The Best Credit Card for Students: Discover it Student Cash Back
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a great option for students who want to establish their credit history, earn rewards, and practice responsible money management. This card is tailored for students, providing good cashback, no fees, and financial tools that help establish good spending habits.
Possibly the greatest benefit of this card is its cashback rewards program. Students earn up to 5% cashback in rotating categories like restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and online purchases. Plus, there’s 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases. To make it even better, Discover’s Cash Back Match program automatically doubles all the cash you’ve earned at the end of your first year, no strings attached.
No annual fees — students can have all the benefits without incurring additional costs. In addition to this, Discover recognizes that many students may be new to credit, so there is no lengthy credit history necessary to even apply for the card, making this yet another accessible option to college students looking to build their credit score.
Security is another area in which the Discover it® Student Cash Back excels. It offers fraud protection, transaction monitoring in real time, and 24/7 customer support to help users ensure their financial safety. It also offers students free credit score monitoring and budgeting tools to promote healthy financial habits.
Excellent for students who want a reliable, rewarding, and easy-to-manage credit card, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is a great option. It comes with great benefits, no hidden fees, and excellent security features, making it the best when it comes to laying the groundwork for future economic success.
Why You Should Consider Applying for the Discover it Student Cash Back
4 Compelling Benefits of This Card:
Cash Back Rewards – Get 5% back in rotating categories and 1% unlimited on everything else. It gives students a means of saving money on the things they buy every day.
No Annual Fees – Most credit cards come with an annual fee, however, this card has no annual fees, to make sure you save as much as possible when building your credit as a student.
Cashback Match at End of Year One – Get all the cashback you earn during your first year automatically matched by Discover, making double the rewards effort-free.
Security & Credit Building Tools – Includes fraud monitoring, free FICO® credit score tracking, and financial management tools to help students learn responsible spending habits.
Are There Any Downsides to the Discover it® Student Cash Back?
Downsides:
Rotating cashback categories need activation — The maximum 5% cashback bonus is a great benefit, but it’s on rotating categories that you need to manually activate each quarter. But Discover simplifies this process and sends reminders, so you never miss out on rewards.
Limited International Acceptance — While Discover is widely accepted in the U.S., it may not be as recognizable in certain international venues compared with Visa or Mastercard. But for students who primarily shop and travel within the U.S., this is not a big problem.
Discover it® Student Cash Back: How to Apply
Guide to Applying Introductory:
The application process for the Discover it® Student Cash Back is quick and easy. This is a very student-first card with less restrictive requirements, making it a great first credit card.
Students must verify whether they meet basic requirements before applying, which means being 18 years of age or older, possessing an income source, and college enrollment. Since no lengthy credit history is necessary, this card is a perfect choice for those just starting to build their credit.
The entire application process is online and takes just a few minutes. Students must submit basic personal information, proof of enrollment, and income data. Once you submit these documents, Discover usually responds with your application status fairly quickly.
Once approved, the card will arrive in a few business days, and students can activate it online or via the Discover mobile app. They can then start earning cashback and building credit right away.
How to Apply for the Discover it® Student Cash Back in 5 Steps
Application Guide: Step-by-Step
Check Eligibility – Verify that you fit the general prerequisites to apply, (i.e., You are a student, you hold a legitimate Social Security number, and a method of income).
Prepare Necessary Documents – Collect your student ID, proof of income, and personal information that you might need to complete the application in one go.
Complete the Online Application – Go to the Discover website, fill out the application form with correct information, and submit your application.
Wait for Approval – Discover has an instant application decision, but in some cases, additional verification may be required.
Activate & Start Using Your Card – After you receive your card, activate it online or using the Discover mobile app, then start earning cashback straight away!
The Final Word on the Pros & Cons of This Card:
One of the top credit cards for students, the Discover it® Student Cash Back combines reward earning, security, and financial management tools. Whether you want to build your credit history, receive cashback on purchases, or simply avoid fees — this card has it all.
The key benefit of using this card is its cashback program. Students can earn while they spend, with up to 5% cashback in rotating categories and an unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases. And at the end of your first year, your cash back can automatically be doubled with the Cashback Match program, making this one of the most rewarding student credit cards.
Another great feature is that it has no annual fees, so students can build their credit without incurring additional expenses. Plus, Discover’s fraud protection and security features help students use their cards safely and with confidence.
And while it does require you to activate cashback categories four times a year, Discover has made it easy and accessible to do. And, while overseas acceptance is somewhat limited, this is not a fundamental issue for students looking to colleges primarily in the U.S.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is one of the best credit cards out there for students who want a card they can rely on, that is rewarding and secure. Sign up now and begin reaping the rewards of prudent credit usage!
