Discover it® Student: Up to 5% Cashback on Quarterly Rotating Categories

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By Olena | Feb 3, 2026 at 12:10 PM EST

The Bottom Line

3.8
BIG4CREDIT RANKING Our 5-star rating is based on Big4credit’s independent, data-driven scoring system. Each card is evaluated across multiple weighted categories – including rewards, fees, welcome offers, 0% intro APR, ongoing APR, perks, benefits, and protections. Ratings are determined solely by our research and analysis and are never influenced by card issuers or advertisers. Read about our ranking system in the Credit Card Ranking & Methodology section.
Discover it® Student is an excellent starter card for students who want to maximize rewards without paying an annual fee. It offers 5% cashback on rotating quarterly categories like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter after activation, plus 1% cashback on all other purchases. New cardmembers also benefit from Discover’s Cashback Match, which automatically doubles all cashback earned at the end of the first year. In addition, the card comes with a 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases and a low intro APR on balance transfers, making it helpful for larger purchases or managing expenses. This card is best for students who are willing to track the bonus categories and want to earn extra cashback in their first year.
Discover it® Student
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Discover it® Student
Annual fee:   $0

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 6 months

Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months

Regular APR

16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR

Buy Now, Pay Later N/A

N/A

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards Earn 5% cashback each quarter on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating categories. Activation is required each quarter by the stated deadline. Plus, earn 1% cashback on all other purchases.

1% - 5% Cashback

Welcome Offer Enjoy Unlimited Cashback Match: Discover will automatically match all the cashback you earn at the end of your first year, with no limit.

Unlimited Cashback Match (first year)

Designed for Students: No credit score is required to apply, making it easy for students to get started. Earn 5% cashback on quarterly rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter) – worth up to ~$300 per year in rewards. First-year Cashback Match can double your rewards to up to ~$600.

Welcome Offer

  • Unlimited Cashback Match: Discover will automatically match all the cashback you earn at the end of your first year, with no limit.

Rewards

  • 5% Cashback on Quarterly Rotating Categories: Earn 5% cashback each quarter on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating categories. Activation is required each quarter by the stated deadline. See current categories here.
  • 1% Cashback on All Other Purchases.

Redemption Options

  • Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem rewards for cash at any time, in any amount, or use them for purchases at Amazon.com. Cashback never expires.

Fees and APR

  • Annual Fee: $0.
  • 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Low Intro APR on Balance Transfers: Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and 10.99% Intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months from account opening.
  • Regular APR: After the introductory period, a variable APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies to purchases and balance transfers.
    • Paying late won’t raise your APR.
  • Intro Balance Transfer Fees: 3% of the transfer amount, for balance transfers completed by the date specified in the terms and conditions.
  • Regular Balance Transfer Fees: 5% of each transfer amount, for balance transfers made after the introductory period ends.
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: None.
  • Late Payment: No fee on your first late payment.

Additional Features

  • Custom Card Design: Choose from 25 colorful designs when you apply for the Discover it® card.
  • Credit Line Increase: When you graduate, you can update your income and housing information and may become eligible for a credit line increase.
  • Identity Monitoring: Daily Experian® credit report monitoring (new accounts & inquiries) and dark web SSN alerts.
  • Card freeze/unfreeze.

Terms and Conditions

Click Apply Now to see the terms and conditions.

  • Discover it®: Same rotating 5% cashback and Cashback Match, but without student eligibility requirements. 👉 Check Discover it® details
  • NHL® Discover it® has the same rewards and features as Discover it®, with the added option to choose a custom NHL team design. If you want Discover it® card with a personal touch, this is it. 👉 View NHL® Discover it® details

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