Best Discover Credit Cards
Discover is well-known for its credit cards, but there are many from which consumers can choose. Here we break down the best Discover credit cards, including perks and rewards, terms, and cost, to help make the decision easier.
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With more than 50 million customers across the U.S., Discover offers a host of financial products, including online savings and checking options, lending products, and student loans. But Discover is best known for its credit cards.
Discover is currently the third-largest provider of credit cards in the United States, and from travel credit cards to cash-back cards, you’re likely to find a Discover card that works for you no matter your financial situation.
Here we break down the benefits of popular Discover credit cards, including access to your FICO score and Identity Alert perks. Each of Discover’s best credit cards come with different advantages and costs, and this review will provide an overview to help you decide which Discover card is best for you.
The Best Discover Credit Cards:
- Discover it Cash Back
- Discover it Chrome Gas and Restaurant Card
- Discover it Miles Travel Card
- Discover it Chrome Student Card
- Discover it Secured Card
- NHL Discover it Card
- Discover it Card for Students
The 7 Best Discover Credit Cards
1. Discover it Cash Back Card
If you like cash back, the Discover it Cash Back card is a great option for you. Discover it offers an impressive 5% cash back on certain purchases, with the categories rotating each quarter. These purchases may include spending at restaurants, gas stations, Amazon.com, or wholesale clubs. In addition, Discover it cardmembers earn a match on their total cash back earned at the end of their first year, effectively giving them up to 10% cash back on some purchases, making this the best Discover credit card during its first year.
on Discover’s secure website
Discover it Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% for first 14 months; 11.99% – 23.99% variable APR after that
- Benefits: Qualify for 5% cash back on rotating categories
- Category: Rewards Credit Card
Card Highlights
The Discover it credit card falls into the cash back category of credit cards given its rotating 5% cash back purchase categories each quarter (up to the quarterly maximum of $1,500 in spending), plus an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. This card stands out because it also offers new cardmembers a cash back match at the end of their first year. Rewards can be redeemed in any amount for a variety of cash back options, including statement credits, charity donations, and gift cards. Adding to these rewards is the 0% APR offered for the first 14 months on both purchases and balance transfers. The card also has no annual fee, making it easy for cardmembers to take advantage of their earned cash back each year.
The best perk of the card is the fact that the Discover it credit card has no annual fee.
Rates & Fees
- After the promotional period ends, a variable interest rate ranging between 14.24% and 25.24% applies for both purchases and balance transfers that are not paid in full.
- Cash advance transactions have a variable APR of 27.24%.
- Balance transfers also have a 3% fee for each transaction.
- Cash advances have a fee of $10 or 5%, whichever is greater.
- There is no annual fee for the card
The Verdict
The Discover it credit card is a smart choice for those who want a no-fee, cash back credit card that offers 5% cash back on certain purchases. Cardmembers who reap the most benefit from the card are those who spend up to the quarterly maximum in each category, but if you’d rather not worry about changing spending categories, other cards might be better for you.
2. Discover it Chrome Gas and Restaurant Card
Another one of Discover’s best credit cards is the Discover it Chrome Gas and Restaurant Card. As the name states, this rewards credit card offers cash back on purchases at gas stations and restaurants, making it great for people who spend frequently in those categories.
on Discover’s secure website
Discover it Chrome Gas and Restaurant Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% for first 14 months; 11.99% – 23.99% variable APR after that
- Benefits: Qualify for 2% cash back on gas and restaurants
- Category: Rewards Credit Cardd
Card Highlights
The Discover it Chrome Gas and Restaurant credit card is a bonus category rewards card, giving cardmembers a cash back boost when making purchases at gas stations and restaurants.
Cardmembers earn 2% cash back for these purchases, up to the quarterly maximum of $1,000, plus an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. The cash back rewards earned do not expire so long as the card is active, and cash back can be redeemed whenever there is a balance available.
The Discover it Chrome Gas and Restaurant credit card also has an introductory offer of 0% APR for the first 14 months on both purchases and balance transfers. After that period ends, a variable interest rate applies.
Rates & Fees
- The Discover it Chrome Gas and Restaurant credit card has no annual fee.
- Cardmembers can save with the 0% APR for the first 14 months on both balance transfers and purchases.
- The interest rates range from 14.24% and 25.24% after that period ends.
- There is a balance transfer fee of 3%, a cash advance fee of $10 or 5%, whichever is greater.
The Verdict
This Discover credit card is a great option for those who spend up to the quarterly maximum at gas stations and restaurants each month. However, the rewards credit card has less value than some comparable bonus category credit cards because of the quarterly maximum. There is only an opportunity to earn up to $80 per year for gas station and restaurant purchases. Fortunately, cardmembers do earn 1% on all other purchases, making this a good fit for a no-fee, cash back rewards card.
3. Discover it Miles Travel Card
While cash back is great, a travel rewards credit card also allows you to dream of the tropical vacation you could take if you earned enough points. The Discover it Miles travel credit card makes it easy to accomplish this by offering 1.5 miles for every dollar spent without limits. Like other rewards credit cards from Discover, the Discover it Miles travel credit card also offers a cash-back match for new cardmembers for the first year.
on Discover’s secure website
Discover it Miles Travel Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% for first 14 months; 11.99% – 23.99% variable APR after that
- Benefits: Qualify for 1.5 miles for every dollar you spend
- Category: Travel Credit Card
Card Highlights
The Discover it Miles Travel credit card gives cardmembers an opportunity to rake in travel rewards by earning an unlimited 1.5 miles for every dollar spent. The purchases do not need to be made on flights, hotels, or car rentals to qualify for the miles. Instead, every dollar goes toward earning travel miles. In addition to these rewards, Discover matches the miles earned in the first year, and there are no blackout dates or restrictions on when or how miles can be redeemed over time. New cardmembers also enjoy an intro APR and no annual fee, and others perks include free FICO score access and the ability to utilize rewards for booking travel with any airline, hotel, or car rental service.
Rates & Fees
- Discover it Miles cardmembers pay 0% APR on new purchases for the first 14 months after opening an account.
- There is no intro APR for balance transfers.
- After the promotional period ends, rates range from 14.24% up to 25.24% based on credit history and score.
- There is no annual fee for the card, but other fees apply.
- Balance transfers cost 3% per transaction, and cash advances cost 5% or $10, whichever is greater.
The Verdict
The Discover it Miles travel credit card may be a smart option for those who want to earn unlimited miles toward travel purchases. The card has no restrictions on when earned miles can be redeemed, but those rewards are only used to offset travel-related purchases as a statement credit. This is less valuable than other Discover cards, such as the Discover Cash Back card, which allows you to apply cash back rewards for a higher statement credit. However, for those who want a no-fee, simple travel rewards card, with no spending categories, the Discover it Miles card is a great option.
4. Discover it Chrome Student Card
Still planning for midterms or finals and hitting the books as a college student? If so, you’re likely in the market for a credit card to help you pay for the important things — coffee runs, groceries, gas fill-ups, and more. The Discover it Chrome for Students credit card is a cash-back credit card that offers extra perks designed just for college students.
on Discover’s secure website
Discover it Chrome Student Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% for first 6 months; 13.99% – 22.99% variable APR after that
- Benefits: Qualify for 5% cash back on dining and gas
- Category: Rewards Credit Card
Card Highlights
Cardmembers can earn 2% cash back on certain purchases, including gas stations and restaurants up to the quarterly maximum of $1,000 in purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. There is a cash-back match at the end of your first year, which essentially doubles the rewards students receive.
Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher each year receive a $20 statement credit for up to five years, and there is a cash-back match for new cardmembers for the first year. Rewards earned can be redeemed at any time and in any amount.
Rates & Fees
- The Discover it Chrome for Students credit card has no annual fee
- New cardmembers enjoy an intro APR of 0% for the first six months.
- After that promotional period ends, the interest rate on the card is variable, ranging from 15.24% to 24.24% based on the credit history of the account holder.
- Balance transfers do come with a fee of 3% per transaction
- Cash advances come with a fee of $10 or 5%, whichever is greater.
The Verdict
The Discover it Chrome for Students credit card is a great choice for cardmembers in college who need some assistance covering expenses each month. For those who spend heavily at gas stations and restaurants, this card proves valuable in its 2% cash back. However, there may be other card options that offer more earning potential without a quarterly maximum. This credit card can be a strong option for those who want a no-fee card that offers flexible rewards and cash back for good grades.
5. Discover it Secured Card
Have bad credit or haven’t had credit before in your life? You may think it is difficult to get a rewards credit card when your credit history is minimal or nonexistent. However, a secured credit card can help you build your credit score while also providing some perks along the way. The Discover it Secured credit card does just that.
on Discover’s secure website
Discover it Secured Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 23.99% variable APR
- Benefits: Build your credit history and credit score
- Category: Secured Credit Card
With the Discover it Secured credit card, cardmembers have a real credit card that is secured by a deposit of their choosing. The deposit is refundable, either when the account is closed or after a review of the payment history and credit use by Discover as early as month eight.
Card Highlights
The Discover it Secured credit card is a cash back bonus category credit card that requires a deposit when opening an account. Credit lines available depend on the deposit amount selected, and the deposit can be refunded if the card member shows a responsible track record of on-time payments and reasonable credit line use.
Cash-back rewards for the card are available at 2% for gas station and restaurant spending up to the quarterly maximum of $1,000 in purchases. All other purchases on the card earn 1% cash back without limit. Cash back rewards can be redeemed at any time and in any amount, and a cash-back match is available to new cardmembers for any cash back earned in the first year.
Rates & Fees
- The secured credit card option from Discover does not have an annual fee, but other rates and charges apply.
- All cardmembers have a variable APR of 25.24%, and there is no intro APR available for purchases or balance transfers.
- Cardmembers are charged 3% per balance transfer.
- Cash advances come with a fee of $10 or 5%, whichever is greater.
The Verdict
The Discover it Secured credit card is a great choice for those who have a lackluster credit history or no credit history at all. Cardmembers do not pay an annual fee, which is more beneficial than comparable secured credit cards, and the deposit used to secure the card can be refunded in as little as eight months after responsible use. The fact that the card also earns rewards is an added bonus that makes it one of the best secured credit cards available.
6. NHL Discover it Card
Do you spend your winters either in your recliner waiting for the puck to drop or at the arena chowing down on beer and nachos watching hockey? If you do, there is a Discover credit card made just for you. The NHL Discover it Card is designed for avid hockey fans, offering cash back on all purchases. The biggest perks, though, are catered toward NHL lovers, with discounts on NHL online store purchases and NHL.TV subscriptions.
on Discover’s secure website
NHL Discover it Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% for first 14 months; 11.99% – 23.99% variable APR after that
- Benefits: Qualify for 10% off at the NHL store and a NHL.TV subscription
- Category: Rewards Credit Card
Cardmembers with the NHL Discover it credit card also get to show their pride with a customized card design showcasing their favorite team.
Card Highlights
Like some other Discover cards, the NHL Discover it Card has rotating categories each quarter. Cardmembers earn 5% cash back on quarterly categories, including gas stations, restaurants, groceries, and Amazon.com purchases up to the $1,500 quarterly maximum in purchases. All other purchases made on the card earn 1% cash back without limits. For NHL fans, the benefits do not stop there. NHL online store purchases and NHL.TV subscriptions come with 10% off when the card is used to pay. Discover also offers a cash-back match for the first year, as well as no annual fee and an intro APR for new cardmembers.
Rates & Fees
- The NHL Discover it credit card carries no annual fee, but other charges apply.
- New cardmembers enjoy a 0% intro APR for the first 14 months on both purchases and balance transfers.
- After the promotional period ends, a variable interest rate of 14.24% to 25.24% applies, depending on the credit history and score of the cardmember.
- Balance transfers have a fee of 3% per transaction
- Cash advances have a fee of $10 or 5%, whichever is greater.
The Verdict
The NHL Discover it credit card is a valuable cash-back credit card for those who love hockey. The card works similarly to other cash-back bonus category cards, but the added bonus of discounts on NHL purchases makes this card stand out. Because the card has no annual fee and an intro APR for new cardmembers, the NHL Discover it credit card is a better option for NHL fans than other comparable cash-back credit cards.
7. Discover it Card for Students
The Discover it Student Cash Back credit card is like a mash-up of benefits and rewards available with the Discover it and Discover it Chrome card options. Cardmembers earn up to 5% cash back on rotating categories, and there are also added perks, including a cash back match and a good grades statement credit for cardmembers who meet the requirements.
on Discover’s secure website
Discover it Card for Students
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% for first 6 months; 13.99% – 22.99% variable APR after that
- Benefits: Qualify for 5% cash back on rotating categories
- Category: Student Credit Card
Card Highlights
Students with the Discover it Student Cash Back credit card have the opportunity to rack up cash-back rewards on bonus categories each quarter. These rotate and must be activated each quarter, but they may include purchases at restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and Amazon.com. There is a quarterly maximum of $1,500 in purchases on the 5% cash back, but all other purchases continue to earn 1%. Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher each year can also earn a $20 statement credit, and Discover offers a cash back match to new cardmembers for the first year.
Rates & Fees
- While there is no annual fee for the Discover it Student Cash-Back credit card, other charges apply.
- New cardmembers receive an intro APR of 0% for the first six months on purchases.
- After that period ends, a variable APR applies, ranging between 15.24% and 24.24%.
- Balance transfers are available, but they come with a 3% fee.
- Cash advances may also be used, but the charge is $10 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater.
The Verdict
The Discover it Student Cash Back credit card is a valuable option for students who plan to spend big in the bonus categories offered. Like other cash back bonus category cards, there is limited earning potential because of the quarterly maximum, but the 1% cash back on all other purchases helps to balance this out. The credit card has no annual fee and an intro APR that makes it more attractive than comparable student cash back credit cards, but if you don’t think you’ll spend in the 5% rotating categories, one of the other Discover student cards might be better for you.
Other resources on Discover credit cards
