5% in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500/qtr) after activation, 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) after activation, 1% everything else
Credit eligibility
Issuer review required; no guaranteed score cutoff
Intro APR
0% on purchases for 6 months
Sign-Up Bonus
Cashback Match™ — Discover matches all cash back earned in your first year
$
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee
$0
Purchase APR
16.49%–25.49% variable
Intro APR
0% on purchases for 6 months
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Balance Transfer Fee
Up to 5%, $5 minimum (no promotional intro BT rate on this card)
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® Student 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
✓
Good Grades Reward: $20 statement credit each school year with a 3.0+ GPA (up to 5 years)
✓
No credit history required to apply — designed for students
✓
Free access to your FICO score
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
Cashback Match doubles first-year rewards — same as the standard Discover it card
6-month intro APR is shorter than many non-student cards
Requires proof of enrollment or student status to apply
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® Student Cash Back
$0
16.49%–25.49%
5% in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500/qtr) after activation, 1% everything else
Up to 5% cash back on a chosen category with Chime Prime (2% with Chime Plus), capped at $1,500/mo in eligible purchases; no rewards for base Chime members
Rates, fees, and rewards shown are illustrative as of 2026 and subject to change — always confirm current terms directly with the issuer before applying.