new credit cards. Credit card companies could question why you're getting so much credit. If you've opened multiple cards with other card issuers in the last six months to a year, Discover may decide not to issue you a card.
Recent credit inquiries
A high number of credit applications also makes you a riskier applicant. You could have trouble getting a Discover credit card if you've applied for multiple credit cards or loans recently, even if you weren't approved for some of them.
If your Discover credit card application is denied, you'll get a letter in the mail with the reasons for the denial.
TIP
Getting approved for a credit card
Check credit score requirements before applying for a credit card. Some credit cards only approve people with excellent credit. Others are made especially for people with low or no credit. Here are our favorite credit cards organized by credit score requirements:
What to do if Discover denies your credit card application
In some cases, you can get Discover to reconsider a denial. Whether this is an option depends on why you weren't approved.
If it's because of one of Discover's application rules, you're most likely out of luck. Discover is strict about those, so you can't typically get around them.
For denials due to any other reason, it may be possible to get Discover to change its decision. Here's what to do:
Call Discover customer service at 1-800-347-2683.
Ask to speak to the reconsideration line about your recent Discover card application.
Explain the situation and ask if the representative can approve you for the card you want.
It can help to point out reasons you'd be a great cardholder during the conversation. If you have a high credit score, bring that up. If you don't have much of a credit history, but you have always made loan payments on time, that's worth mentioning.
Discover normally isn't too strict, as long as your credit profile is a good fit for the card you want. If so, and you haven't run afoul of Discover's application rules, you should have a strong chance of approval.
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.
5.00/5
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
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:18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024.
5.00/5
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
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
2% cash rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Intro:
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
4.00/5
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
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 points per dollar
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.
Intro:
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, 18.49% - 28.49% 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.
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
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Target. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Visa.
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