Discover it Student Cash Back Review: A Rewarding Introduction to Credit
Discover it Student: Zero fees, rewarding cash back, and a credit-building gateway for students.
Features
- Annual Fee: $0, ensuring students can focus on building credit without extra costs.
- APR: 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months, followed by a variable APR of 18.24%-27.24%.
- Rewards: Earn 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, plus an unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
- Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match from Discover, doubling all the cash back you earn in your first year.
Benefits
- Accessible to Students with Limited or No Credit: Designed specifically for students beginning their credit journey.
- Generous Cash Back Rewards: Competitively offers 5% back in categories that change quarterly, covering everyday expenses.
- Forgiving on the First Late Payment: No fee for your first late payment, easing concerns for newcomers to credit management.
- Reports to All Three Major Credit Bureaus: Assists in building a credit history vital for future financial endeavors.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for students studying abroad or traveling.
Drawbacks
- Rotating Bonus Categories: Requires frequent management.
- Limited International Acceptance: This may be inconvenient for travel.
- High Ongoing APR: After initial intro periods.
Product Summary
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card stands out amongst student credit cards, offering an exceptional blend of rewards, low fees, and credit-building features. Its introductory APR periods on purchases and balance transfers provide a buffer for students managing large expenses. At the same time, the generous and flexible cash-back rewards program incentivizes smart spending and financial awareness. The card’s accessibility to students with limited or no credit history makes it a foundational tool for establishing a strong credit profile. With the added perks of no annual fee and forgiveness for the first late payment, it’s tailored to mitigate students' typical financial and credit-building hurdles.