5% in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500/qtr), 1% everything else — plus Cashback Match™ — Discover matches all cash back earned in your first year.
5% in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500/qtr), 1% everything else
Credit eligibility
Issuer review required; no guaranteed score cutoff
Intro APR
0% on purchases & balance transfers for 15 months
Sign-Up Bonus
Cashback Match™ — Discover matches all cash back earned in your first year
$
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$0
Purchase APR
17.49%–26.49% variable
Intro APR
0% on purchases & balance transfers for 15 months
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro during the first 15 months, then up to 5% ($5 min)
Cash Advance Fee
5% or $10 minimum, whichever is greater
Late Payment Fee
Up to $41 (Discover waives the fee on your first late payment)
✦
Estimate Your Rewards
See how this card fits your monthly spending
Enter your typical monthly spend by category to see roughly what the Discover it® Cash Back would earn you per year (this doesn't include any one-time sign-up bonus).
Assumes steady monthly spending at eligible merchants. Portal-only, selected and rotating bonuses are excluded unless explicitly modeled. Statement credits and welcome bonuses are excluded. Points use an assumed value of 1¢ each; actual redemption value varies.
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$3,000/mo
Note: Also earns 5% cash back (up to $1,500/quarter) in categories that rotate and require quarterly activation — not modeled here since categories change.
Est. Annual Rewards
$234/yr
After $0 Annual Fee
$234/yr
Based On
$1,950/mo
Key Features
✓
First-year cash back matched automatically
✓
No annual fee
✓
Free FICO score
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
Effective 10% back in 5% categories first year
Good for building/rebuilding credit
No foreign transaction fee
– Tradeoffs
Rotating categories require activation
5% cap at $1,500/quarter
Less accepted internationally
How to Apply
1
Check Discover's eligibility information and any prequalification option. A credit score alone does not establish approval; income, debt and credit history also matter.
2
Gather your Social Security number, annual income, housing payment, and employer details before starting the application.
3
Apply directly through Discover's official site or app to make sure you're getting current, accurate offer terms.
4
Most issuers give an instant decision online; some applications are sent to manual review, which can take 7–10 business days.
5
If approved, activate the card and set up autopay before your first statement is due to avoid a late payment.
How It Compares
Current product highlighted
Product
Annual Fee
Purchase APR
Rewards Rate
Discover it® Cash Back
$0
17.49%–26.49%
5% in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500/qtr), 1% everything else
Rates, fees, and rewards shown are illustrative as of 2026 and subject to change — always confirm current terms directly with the issuer before applying.