Discover it® Student Cash Back Review

Last Updated on May 13, 2026

Offer Rating

5.0/5

The Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card offers a way for students to build credit while earning cash back on everyday purchases. With rotating cash back categories and a $0 annual fee, it's a smart choice for students looking to maximize their savings.

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Discover it Student Cash Back card art Rates & Fees

Discover it® Student Cash Back

5.0 BCC Score
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on Discover's secure site

Welcome Offer
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards Rate
5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 6 months and 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months, then 16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Score Needed
Fair, New to Credit
Card Brand
Discover
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem cash back for any amount
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.

Pros

  • Enjoy generous cash back rewards rates on purchases
  • Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
  • No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and award-winning customer service

Cons

  • There is a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

OUR EXPERT REVIEW

Why We Like It

The Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card comes packed with perks and rewards specially designed for students. Just like the popular Discover it® Cash Back credit card, this card comes with a generous rewards rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. On top of that, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There's no signing up. And no limit to how much is matched.

One of the things that makes it stand out among other credit cards for students is that the Discover it® Student Cash Back card offers a nice intro APR period of 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases. After the intro period is up, the ongoing APR is 16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR. This card also comes with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no late fee on the first late payment, and no APR change for paying late.

Discover is widely praised for going above and beyond for their cardholders. For example, with the Discover it® Student Cash Back card, you'll enjoy 100% U.S. based customer service and a free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score. All in all, this card is a great fit for students looking to build their credit and earn cash back at the same time!

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Enjoy generous cash back rewards rates on purchases
  • Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
  • No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and award-winning customer service

Cons

  • There is a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

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