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Discover it Cash Back Card Review

This card is all about maximizing the moment. It’s packed with benefits that feel perfectly timed.

Discover it Cash Back
Source: Discover it Cash Back

For the savvy saver who loves a great deal, the Discover it Cash Back card is a fun and powerful way to maximize rewards on your everyday spending. This isn’t a boring, one-note card; it’s a dynamic tool that keeps your earnings fresh and exciting by offering a phenomenal 5% cash back in different categories throughout the year. From grocery stores and gas stations to restaurants and online shopping, this card adapts to your life.

More Than 10 Incredible Benefits

  1. 5% Rotating Cash Back Categories: This is the card’s signature feature! Earn an incredible 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating categories each quarter you activate.
  2. Unlimited Cashback Match Welcome Bonus: This is the best welcome bonus in the game. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no limit. Turn $300 in cash back into $600!
  3. Unlimited 1% Cash Back: On all purchases outside the 5% bonus categories, you’ll automatically earn a solid 1% cash back with no limits.
  4. Long 0% Introductory APR: Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on both new purchases and balance transfers. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to finance a large purchase or pay down existing debt without interest.
  5. $0 Annual Fee: Enjoy all the fantastic benefits and rewards of this card without paying an annual fee, ever.
  6. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Take your card on your international travels without worrying about extra charges on your purchases.
  7. First Late Fee Forgiven: Discover understands that life happens. There is no fee for your first late payment, and paying late won’t raise your APR.
  8. Flexible, Any-Amount Redemptions: Your cash back is yours to use as you please. Redeem any amount of your rewards, at any time, for a statement credit or a direct deposit to your bank account.
  9. Pay with Rewards: Seamlessly use your cash back rewards to pay for purchases directly at checkout on Amazon.com and with PayPal.
  10. Gift Cards with an Added Bonus: Stretch your rewards even further by redeeming them for gift cards from your favorite brands, as Discover often adds an extra bonus to the value.
  11. Free FICO® Credit Score: Keep track of your credit health with free access to your FICO® score through your online account or mobile app.
  12. Freeze it® Security: If you misplace your card, you can instantly freeze it from the Discover app or website to prevent new purchases and cash advances.
  13. 100% U.S.-Based Customer Service: Get assistance from a friendly, U.S.-based customer service representative whenever you need it, 24/7.

Who Can Apply

To apply for the Discover it Cash Back card, you should generally meet the following criteria:

  • Credit Score: It is recommended that applicants have good to excellent credit (typically a FICO score of 670 or higher).
  • Age: You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Residency: You must be a resident of the United States with a valid U.S. address.
  • Identification: A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for the application.

How to Apply

Discover it Cash Back
Source: Discover it Cash Back

Applying for the Discover it® Cash Back card is a simple and quick online process.

  1. Visit the Discover Website: Navigate to the official Discover it® Cash Back card application page.
  2. Check for Pre-Approval (Recommended): Discover offers a pre-approval tool that allows you to see if you are likely to be approved for the card without impacting your credit score.
  3. Complete the Application: Fill out the secure online application with your personal, contact, and financial information.
  4. Review the Terms and Conditions: Before submitting, carefully read and agree to the card’s terms, rates, and fees.
  5. Submit Your Application: Once you have filled out all the required information, submit your application. Discover often provides a decision in as little as 60 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to activate the 5% cash back categories each quarter?
    Yes, this is crucial. You must activate the new 5% categories each quarter to earn the higher cash back rate. You can easily do this through your online account, the Discover mobile app, or by clicking an email link. If you forget to activate, you will still earn the standard 1% cash back.
  • What are some examples of past 5% categories?
    The categories change each year, but typical examples include:
    • January – March: Grocery Stores, Drug Stores
    • April – June: Gas Stations & EV Charging Stations, Home Improvement Stores
    • July – September: Restaurants, PayPal
    • October – December: Amazon.com, Target
  • How does the Cashback Match work exactly?
    It’s simple and automatic. Discover keeps a running total of all the cash back you earn in your first year. After your 12th billing cycle, they will add an equal amount to your account. For example, if you earn $250 in cash back rewards during your first year, Discover will give you another $250 for a total of $500.
  • Is there a limit on the 5% cash back I can earn?
    Yes, the 5% cash back rate applies to the first $1,500 in combined spending in the bonus categories each quarter. After you reach that $1,500 spending cap, you will continue to earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases in those categories for the rest of the quarter.
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