Discover it Cash Back: No Annual Fee, More Rewards

The Discover it Cash Back card is a popular choice for those looking to earn rewards on their everyday spending without paying an annual fee.
With 5% cash back on rotating categories (upon activation) and 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases, this card offers valuable rewards throughout the year.
Discover’s Cashback Match also doubles all cash back earned in the first year, making it even more appealing.
Whether you’re shopping for groceries, dining out, or filling up your gas tank, this card helps you maximize your savings effortlessly. Keep reading to learn more about its benefits and how to apply!
Benefits
The Discover it Cash Back card is packed with rewards and features that make it a top choice for consumers looking to maximize their spending.
With rotating 5% cash back categories, unlimited 1% cash back, and no annual fee, this card offers significant savings. Here are the key benefits:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories like gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores (activation required).
- 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases, with no restrictions.
- Cashback Match: Discover doubles all the cash back you earn in your first year.
- No annual fee, allowing you to enjoy rewards without extra costs.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- No foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travelers.
Prerequisites
Before applying for the Discover it Cash Back card, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements.
Discover evaluates applicants based on their credit history, income, and other financial factors to determine approval. Here are the main prerequisites:
- Age Requirement – Applicants must be at least 18 years old (19 in some states).
- U.S. Residency – You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Social Security Number (SSN).
- Credit Score – A good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or higher) is recommended for approval.
- Stable Income – You need to provide proof of income to show your ability to repay credit.
- No Recent Major Delinquencies – Discover prefers applicants with a strong credit history and no recent defaults or bankruptcies.
Meeting these requirements increases your chances of approval.
About Discover
The Discover it Cash Back card is issued by Discover Financial Services, one of the most recognized financial institutions in the United States.
Founded in 1985, Discover revolutionized the credit card industry by introducing a no-annual-fee card with cash back rewards, a concept that set new standards for customer-friendly credit products.
Discover operates primarily as a digital bank, offering a full range of financial services, including credit cards, personal loans, student loans, and online banking.
Unlike traditional banks, Discover does not have physical branches, focusing instead on providing 24/7 customer support, a user-friendly mobile banking experience, and innovative financial tools.
As a major financial institution, Discover is part of the Discover Global Network, which processes transactions across millions of merchant locations worldwide.
Known for its transparent fee structure, strong security measures, and excellent customer service, Discover continues to be a top choice for consumers looking for a reliable and rewarding credit card experience.
With over 100 million cardholders and a reputation for innovative rewards programs, Discover remains a trusted name in the credit card industry.
Who Is This Card For?
The Discover it Cash Back card is designed for consumers who want to maximize their rewards on everyday spending without paying an annual fee.
Thanks to its 5% rotating cash back categories and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases, this card is an excellent choice for those who want flexibility in their rewards.
This card is best suited for:
- Everyday shoppers – If you frequently spend on groceries, dining, gas, and entertainment, this card lets you earn 5% cash back in those categories when activated.
- First-time credit card users – With no annual fee and a Cashback Match for the first year, this card is great for those new to credit cards who want to start earning rewards.
- People who pay their balance in full each month – Since the card has a relatively high variable APR, it’s ideal for those who avoid interest charges by paying off their balance regularly.
- Budget-conscious consumers – With features like no late fee on your first missed payment and no penalty APR, this card is forgiving for occasional mistakes.
- Digital banking enthusiasts – Discover offers a seamless online and mobile experience, making it a great option for those who prefer to manage their accounts digitally.
However, this card may not be ideal for those who carry a balance frequently, as interest charges could outweigh the cashback benefits.
If you travel internationally, note that while there are no foreign transaction fees, Discover is not as widely accepted outside the U.S. as Visa or Mastercard.
What Rewards and Programs Does the Card Offer?
The Discover it Cash Back card stands out for its generous cashback rewards program, designed to help cardholders maximize their savings on everyday purchases.
Unlike many rewards cards, this one offers rotating 5% cashback categories that change every quarter, allowing users to earn more in the areas where they spend the most.
Key Rewards and Benefits:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories (such as gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, and online shopping) up to the quarterly maximum when activated.
- 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases, with no category restrictions.
- Cashback Match – Discover will automatically double all cash back earned in the first year for new cardholders.
- No expiration on rewards – Your earned cash back never expires, as long as your account remains open.
- Flexible redemption options, including statement credits, direct deposits, Amazon checkout, and gift cards.
This card does not offer travel miles, but its Cashback Match program is unique and can provide double rewards in the first year, making it a strong alternative to traditional travel or points-based rewards cards.
Initial Credit Limit
The Discover it Cash Back card offers a credit limit based on the applicant’s creditworthiness, income, and financial history.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Minimum credit limit: $500
- Maximum credit limit: Can exceed $10,000 for well-qualified applicants
Discover periodically reviews accounts and may offer credit limit increases to responsible cardholders over time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Discover it Cash Back Card
Applying for the Discover it Cash Back card is a straightforward process that can be completed online or via the Discover Mobile app. Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the Official Application Page: Navigate to the Discover it Cash Back Card Application Page.
- Click on “Apply Now”: Select the “Apply Now” button to begin the application process.
- Provide Personal Information: Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and contact details.
- Submit Financial Details: Indicate your employment status and provide your total gross annual income.
- Review Terms and Conditions: Carefully read the card’s terms, conditions, and disclosures.
- Submit Your Application: Ensure all information is accurate before submitting.
- Await Approval Decision: Many applicants receive an instant decision, and if approved, the card arrives within 7-10 business days.
How to Unlock the Discover it® Cash Back Card
Once you receive your Discover it® Cash Back card in the mail, you’ll need to activate it before you can start using it.
The process is quick and easy, and you have multiple options to complete it.
Visit the Discover Activation Page:
- Go to the official activation page: Discover Card Activation.
- Log in to your Discover account or create one if you haven’t already.
Activate Through the Discover Mobile App:
- Download the Discover Mobile App:
- Open the app and log in to your Discover account.
- Follow the instructions to activate your card.
Activate by Phone:
- Call the Discover Card activation hotline at 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683).
- Follow the automated prompts or speak with a representative to complete the activation.
Verify Activation:
- Once activated, try making a small purchase or checking your online account to confirm the card is ready to use.
Fees and Tariffs of the Discover it® Cash Back Card
- Annual Fee: $0 – No yearly charge for holding the card.
- APR (Annual Percentage Rate): 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% introductory fee, then 5% on future balance transfers.
- Cash Advance Fee: 5% of the amount ($10 minimum).
- Late Payment Fee: $0 for the first late payment, then up to $41 for subsequent late payments.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: $0 – No additional fees for international purchases.
Customer Service
If you need assistance with your Discover it Cash Back card, Discover offers multiple channels to support you:
- Phone Support: Call 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683) for 24/7 customer service.
- Online Support: Visit the Discover Contact Us page.
- Mobile App: