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If you love rewards and cash back, the Discover It Cash Back Credit Card is the perfect card for you. Maximum rewards for every dollar you spend, this card is jam-packed with perks.
Our Verdict
Best Suited for:
Foodie 
If there is a new restaurant opening, you are there. You are all about the latest food fusion trend no one has heard of and putting it on the map. You love finding the best new restaurant but also like to go to your old standbys and earning cash back for all. And when you aren’t finding the best new restaurant, you are experimenting with recipes at home, so you also need a good card for reaping the rewards of grocery shopping.
Social Butterfly
You are a person of the people and love to hang out with your friends whether it is a beautiful meal out, attending a sporting event or rocking out at a live concert. If something fun is happening, you want to be there and get rewarded for it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 No annual fee |  5% cash back is limited every quarter |
| Good for people who want to earn high cash back for everyday purchases | No travel rewards |
| Easy online banking | Penalty APR |
| No foreign transaction fee | Low 1% base reward rate |
Comparing Discover it Cashback with similar cards
Discover it® Cash Back
Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Beyond the basics
| Balance transfer intro APR | 0% APR for 15 months |
| Cash advance APR | 29.99% |
| Foreign transaction fees | None |
| Loan APR | None |
| Late payment fee | No fee on first late payment— up to$41 thereafter |
| Penalty APR | No imposed penalty APR on first late payment—balance will accumulate interest at the card’s regular APR thereafter |
| Credit score required | 670+ (Good – Excellent) |
Other Offers
$0 Fraud liability guaranteeYou are never held responsible for unauthorized purchases made on your account.
Freeze ItIf you cannot find your card, easily freeze it to prevent new purchases, cash advances, or transfers. If you cannot find it, you get free overnight shipping to replace the card.
Social Security Number alertsReceive an alert if your SSN is found on the dark web.
Discover Mobile AppTrack and redeem rewards, view your FICO score, manage your account, and message a representative right from your phone.
What we like about this card
The Discover it Cash Back Credit Card appeals to users through its lucrative cash back rewards, introductory APR, lack of annual fees, security features, and customer-centric services:
Generous cash back rewards
One of the standout features of the Discover it Cash Back Credit Card is its rewarding cash back program. Earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories, such as gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when activated. Enjoy 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.
Cashback match for the first year
A unique and appealing aspect is the Cashback Match program, Discover automatically matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, doubling your rewards without any caps or limits. This perk significantly enhances the card's value, especially for new cardholders.
Introductory APR
The card offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 14 months. This feature is beneficial for those looking to make significant purchases and pay them off over time without incurring interest charges.
No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
The absence of an annual fee makes the Discover it Cash Back Credit Card an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals, and no foreign transaction fee is appealing for frequent travelers.
Redeem cash back anytime
Unlike some cards with strict redemption rules, the Discover it Cash Back allows users to redeem their cash back at any time, in any amount. Redemption options include direct deposits, statement credits, and gift cards, providing flexibility and convenience.
Exceptional customer service
Discover is renowned for its customer service. Cardholders appreciate the responsive and helpful customer support, contributing to an overall positive experience with the card.
Innovative mobile app
The Discover mobile app is user-friendly and feature-rich. It allows cardholders to manage their accounts, track expenses, redeem rewards, and even activate the 5% cash back categories seamlessly.
Drawbacks and considerations
While the Discover it Cash Back Credit Card offers compelling rewards and features, it's important for potential cardholders to be aware of its drawbacks and consider whether these align with their spending habits and preferences:
Rotating categories require activation
While the 5% cash back in rotating categories is a great feature, cardholders need to remember to activate these categories each quarter to maximize rewards. Forgetting to activate may result in earning the standard 1% cash back on all purchases.
Quarterly maximum for 5% cash back
The 5% cash back is subject to a quarterly maximum. Once the spending cap is reached in the activated category, cardholders earn only 1% cash back, limiting the overall potential rewards.
Not widely accepted internationally
Although the card has no foreign transaction fees, Discover is not as widely accepted globally as some other credit card networks like Visa or Mastercard.
Potential high APR after introductory period
While the card offers a 0% APR on purchases for the first 14 months, it's important to consider the variable APR that applies after this period. Individuals who carry a balance beyond the introductory period may face relatively high-interest rates.
Credit score dependency
While the card is accessible to those with average credit, individuals with lower credit scores may have difficulty qualifying.
May not suit high spenders
For individuals who spend significantly in categories not covered by the 5% cash back, or those who spend beyond the quarterly maximum, the card's overall cash back potential might be lower compared to flat-rate cash back cards.
No travel-specific benefits
The card lacks travel-specific perks, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, or other benefits typically associated with travel rewards cards. Individuals seeking a credit card primarily for travel-related benefits might find other options more suitable.
How to decide if this card is right for you
Deciding if the Discover it Cash Back Credit Card is right for you involves a careful consideration of your spending habits, financial goals, and preferences. Here's a guide to help you determine if this card aligns with your needs:
Evaluate your spending habits
Consider your typical expenses and where you spend the most. The 5% cash back in rotating categories can be lucrative if they align with your regular purchases. If your spending doesn't match the quarterly categories, or you prefer simplicity, a flat-rate cash back card might be a better fit.
Assess your interest in activation
The card's 5% cash back categories require quarterly activation. Assess whether you are willing to actively engage in this process to maximize rewards. If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, a card with a consistent cash back rate might be more suitable.
Determine the sign-up bonus importance
The Discover it Cash Back Credit Card doesn't have a traditional sign-up bonus, but the Cashback Match for the first year can be substantial. If you prioritize immediate rewards, consider if the Cashback Match compensates for the absence of a fixed sign-up bonus.
Consider your credit score
While the card is accessible to those with average credit, ensure that your credit score aligns with the card's requirements. If you have a lower credit score, explore other options that might be more attainable.
Analyze Your Travel and International Spending
If you frequently travel internationally, be mindful that Discover is not as widely accepted as other card networks. If travel benefits are crucial, a travel rewards card from a more globally accepted network might be a better fit.
Assess your interest in APR promotions
If you plan on making significant purchases and want a period of interest-free payments, the 0% APR on purchases for the first 14 months can be advantageous. If APR promotions are not a priority or if you plan to carry a balance, compare the card's post-promotional APR with other options.
Consider your overall financial goals
Reflect on your broader financial objectives. If you are looking to maximize cash back and enjoy a year of doubled rewards with Cashback Match, the Discover it Cash Back Credit Card is appealing. If your goals involve travel, building credit, or specific perks, explore cards tailored to those objectives.
Found a prefect pair
Pair your Discover it Cashback with Citi® Double Cash Card
For maximum saving potential, pair this card with Citi Double Cash Card. For any purchases that do not fall into a bonus category, use Citi’s flat-rate credit card so you can earn more than 1.5% cash back on those purchases. You will receive 2% cash back—1% when you buy and 1% when your purchases are paid off.
Methodology
Credello’s credit card reviews aim to provide readers with clear and unbiased information to help them choose the right credit card that aligns with their financial goals and needs. Our methodology emphasizes transparency, disclosure of any potential biases, and regular updates to ensure the information remains relevant and accurate for readers.The methodology used to review the best Wells Fargo Credit Cards relied on a number of factors, with the most prominent of those being:
- Assess the interest rates charged on outstanding balances.
- Evaluate the cost of owning the credit card, including any annual fees.
- Examine rewards programs, cashback offers, travel perks, and other cardholder benefits.
- Analyze introductory APR, balance transfer offers, and sign-up bonuses.
- Consider the card’s credit limit and its suitability for different financial needs.
- Review late fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges.
- Determine the credit score needed to qualify for the card.
- Research the quality and accessibility of customer support.
- Assess security measures such as fraud protection and chip technology.
The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.
FAQs
As a Discover card member, you can have two different credit cards from Discover, but you cannot have more than two Discover cards open at the same time.
No, there is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee.
Ultimately, the Discover it Cash Back card is worth considering if you can maximize the 5% cash back categories, take advantage of the Cashback Match in the first year, and appreciate the absence of an annual fee. However, if you prefer a straightforward cash back structure without quarterly activations or if you have specific travel-related needs, other credit cards might better suit your preferences. It’s crucial to assess your spending patterns and financial goals to determine if the card aligns with your overall financial strategy.
Check out popular cash back cards
American Express Blue Cash Preferred®
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Wells Fargo Active Cash®
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Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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At a Glance 
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