Card Overview
The Discover it® Miles card is a travel-focused credit card offering a straightforward cashback rewards program.
It provides 1.5 miles per dollar spent on every purchase, making it ideal for those who want to accumulate rewards quickly and easily.
A standout feature of this card is the unlimited 1.5x miles earned on all purchases, with no rotating categories or spending limits.
Unlike many other travel cards, Discover it® Miles has no annual fee, making it an attractive option for those who want to earn rewards without the burden of paying for the privilege.
In addition, the card comes with an enticing welcome offer.
Discover matches all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year, doubling your miles, which can significantly boost your rewards balance.
Reasons to Choose Discover it® Miles
- 1.5 Miles per Dollar on Every Purchase
One of the key selling points of the Discover it® Miles card is its 1.5 miles per dollar spent on every purchase, with no need to worry about rotating categories or category limitations. Whether you’re buying groceries, filling up your gas tank, or making online purchases, you earn the same amount of miles on every transaction. - No Annual Fee
Many credit cards come with an annual fee, which can eat into the rewards you earn. However, the Discover it® Miles card does not have an annual fee, which means all the miles you earn are truly yours to keep. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to accumulate miles without paying an upfront cost. - Double Miles for Your First Year
As part of its welcome offer, the Discover it® Miles card will match all the miles you earn in your first year. This means that if you earn 10,000 miles in your first year, Discover will give you another 10,000 miles, bringing your total to 20,000 miles. This bonus can add up quickly and make a big difference in your travel rewards. - No Foreign Transaction Fees
If you travel internationally or make purchases from foreign merchants, one of the most appealing features of the Discover it® Miles card is that it comes with no foreign transaction fees. This means you can use your card abroad without worrying about extra charges on top of your purchases. - Flexible Rewards Redemption
Miles earned on the Discover it® Miles card can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or travel purchases. Discover allows you to use your miles as a statement credit to cover travel expenses such as flights, hotels, and car rentals, or even for everyday purchases like shopping or dining. This flexibility makes the card an attractive option for those who want to choose how they use their rewards. - Generous Customer Service and Security
Discover is known for its excellent customer service, and Discover it® Miles cardholders have access to 24/7 support. Additionally, the card provides fraud protection, so if your card is ever lost or stolen, you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized purchases. This added peace of mind is crucial for frequent travelers.
Negative Factors of the Discover it® Miles Card
- High APR for Carrying a Balance
While the Discover it® Miles card has many benefits, one downside is the high APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for carrying a balance. The interest rates can range from 17.24% to 28.24% (Variable), which is relatively high compared to other credit cards. If you tend to carry a balance month to month, the interest charges can quickly outweigh the rewards you’re earning. - Limited Redemption Options for Non-Travel Purchases
Although you can redeem miles for cash back, the Discover it® Miles card’s rewards are mainly geared towards travel. While cash back is an option, it doesn’t provide as many redemption choices compared to other cards that offer more flexible reward systems, such as points or miles that can be used for a variety of purposes. - Limited Acceptance Outside the U.S.
While Discover is widely accepted in the U.S., its acceptance internationally may be somewhat limited compared to other major card networks like Visa and Mastercard. If you plan to travel internationally, you should confirm that your destination accepts Discover cards before relying on it exclusively. - Credit Score Requirements
To be eligible for the Discover it® Miles card, you typically need a good to excellent credit score. This can be a downside for those with average or low credit, as they may not be approved for this card or might face a higher APR.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for the Discover it® Miles Card?

To apply for the Discover it® Miles card, there are some basic eligibility requirements. These include:
- Credit Score
To have a higher chance of approval, applicants should have a good to excellent credit score. A score of 700 or higher is typically recommended, though approval is not guaranteed. Discover may also consider your overall credit history, income, and debt levels when reviewing your application. - Age
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for the Discover it® Miles card. - Income
You will need to provide your income information during the application process. This is used to determine your ability to repay the credit card balance. While there is no minimum income requirement, a higher income may increase your chances of approval. - Social Security Number (SSN)
A valid Social Security Number (SSN) is required for identification purposes during the application process. - U.S. Residency
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents to qualify for the Discover it® Miles card.
Fees and Costs
While the Discover it® Miles card is relatively cost-effective compared to many other rewards cards, it’s still important to be aware of the following fees:
- APR
The APR for the Discover it® Miles card can range from 17.24% to 28.24% (Variable) depending on your creditworthiness. - Late Payment Fee
The late payment fee can be as high as $40, so it’s important to pay your bill on time to avoid extra charges. - Cash Advance Fee
If you use your card for a cash advance, you will incur a fee of 5% of the amount of each cash advance or $10, whichever is greater. - Foreign Transaction Fee
One of the standout benefits of the Discover it® Miles card is that it has no foreign transaction fees, which is a huge advantage for frequent travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions

- What is the welcome bonus for the Discover it® Miles card?
The Discover it® Miles card offers a welcome bonus where they will match all the miles you earn during the first year. This means if you earn 10,000 miles, Discover will give you an additional 10,000 miles. - Can I redeem miles for cash back?
Yes, you can redeem your miles for cash back as well as travel purchases or gift cards. - Are there any foreign transaction fees?
No, there are no foreign transaction fees on the Discover it® Miles card. This makes it a great option for international travel. - Is there an annual fee for the Discover it® Miles card?
No, the Discover it® Miles card does not charge an annual fee, which is one of the key advantages of this card. - What is the APR on the Discover it® Miles card?
The APR for the Discover it® Miles card ranges from 17.24% to 28.24% (Variable), depending on your creditworthiness.
Conclusion
The Discover it® Miles card is an excellent option for individuals looking to earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Its welcome bonus where Discover matches all your miles earned in the first year makes it even more appealing, offering a significant boost to your rewards balance.
The flexibility in redeeming miles for both travel and cash back gives cardholders a range of choices for how to use their rewards.