Discover it Cash Back Credit Card Review – Fee Free Rewards
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The Discover it Cash Back credit card is a great cash back card for borrowers looking for a rewards credit card for everyday spending. This card makes it easy to earn cash back on all purchases with rotating bonus categories and an unlimited 1% cash back flat rate.
8.5/10
Fees
8.5/10
Cashback
9/10
Rewards
4/10
Credit building
8/10
Bonuses
4/10
If you're looking for a simple, fee-free credit card with a lucrative cash-back rewards program, the Discover it Cash Back credit card is a good option. The card features 5% cash back rates on rotating quarterly categories and 1% cash back on everything else. Cardholders earn an automatic 2x cash back match at the end of their first year.
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What is the Discover it® Cash Back credit card?
The Discover it® Cash Back credit card is a rewards credit with great benefits. The card has no annual fee. In addition to cash back also comes plenty of other perks, like $0 fraud liability, excellent customer service, and the ability to freeze your account.
Raise Your Credit 80 points*
- 5 star service trusted by over 450,000 members
- Have processed over $11,000,000 in bill payments for members
- No deposit, no credit check, no interest
- New member promotions available
*Potential increase based on StellarFi member data. StellarFi numbers observed an average of 80 points VantageScore® 3.0 increase during a member’s lifetime. Score increase based on members with an incoming score range of 300-499 pts, who made regular on-time payments, with regular on-time payments. Results may vary.
How does the Discover it® Cash Back credit card work?
You'll need good to excellent credit to qualify for this card. The lender generally looks for a credit score of at least 690. You'll need to complete an online application to sign up for the card.
You'll need to provide information, including your name, address, and social security number, your employment status, monthly housing payment, and total gross income. You can also pick out your card design from a list of 25 different options.
Once you submit your application, your application may be approved instantly. If you're not lucky enough to get instant approval, you'll likely hear back from Discover with the results of your application in a few weeks.
How much does the Discover it® Cash Back credit card cost?
This credit card is free to use and charges no annual fee. That said, a few other fees and interest rates are associated with the card. The card comes with a variable APR of 24.49% on purchases. Your first late payment doesn't incur a fee, but the card charges up to a $41 late fee or returned payment fee after that. There is no penalty APR and no foreign transaction fees.
Discover it® Cash Back credit card features
The Discover it Cash Back credit card has plenty of handy features that make it an attractive everyday rewards card for borrowers.
Cash back rewards
One of the biggest draws of this card is the lucrative cash-back earning potential. The card offers 5% cash back on categories that change each quarter.
The Discover it Cash Back offers a flat rewards rate of 1% cash back on all other purchases, with no spending cap. While the card doesn't have a sign-up bonus, you get unlimited dollar-for-dollar match cash back bonus of all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. Rewards never expire; you can exchange them for money, a statement credit card, or gift cards, or use them when shopping with Amazon or PayPal.
No annual fee
Unlike many rewards credit cards, this card charges no annual fee. This makes it an affordable option for borrowers who may not want to pay for a credit card. The $0 annual fee also makes it a good fit for borrowers who may not spend much using a credit card but still want to earn cash back on their purchases.
Security features
The Discover it Cash Back credit card has plenty of security features to ensure your account stays safe and protected. This includes a free social security number alert, purchase protection, a $0 fraud liability for unauthorized purchases, and the ability to freeze your card to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.
Customer service
This card also comes with excellent customer service. Customers have access to 24/7 U.S.-based customer service. If you lose your card, you can also request free overnight shipping to replace it. The card also comes with a free FICO credit score to help you keep track of your credit score and make the right financial moves, and you can track spending and rewards in the Discover mobile app.
Raise Your Credit 80 points*
- 5 star service trusted by over 450,000 members
- Have processed over $11,000,000 in bill payments for members
- No deposit, no credit check, no interest
- New member promotions available
*Potential increase based on StellarFi member data. StellarFi numbers observed an average of 80 points VantageScore® 3.0 increase during a member’s lifetime. Score increase based on members with an incoming score range of 300-499 pts, who made regular on-time payments, with regular on-time payments. Results may vary.
Who is Discover it® Cash Back credit card best for?
People looking for an everyday spending credit card. The Discover it Cash Back credit card rewards everyday spending with a flat 1% cash back rate and rotating bonus spending categories. If you don't spend a lot on any particular type, like travel or groceries, but instead want a rewards credit card that earns cash back on every purchase, this card is a good fit.
People interested in a fee-free card. While many high-end rewards credit cards charge hefty annual fees, the Discover it Cash Back credit card features a $0 annual fee. This makes it an affordable option for borrowers at all income and spending levels.
Who shouldn't use the Discover it® Cash Back credit card?
People who travel frequently. If you're a frequent traveler and want to make the most of your spending with a travel-focused rewards credit card, this probably isn't the best card for you. Other rewards cards include free airfare and TSA precheck credits, airport lounge access, and more.
People with poor credit. Unfortunately, Discover doesn't usually accept applicants for this credit card who have scores below 690. If you're interested in a Discover credit card but are still working on raising your score, consider applying for a secured credit card like the Discover it Secured.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lucrative cash back rates: Borrowers can earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories and 1% cash back on everything else.
- No annual fee: With a $0 annual fee, this card is affordable for all borrowers.
- Added perks: The card comes with extras, including a 2x cash back match at the end of the first year and access to a free FICO credit score.
Cons
- Limited travel rewards: The card doesn't come with many special rewards or perks for frequent travelers.
- Rotating categories: While the rotating categories are a perk for some, if you find yourself consistently spending a lot of money in an area like groceries or gas, there might be more lucrative cards out there for you.
- Low flat rate: While 1% cash back on all purchases is nothing to sneeze at, some cards have a higher flat rate of 1.5% or even 2%.
Discover it® Cash Back credit card vs. competitors
Bank | Rewards | Annual Fee | APR |
Discover it Cash Back | 5% cash back on rotating categories, 1% cash back on everything else | $0 | 15.74% to 26.74% (variable) |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ | 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. | $0 | 19.24% - 27.99% |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. | $95 | 21.49%-28.49% |
Citi Double Cash® Card | Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24. | $0 | 19.24% - 29.24% |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations. 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% Cash Back on other purchases. | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 19.24% - 29.99% |
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Card Name
Chase Freedom Flex℠
APR
19.24% - 27.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn a $200 Bonus
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Rewards Rate
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
Terms
Why We Like It
- No minimum to redeem for cash back.
- No annual fee.
- Free access to your credit score and real-time alerts through Chase Credit Journey.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Card Name
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
APR
21.49%-28.49%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$95
Special Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Rewards Rate
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Terms
Why We Like It
- Generous bonus points offered.
- High points for travel and dining purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and points on all purchases.
- Complimentary one-year access to DashPass.
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
Card Name
Citi Double Cash® Card
APR
19.24% - 29.24%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good, Fair
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn $200 cash back
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Rewards Rate
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
Terms
Why We Like It
- Unlimited cash back earned on every dollar spent.
- Earn cash back when paying your bills on time.
- Intro 0% on balance transfers for 18 months (after which is an ongoing APR of 19.24% - 29.24%)
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Card Name
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
APR
19.24% - 29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Good, Excellent
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Special Offer
Earn a $250 statement credit
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Rewards Rate
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations. 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Why We Like It
- Buy Now, Pay Later options.
FAQs
Do Discover it Cash Back rewards expire?
Cash back rewards never expire, and you can redeem them anytime.
How does the CashBack Match work?
New card members automatically receive an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back they've earned during their first year. For example, if you've made $100 in cash back, you'll receive an additional $100 from Discover.
What credit score do I need for this card?
Aim for a credit score of at least 690 before you apply. If your credit score is close to this threshold, consider holding off applying until you raise your score by a few additional points.
Can I transfer a balance to this card?
You can transfer a balance to the Discover it Cash Back credit card, but it comes with a 3% Intro Balance Transfer Fee. There's an intro balance transfer rate of 0% APR for the first 14 months. After that, the regular APR is 11.99% to 22.99% on both transferred balances and new purchases.
Raise Your Credit 80 points*
- 5 star service trusted by over 450,000 members
- Have processed over $11,000,000 in bill payments for members
- No deposit, no credit check, no interest
- New member promotions available
*Potential increase based on StellarFi member data. StellarFi numbers observed an average of 80 points VantageScore® 3.0 increase during a member’s lifetime. Score increase based on members with an incoming score range of 300-499 pts, who made regular on-time payments, with regular on-time payments. Results may vary.
The bottom line
The Discover it Cash Back credit card is a great cash-back card for borrowers looking for a rewards credit card for everyday spending. With rotating bonus categories and an unlimited 1% cash back flat rate, this card makes it easy to earn cash back on all purchases. There's no annual fee, and borrowers are even eligible for a CashBack Match at the end of the first year.
If you travel frequently or spend a concentrated amount in one particular category, like groceries, this card might not be the best fit for you. That said, if you're looking for an all-around cash-back card with no fee, the Discover it Cash Back credit card is a good choice.
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Writer
Margaret Wack covers personal finance and small business and has appeared on MoneyUnder30, The Simple Dollar and Interest.com.
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