In this review, we’ll break down the features, benefits, interest rates, and key information about Discover credit cards.
Discover is one of the most recognized credit card issuers in the U.S., known for its no-annual-fee, cashback rewards, and student-friendly offerings.
Whether you’re looking for a card to build credit, earn cashback, or finance purchases with a 0% APR offer, Discover offers a range of options that are worth considering.
Discover Credit Cards Review: Popular Options
Founded in 1985, Discover Financial Services is a digital banking and payment services company that issues Discover Cards.
Discover cards are accepted by 99% of merchants that accept credit cards in the U.S.
The company has built a reputation for transparent terms, strong customer service, and valuable rewards programs.
1. Discover it® Cash Back
- Best for: Everyday spending with rotating categories
- Cashback: 5% cashback on rotating quarterly categories (on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, after activation), and 1% cashback on all other purchases.
- Welcome Bonus: Discover will match all cashback earned at the end of your first year automatically.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.24%–28.24%.
- Other Perks: Free FICO® credit score, U.S.-based customer service, no foreign transaction fees.
2. Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Best for: Students looking to build credit
- Cashback: 5% cashback on rotating categories (like gas, grocery stores, Amazon.com), 1% on other purchases.
- Student Perk: $20 Good Grade Reward each school year (for GPAs of 3.0 or higher, for up to 5 years).
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then a variable APR of 18.24%–27.24%.
- Credit Needed: Designed for those with limited or no credit history.
3. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Best for: Rebuilding or establishing credit
- Deposit: Minimum refundable deposit of $200.
- Cashback: 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter), 1% on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: Variable 28.24%
- Upgrade Potential: After 7 months, Discover begins automatic account reviews to determine if you qualify to transition to an unsecured card.
4. Discover it® Miles
- Best for: Travel rewards
- Rewards: 1.5x miles on all purchases with no expiration.
- Bonus: Discover will match all miles earned at the end of your first year.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: 0% on purchases for 15 months, then 17.24%–28.24% variable APR.
- Redemption: Miles can be redeemed for travel or as a statement credit toward travel purchases.
Interest Rates and Fees
Here’s a quick summary of the interest rates and fees across Discover’s main cards:
| Card Type | Intro APR (Purchases) | Ongoing APR | Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 0% for 15 months | 17.24%–28.24% variable | $0 | $0 |
| Discover it® Student | 0% for 6 months | 18.24%–27.24% variable | $0 | $0 |
| Discover it® Secured | None | 28.24% variable | $0 | $0 |
| Discover it® Miles | 0% for 15 months | 17.24%–28.24% variable | $0 | $0 |
- Late Fees: Up to $41
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% intro fee, up to 5% on future transfers
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Discover Credit Cards Review: Benefits
Discover credit cards are known for their strong rewards and no annual fees. Most of their cards are designed for cashback or travel perks.
Cashback
One of the biggest benefits is the Cashback Match. At the end of your first year, Discover matches all the cashback you’ve earned—automatically.
Many Discover cards offer 5% cashback in rotating categories like groceries, gas stations, or restaurants, when you activate them. You also earn 1% on all other purchases.
There are no annual fees, and most cards have no foreign transaction fees, which is great for travelers.
Besides
Discover provides free access to your FICO credit score, helping you track and improve your credit over time.
Their customer service is highly rated and based in the U.S., offering 24/7 support.
Discover also offers a Freeze it® feature, which lets you instantly freeze your card through the app if it’s lost or stolen.
Discover Credit Cards Review: Who Should Consider Them?
We can conclude that the most benefited are:
Students
Discover offers student credit cards that are easy to qualify for, even with limited or no credit history.
These cards often come with rewards, no annual fees, and credit education tools, making them ideal for young adults building credit for the first time.
Newcomers
If you're new to credit, Discover is a strong option.
Their cards are designed to help you start your credit journey safely, with features like free credit score tracking and no hidden fees.
Cashback Enthusiasts
Discover is known for its generous cashback rewards.
Whether it’s a flat rate or rotating categories, these cards offer great value for anyone looking to earn while spending.
Travelers
Frequent travelers can benefit from cards with no foreign transaction fees and access to travel assistance.
While not all places abroad accept Discover, it remains a smart option for domestic trips and online bookings.
Discover Credit Cards Review: Application Process
To apply for a Discover card:
- Go to Discover’s official website.
- Choose a card that fits your needs.
- Fill in your personal and financial information.
- Submit the application for an instant or near-instant decision.
- Discover may request additional verification of income or identity.
Discover Credit Cards Login and Management
Cardholders can manage their accounts via:
- Website:discover.com
- Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android
- Features: View statements, redeem rewards, freeze your card, and track your FICO® score
You’ll need your user ID and password to access your account online. First-time users can register directly on Discover’s website.
Discover Credit Cards Pre-Approval
Discover offers a pre-approval tool that lets you check for eligible cards without affecting your credit score.
You’ll provide basic information, and Discover will show cards you may qualify for.
This helps build credit confidence, avoiding unnecessary hard inquiries, and finding personalized APRs and rewards
Contact Information
For customer service, payments, or general inquiries:
- Discover Credit Card Phone Number: 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683)
- Payment Mailing Address: Discover Financial Services, P.O. Box 6103, Carol Stream, IL 60197-6103
Final Thoughts
Discover credit cards deliver exceptional value—especially for students, first-time users, and cashback lovers.
With no annual fees, competitive rewards, and user-friendly tools, they remain one of the most consumer-friendly card issuers in the market.
Whether you're starting your financial journey or looking to earn more from everyday purchases, Discover has a card that fits.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Credit card terms and conditions may change. Always check with Discover for the most up-to-date information before applying.
