Discover it Cash Back Review: Maximize Your Rewards with a Bit of Planning
5% rotating rewards, 0% intro APR, $0 fee, cashback match.
Features
- Annual Fee: $0, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
- Rewards Rate: Earn 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, plus unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, providing flexibility for new purchases or debt consolidation.
- Sign-Up Bonus: An innovative Unlimited Cashback Match for the first year, where Discover matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, with no limit.
Benefits
- High Reward Potential: Earn significant cash back in categories that change every quarter, perfect for maximizing returns on varied spending.
- Cashback Match Bonus: An exceptional first-year bonus that could significantly increase your rewards without a spending minimum.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem cash back anytime for any amount, offering unparalleled flexibility.
- Introductory APR Offer: Offers financial flexibility with a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a competitive variable APR.
Drawbacks
- Requires Active Management: Quarterly activation needed for 5% categories.
- Spending Caps: 5% cash back applies only on the first $1,500 purchases per quarter.
- Limited Global Acceptance: Discover is not as widely accepted internationally as other card networks.
Product Summary
The Discover it Cash Back card is an excellent choice for those willing to put in a little effort to maximize their rewards. With no annual fee and a high rewards rate in rotating categories like groceries, gas, and online shopping, it appeals to a wide range of spending habits. The introductory APR offer adds value, providing an opportunity to make large purchases interest-free or consolidate debt. However, the most distinctive feature is the Unlimited Cashback Match in the first year, essentially doubling your rewards without a cap. While tracking rotating categories requires some management, the potential cash-back earnings make it worthwhile. Despite its complexity, the Discover it Cash Back card is a powerful tool in the right hands, offering significant earnings and flexibility in redemption.