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Discover it® Student Cash Back

Cash back

Apply for Discover it® Student Cash Back

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Card review

Discover it® Student Cash Back

4.9 9.8/10 DebitCue Score Verified Jun 20, 2026

Student credit card with full 5% rotating rewards — no credit history needed.

Fee: No fee
Purchase APR: 16.49% - 25.49%
Interest-free: 25 days
Foreign fee: None

Rewards

5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, activation required); 1% on all other purchases

Welcome offer

Unlimited Cashback Match: Discover automatically matches all cash back earned at the end of your first year

Our verdict

What stands out, and where it falls short.

What we like

5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to…
Welcome bonus
No card fee
No foreign transaction fees

Who It Is For

Whether the Discover it® Student Cash Back fits how you actually spend.

Pick it if you are

Anyone who wants a low-cost everyday card
Frequent travelers
People who want rewards on their spending

Rates and fees

As of June 20, 2026

All amounts shown in USD.

Card fee: No fee
Purchase APR: 16.49% - 25.49%
Interest-free period: 25 days
Foreign transaction fee: None
Intro APR (purchases): 0% for 6 months, then 16.49%–25.49% variable
Intro APR (balance transfers): 10.99% for 6 months, then 16.49%–25.49% variable

Rewards and features

Rewards: 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, activation required); 1% on all other purchases
Welcome offer: Unlimited Cashback Match: Discover automatically matches all cash back earned at the end of your first year
Pay with: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Contactless, Virtual card
5% category activation: Must activate each quarter; capped at $1,500 in combined category purchases

Benefits and perks

Extras that come bundled with the card.

No foreign transaction fees
Reports to all three credit bureaus; helps build credit history
Free FICO® Score access
First late fee forgiven

Eligibility

What you need before you apply.

Credit score: No credit score required; designed for limited/no credit history
Enrollment requirement: Must be enrolled in an eligible college or university

Discover it® Student Cash Back: your questions answered

Does the Discover it® Student Cash Back have a card fee?

No - the Discover it® Student Cash Back has no card fee.

What rewards does the Discover it® Student Cash Back earn?

The Discover it® Student Cash Back earns 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, activation required); 1% on all other purchases.

Does the Discover it® Student Cash Back charge foreign transaction fees?

No - the Discover it® Student Cash Back has no foreign transaction fees, so it suits spending abroad.

Is there an interest-free period on the Discover it® Student Cash Back?

Yes - up to 25 days interest-free when you pay your balance in full by the due date.

What is the interest rate on the Discover it® Student Cash Back?

The Discover it® Student Cash Back has a purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49%.

Does the Discover it® Student Cash Back have a welcome offer?

Yes - Unlimited Cashback Match: Discover automatically matches all cash back earned at the end of your first year.

Is the Discover it® Student Cash Back a credit, debit or prepaid card?

The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a credit card issued by Discover on the Discover network.

Does the Discover it® Student Cash Back support Apple Pay and Google Pay?

Yes - the Discover it® Student Cash Back works with both Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Where can I get the Discover it® Student Cash Back?

The Discover it® Student Cash Back is currently offered in United States.

How does DebitCue rate the Discover it® Student Cash Back?

DebitCue rates the Discover it® Student Cash Back 4.9 out of 5 (9.8/10), scored on the same factors as every card - fees, rewards, perks and ease of use.