College life is full of new beginnings new classes, new independence, and for many, the start of building financial habits that will last a lifetime. Choosing the right credit card shouldn’t be another overwhelming task on your to-do list. That’s where the Discover it® Student Cash Back comes in a student-friendly credit card that combines simplicity, flexibility, and meaningful rewards in one easy-to-use tool.
Whether you’re grabbing coffee between lectures, stocking up on supplies, or planning a weekend trip, this card helps you earn cash back on the things you already buy. Each quarter brings new bonus categories tailored to your lifestyle, and with no annual fee, you can enjoy the perks without worrying about extra costs.
If you’re looking for a card that supports your student life and rewards your everyday spending, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is worth a closer look. Learn more and see how it fits your goals.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
No annual fee No credit score required to applyKey Benefits of the Discover it® Student Cash Back Card
- 5% Cash Back in Rotating Categories
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in categories that change every quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and Amazon.com—on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, after activation. It’s a flexible way to earn more where students tend to spend most. - 1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases
Outside of the rotating categories, you’ll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on every other purchase. Whether it’s a ride share, late-night snacks, or school supplies, you’re always earning something back. - Unlimited Cashback Match – First-Year Bonus
At the end of your first 12 months, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned—dollar for dollar, with no cap and no minimum spending requirement. That means if you earn $100, you’ll get another $100. It’s a powerful way to double your first-year rewards effortlessly. - $0 Annual Fee and No Foreign Transaction Fees
There’s no annual fee, so you can keep this card at no cost year after year. And if you study abroad or travel internationally, you won’t pay foreign transaction fees, making it a smart choice for global use. - Fraud Protection and Freeze It®
You’re protected with $0 fraud liability—you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges. If your card is lost or stolen, you can quickly use the Freeze It® feature in the mobile app to prevent new purchases, cash advances, or balance transfers until you find it. - Free FICO® Score and Real-Time Alerts
Build and track your credit with free access to your FICO® Score, updated monthly. You’ll also get email or text alerts for unusual activity, payment reminders, and account updates to help you stay in control. - 0% Intro APR on Purchases
Enjoy 0% introductory APR for 6 months on purchases—perfect for back-to-school essentials or setting up your dorm. After that, a variable APR of 17.24% to 26.24% applies, based on your creditworthiness.
Requirements and How to Apply for the Discover it® Student Cash Back
To be eligible for the Discover it® Student Cash Back card, you must meet a few basic criteria that are tailored specifically for college students:
- Student Enrollment: You must be currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college or university.
- Age Requirement: You need to be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Residency: Applicants must be U.S. residents with a valid address.
- Identification: A Social Security Number (SSN) is required. In some cases, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) may be accepted.
- Income Information: You’ll need to provide information about your income—even part-time jobs, scholarships, or allowances can be included.
How to Apply:
- Visit the official Discover website.
Go to the Discover it® Student Cash Back application page. - Use the pre-approval tool.
Check your chances of approval with no impact on your credit score. - Fill out the secure online form.
Provide your name, address, date of birth, SSN/ITIN, and income details. - Agree to the terms and conditions.
Review the card’s terms carefully before submitting. - Submit your application.
You may receive an instant decision online.
Why This Card Stands Out for Students Starting Their Credit Journey
What makes the Discover it® Student Cash Back card truly valuable isn’t just the rewards it’s the experience it offers for first-time cardholders. From the moment you apply, Discover creates a space where learning and financial responsibility go hand in hand. The application process is straightforward, the tools are easy to use, and the entire experience is tailored to help students feel confident about managing credit.
This isn’t just a credit card it’s a financial starting point. With Discover’s reputation for customer service, transparent policies, and a commitment to educating young adults about credit, this card gives you more than spending power. It gives you a head start.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
No annual fee No credit score required to applyFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply without a credit history?
Yes! This card is specifically designed for students, even those with no prior credit experience. Discover does not require a credit score to apply.
2. What happens if I miss a payment?
Discover offers flexibility for new cardholders. Your first late payment will not result in a late fee, and there’s no penalty APR. However, it’s still important to pay on time to avoid interest.
3. How does the Cashback Match work?
At the end of your first year, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned—there’s no need to sign up and no spending limit. It’s a one-time bonus that doubles your rewards.
4. Do I have to activate the 5% cash back each quarter?
Yes. Each quarter, you’ll need to activate the rotating bonus categories to earn 5% cash back. Activation is quick and can be done online or via the Discover mobile app.
5. Where can I use my cash back?
You can redeem your rewards at any time, in any amount. Options include statement credits, direct deposit, gift cards, or even using your rewards at checkout with Amazon or PayPal.
