Discover it® Credit Card Guide

Benefits of Discover it® Credit Cards

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The Discover it® credit card is known for its robust rewards program and consumer-friendly policies. It is one of the best options for those looking to earn cashback with no annual fees. Below are the main benefits:

  1. Cashback Rewards Program:
    • 5% Cashback: Discover it® cardholders earn 5% cashback on rotating categories that change every quarter, such as groceries, restaurants, gas stations, or Amazon.com, up to a quarterly maximum after activation.
    • 1% Cashback on All Purchases: You earn 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases.
  2. Cashback Match for New Cardmembers:
    • First-Year Cashback Match: Discover will automatically match all the cashback you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn $200 in cashback, Discover will match that, giving you a total of $400.
  3. No Annual Fee:
    • The Discover it® credit card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for cashback rewards.
  4. 0% Introductory APR:
    • New cardholders enjoy a 0% introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (after the intro period, the standard variable APR will apply).
    • There is a 3% fee on balance transfers made during the intro period.
  5. No Foreign Transaction Fees:
    • Discover does not charge any fees for purchases made abroad, which makes the card useful for international travelers.
  6. Credit Monitoring:
    • Access to your FICO® Credit Score for free, updated monthly, to help you keep track of your credit health.
  7. Freeze It® Feature:
    • This feature allows you to freeze your account instantly if you misplace your card, stopping new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.
  8. Redemption Flexibility:
    • Cashback can be redeemed at any time for statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or merchandise.
    • You can also use your cashback at Amazon.com during checkout.
  9. Security Features:
    • $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized purchases and account monitoring to detect suspicious activity.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the Discover it® Credit Card

1. Review Your Credit Score

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Discover typically requires a good to excellent credit score for the Discover it® credit card, which means you should have a score of at least 670 or higher. Before applying, check your credit score to ensure you meet this requirement.

  • Discover also offers a secured credit card option for those looking to build or rebuild their credit.

2. Choose the Right Discover Card

Discover offers several versions of the Discover it® credit card, including:

  • Discover it® Cash Back: Best for people who want to maximize cashback on rotating categories.
  • Discover it® Student Cash Back: Designed for students, offering similar cashback features with more lenient approval requirements.
  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: A secured card designed to help those with poor or no credit build their credit score.
  • Discover it® Miles: A travel rewards card offering unlimited 1.5x miles per dollar spent on all purchases.

Choose the card that best fits your lifestyle and spending habits.

3. Gather Your Information

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Before applying, ensure you have the following details ready:

  • Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, Social Security number (SSN), and home address.
  • Financial Information: Employment status, total annual income, and monthly housing payment.
  • Credit History: Discover will evaluate your credit history, so it’s helpful to know your credit score and any outstanding debts.

4. Submit an Application Online

You can easily apply for a Discover it® credit card through Discover’s official website:

  • Online Application: Visit the Discover it® Credit Card page, choose your card, and click “Apply Now.” Complete the application form by filling in your personal, financial, and credit information.Alternatively, you can apply via phone by calling Discover’s customer service, but applying online is faster and more convenient.

5. Pre-Approval Check

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, Discover offers a pre-approval check on their website, allowing you to see if you’re likely to be approved for the card. This does not affect your credit score as it’s a soft inquiry.

6. Wait for Approval

Once your application is submitted, Discover will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report. You will typically receive a decision within minutes.

  • Instant Approval: Many applicants are approved immediately.
  • Further Review: If Discover needs more time to review your application, you’ll be notified within 5–7 business days.

7. Receive Your Discover it® Credit Card

If approved, your new Discover it® credit card will be mailed to you within 7–10 business days. You will need to activate the card once it arrives, which you can do by:

  • Logging into your Discover account online or via the mobile app.
  • Calling the activation number provided with the card.

Post-Approval: Managing Your Discover it® Credit Card

1. Set Up Online Account Access

Once your card is activated, register for Discover’s online account or download the Discover mobile app to manage your credit card account. You can:

  • Track purchases and cashback rewards.
  • Pay your bill online or set up automatic payments.
  • Monitor your credit score with the FICO® Score tracker.
  • Activate cashback categories for 5% cashback earnings.

2. Set Up Cashback Category Activation

To take advantage of the 5% cashback on rotating categories, make sure to activate the bonus categories every quarter. This can be done through the Discover mobile app or online account.

3. Set Up AutoPay

To avoid late fees or missed payments, consider setting up AutoPay to ensure your minimum payment or full balance is paid automatically every month.

4. Redeem Your Cashback

You can redeem your cashback rewards in multiple ways:

  • As a statement credit toward your balance.
  • As a direct deposit to your bank account.
  • By using your cashback at Amazon.com during checkout.
  • For gift cards or charitable donations.

5. Use the Freeze It® Feature for Added Security

In case you lose or misplace your card, you can use the Freeze It® feature to instantly stop any new transactions. This can be done through the Discover mobile app or website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What credit score is needed for a Discover it® credit card?
    • Discover it® cards typically require a good to excellent credit score (670 or higher), though there are secured options for those with lower credit scores.
  2. Does Discover it® charge an annual fee?
    • No, the Discover it® credit card has no annual fee.
  3. Can I get pre-approved for a Discover it® credit card?
    • Yes, you can use Discover’s pre-approval tool to check your eligibility without impacting your credit score.
  4. How long does it take to get approved for a Discover it® credit card?
    • Many applicants receive an instant decision. If additional review is needed, you’ll hear back within 5–7 business days.
  5. Are there foreign transaction fees with the Discover it® credit card?
    • No, Discover it® credit cards do not charge any foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.
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