Apply for the Discover it® Cash Back

The Discover it® Cash Back card is a popular cash back credit card that provides cardholders with the opportunity to earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to a maximum spend of $1,500 per quarter, then 1%).

This makes it one of the most rewarding cards for those who frequently shop in specific categories, like grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and more.

Additionally, it offers 1% cash back on all other purchases, making it a versatile choice for everyday spending.

One of the key features of the Discover it® Cash Back is its cash back match for new cardmembers.

At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned, making your rewards even more valuable.

This is a unique feature that sets this card apart from many other cash back cards.

Reasons to Choose the Discover it® Cash Back Card

High Cashback Potential: One of the primary reasons to choose the Discover it® Cash Back card is its exceptional cash back rates. The card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories, which change every quarter. These categories often include some of the most common spending areas, such as grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and even online shopping or Amazon purchases. For the remaining purchases, you’ll still earn 1% cash back, making it an excellent option for everyday spending as well.

Cashback Match at the End of the First Year: A standout feature of the Discover it® Cash Back card is the Cashback Match. At the end of your first year, Discover will automatically match the cashback you’ve earned, meaning if you earn $200 in cash back during your first year, you’ll get an additional $200. This makes the first year an especially rewarding time to use this card.

No Annual Fee: Unlike many other cash back and rewards cards, the Discover it® Cash Back card has no annual fee. This allows you to maximize your rewards without worrying about offsetting an annual cost. The lack of an annual fee makes it more accessible and attractive for those who are looking to get the most out of their spending without additional expenses.

0% Introductory APR for 15 Months: The Discover it® Cash Back card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. This is a great benefit for individuals who need to make a large purchase or transfer existing credit card debt from a higher interest rate card. After the introductory period, the standard APR applies, which typically ranges between 14.24% to 25.24% (variable).

Cashback on Rotating Categories: Every quarter, the Discover it® Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on a rotating list of categories. Previous categories have included things like Amazon, restaurants, gas stations, groceries, and select department stores. This structure allows you to earn higher cash back rates in categories where you spend the most, and it keeps the rewards program fresh and adaptable to changing shopping habits.

Negative Factors of the Discover it® Cash Back Card

Rotating Categories Can Be Inconvenient: While the 5% cash back in rotating categories is an attractive feature, it can also be a downside for some users. You’ll need to keep track of the categories each quarter and activate the offer each time. If you forget to activate, you’ll earn only the standard 1% cash back for that quarter’s categories. Additionally, the categories may not always align with your spending habits, so you may miss out on the full cash back potential in some quarters.

High APR After Introductory Period: While the 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months is appealing, the card’s standard APR can be relatively high, ranging from 14.24% to 25.24%. If you carry a balance after the introductory period, the high interest rate could lead to significant interest charges, especially if you have a large balance.

Limited Acceptance in Some International Locations: Although Discover is widely accepted in the U.S., it is not as commonly accepted internationally as Visa or Mastercard. This could be a limitation for people who travel abroad frequently and need a credit card that is universally accepted.

How to Apply for the Card

Visit the Official Discover Website: Begin by navigating to the official Discover website. Look for the section dedicated to the Discover it® Cash Back Card, where you can find comprehensive details about its features, benefits, and eligibility criteria.

Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the online application with your accurate personal and financial details. Ensure that all information is up-to-date, as inaccuracies may delay the review process.

Submit Required Documentation: Depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income, identification, or residency. Having these documents prepared in advance can help expedite the evaluation of your application.

Review the Terms and Conditions: Carefully read through the terms and conditions associated with the Discover it® Cash Back Card. It is essential to understand details such as interest rates, fees, and the specific rewards structure—including the rotating bonus categories and the first-year Cashback Match™ offer.

Submit Your Application: After verifying that all necessary fields are complete and accurate, submit your application. You will receive an email confirmation along with details about the next steps and an estimated timeframe for the review process.

Fees and Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the fees and costs associated with the Discover it® Cash Back card:

• Annual Fee: $0.
• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then 14.24% to 25.24% (variable).
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.
• Cash Advance Fee: 5% of the amount or $10 (whichever is greater).
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0.
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the cash back rate for the Discover it® Cash Back card?

You earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 in spending per quarter, then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

How does the Cashback Match work?

At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned, making your total cash back even higher.

Are there any foreign transaction fees?

No, the Discover it® Cash Back card does not charge any foreign transaction fees.

What happens if I forget to activate the 5% categories?

If you forget to activate the rotating 5% categories, you will earn the standard 1% cash back on those purchases.

Is there a sign-up bonus for the Discover it® Cash Back card?

While the card does not offer a traditional sign-up bonus, the Cashback Match is a great reward for new cardholders during their first year.

The Discover it® Cash Back card is an excellent choice for those who want to earn high cash back rates on specific spending categories.

The 5% cash back in rotating categories, combined with the Cashback Match at the end of your first year, provides great value, especially for those who can maximize the rewards.

With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it’s also a great option for people who want to earn rewards without additional costs.

However, the rotating categories and spending limits can be a drawback for some users. If you are looking for a card with unlimited cashback or a sign-up bonus, this might not be the best fit.