The Discover it® Cash Back card stands out for its simplicity and rewarding structure, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to earn significant cashback without the hassle of fees.

One of the card’s key features is the 5% cashback on rotating categories, plus an unlimited 1% on all other purchases. With no annual fee and a first-year Cashback Match that doubles all rewards earned, this card offers fantastic value for savvy spenders.

The card is particularly appealing to those who can align their spending with rotating categories such as groceries, restaurants, and gas stations, allowing them to maximize the 5% cashback each quarter.

In addition, the card features a 0% introductory APR for 15 months, providing a low-risk opportunity to manage spending and earn rewards without incurring interest.

If you’re thinking about applying for the Discover it® Cash Back card, understanding both its advantages and potential limitations is crucial. In this guide, we’ll cover all the key benefits, potential drawbacks, and tips on how to maximize your cashback rewards.

Key Takeaways

• The Discover it® Cash Back card offers cashback with no annual fee.
• Cashback is matched at the end of the first year for new cardholders.
• A 0% introductory APR is available for a limited time.
• Ideal for those who prefer rotating rewards categories.

Overview of the Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Discover it® Cash Back card is a no-annual-fee option designed for those seeking to earn cashback rewards. Its standout feature is the 5% cashback on rotating categories, which change quarterly (such as gas, dining, and online shopping), plus 1% cashback on all other purchases.

A unique benefit of this card is Discover’s Cashback Match™ program, which matches all cashback earned during the first year, effectively doubling your rewards during that period.

The card also offers additional perks, such as fraud protection, free access to your FICO® Score, and no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for those looking to earn rewards without added costs.

Discover it® Cash Back Card Benefits

The Discover it® Cash Back card offers several valuable perks:

✔️ 5% cashback on rotating categories: Earn 5% cashback each quarter in popular spending categories like groceries, gas stations, and restaurants (up to $1,500 in spending per quarter, then 1%).

✔️ Unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases: No matter what you buy, you’ll earn 1% cashback on every purchase.

✔️ First-year Cashback Match: At the end of your first year, Discover matches all the cashback you’ve earned, effectively doubling your rewards.

✔️ No annual fee: Enjoy all the rewards without any yearly fee to worry about.

✔️ 0% introductory APR for 15 months: New cardholders benefit from 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.

Disadvantages of the Discover it® Cash Back Card

While the card comes with many advantages, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

❌ Rotating categories require activation: Each quarter, you’ll need to activate the 5% cashback categories to earn the higher rewards.

❌ Spending cap on bonus categories: The 5% cashback applies only to the first $1,500 spent in bonus categories each quarter. After that, purchases in those categories earn 1% cashback.

❌ Limited international acceptance: Discover cards may not be as widely accepted internationally, which could be inconvenient for frequent travelers.

How to Apply for the Discover it® Cash Back Card

The Discover it® Cash Back card has a straightforward application process and is known for being accessible to those with good to excellent credit. Here’s how to apply:

1. Visit the Discover website: Start by heading to the official Discover site to begin your application.
2. Complete the online form: Provide your personal and financial information, including income and employment details.
3. Review the terms and conditions: Make sure to read through the card’s fees, interest rates, and terms before submitting your application.
4. Submit your application: You’ll usually receive a decision within minutes, though some cases may take a few days.
5. Receive your card: Once approved, your card will be mailed to you within 7–10 business days.
6. Activate and start earning: After receiving your card, activate it and begin earning cashback on all your purchases.

Ready to earn 5% cashback and enjoy the first-year cashback match? Click below to apply for the Discover it® Cash Back card today!

Maximizing your Discover it® Cash Back Card Benefits

To get the most out of your Discover it® Cash Back card, it’s essential to plan strategically around its features. Here are a few tips:

Activate rotating categories every quarter:

Ensure you activate the 5% cashback categories each quarter to unlock higher rewards. You can easily do this online, by phone, or via the Discover mobile app.

Monitor spending in bonus categories:

Keep track of your spending in the 5% bonus categories, as rewards are capped at $1,500 per quarter. After reaching the limit, consider using another card for those purchases or continue to earn 1% cashback with the Discover it® card.

Maximize the Cashback Match:

In your first year, focus on maximizing your spending in the 5% categories since Discover will match all cashback at the end of the year, doubling your rewards.

Choose the best redemption options:

Discover offers multiple ways to redeem cashback, including as a statement credit, direct deposit, or for purchases at Amazon. Pick the method that provides the most value for your situation.

Who should get this card?

The Discover it® Cash Back card is perfect for people who enjoy earning rewards in specific spending categories like groceries, gas, and dining. It’s especially beneficial for those who can plan their spending around the rotating categories and want a no-fee card with high rewards.

Additionally, the first-year Cashback Match makes it a strong option for new cardholders looking to maximize their rewards within the first year.

However, if you prefer a simpler, flat-rate cashback system or need a card that’s widely accepted internationally, you might want to consider other options.

Also read: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card – How to request

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FAQ

How to Improve Your Credit Score to Get Approved for the Discover it® Cash Back Card

To increase your chances of being approved for the Discover it® Cash Back Card, follow these steps to improve your credit score:

1. Pay All Bills on Time: Payment history is a crucial factor in determining your credit score. Make sure to pay all your bills, including credit cards, loans, and utilities, on time. Late payments can severely damage your score.
2. Keep Your Credit Utilization Low: Try to keep your credit card balances below 30% of your total credit limit. High balances relative to your credit limit can negatively impact your score. The lower your utilization, the better.
3. Limit Hard Inquiries: Each time you apply for new credit, it results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score slightly. Avoid applying for multiple credit cards or loans within a short period to prevent this impact.
4. Maintain a Long Credit History: The age of your credit accounts plays a role in your score. If you have older accounts, keep them open, even if you’re not actively using them. A longer credit history helps boost your score.
5. Monitor Your Credit Report for Errors: Regularly check your credit report for errors that could be dragging down your score. Dispute any inaccuracies with the credit bureaus to ensure your report is accurate.
6. Diversify Your Credit Mix: Having a mix of credit types—such as credit cards, loans, and other forms of credit—can positively affect your score. However, don’t open new accounts just for the sake of variety; only take on credit you can manage responsibly.

By following these strategies, you can improve your credit score and enhance your chances of qualifying for the Discover it® Cash Back Card.