Discover it Student Cash Back: The Ideal Card for Students to Save Money

If you’re a college student looking for a credit card that offers real benefits, the Discover it Student Cash Back might be the perfect choice. With this card, you can earn cashback on your daily purchases, enjoy exclusive perks, and start building your credit history safely and easily. Plus, the card has no annual fee, making it an affordable option for those starting their financial journey.

In this article, we’ll explore all the details about the Discover it Student Cash Back, from its benefits and cashback program to how to apply and whether it’s truly worth it. Keep reading to see how this card can make a difference in your daily life and help you save money while studying!

What is the Discover it Student Cash Back?

The Discover it Student Cash Back is a credit card designed for college students in the U.S. who want to start their financial journey with security and exclusive benefits. It allows students to earn rewards on their daily purchases while building an essential credit history for the future.

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Unlike other student credit cards, the Discover it Student Cash Back does not require a prior credit history, making it accessible for first-time card applicants.

Additionally, it stands out for its cashback program, allowing students to save money while shopping in popular categories such as restaurants, grocery stores, and streaming services.

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With no annual fee and the first-year cashback match, this card is an excellent option for those who want to maximize benefits without extra costs.

Key Benefits of the Discover it Student Cash Back

1. 5% Cashback in Rotating Categories

Each quarter, Discover selects specific categories eligible for 5% cashback (with a spending cap per quarter). Some common categories include:

Restaurants
Gas stations
Grocery stores
Streaming services
Online shopping

Tip: To activate the 5% cashback, you must enroll each quarter via Discover’s website or app.

2. 1% Unlimited Cashback

All purchases outside the rotating categories earn 1% cashback, with no restrictions.

3. First-Year Cashback Match

At the end of the first year, Discover matches all the cashback you’ve earned. This means if you’ve accumulated $100, you’ll receive an additional $100 bonus.

4. No Annual Fee

No hidden costs or yearly charges, making it a budget-friendly option for students.

5. Flexible Rewards

Cashback can be redeemed in various ways:

Statement credit
Bank deposit
Gift cards
Payments via Amazon and PayPal

6. Credit Building

Discover reports your credit history to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), helping students build a good credit score.

7. No Late Fee on the First Missed Payment

If you miss a payment for the first time, Discover won’t charge you a late fee—an advantage for those still learning how to manage credit.

How to Apply for the Discover it Student Cash Back?

Applying for the Discover it Student Cash Back card is a simple process, even if you have no prior credit history. Since it’s designed for students, approval is more accessible compared to other credit cards. Below is a detailed guide to help you through the process.

Requirements:

Before applying, ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be a college student enrolled in a U.S.-based institution (no prior credit history required)
Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
Provide proof of income (if applicable) or demonstrate financial capability

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Follow these steps to apply for the Discover it Student Cash Back:

Visit the official Discover website – Go to the Discover Student Cards section and select “Apply Now.”
Fill out the application form – Enter your personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, and school details.
Provide financial details – If you have an income (from a part-time job, grants, or parental support), include that information.
Agree to a credit check – Discover may perform a soft or hard inquiry to determine your eligibility.
Submit your application – After submitting, you may receive an instant decision, or Discover may request additional verification.
Receive your card – If approved, your card will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days.

What If You’re Denied?

If your application is not approved, don’t worry! Here are a few steps you can take:

Check your application for errors – Ensure all the details you entered are accurate.
Build your credit history – Consider becoming an authorized user on a parent’s credit card or applying for a secured credit card.
Improve your financial stability – Increasing your income or reducing outstanding debts can enhance your approval chances in the future.

By following these steps, you can successfully apply for the Discover it Student Cash Back and start your journey toward financial independence!

Requirements:

Be a college student (no credit history required)
Be at least 18 years old
Have a Social Security Number (SSN)

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Visit the official Discover website.
Fill out the application form with your personal and financial details.
Wait for the credit approval process.
If approved, the card will be mailed to you.

Discover it Student Mobile App

Easily manage your Discover it Student Cash Back card through the official Discover mobile app. With it, you can track your spending, activate 5% cashback, pay bills, set up alerts, and more—all from your phone!

Key Features of the App:

Real-time spending tracking
5% cashback activation each quarter
Bill payments directly through the app
Spending and due date alerts to avoid late payments
Card lock and unlock feature with one tap
Access to FICO® Score for credit monitoring

How to Download the Discover App:

Downloading the app is quick and easy! Follow the steps below based on your device’s operating system:

For Android:

Open the Google Play Store.
Search for “Discover Mobile”.
Click Install and wait for the download.
Once installed, open the app and log in with your Discover credentials.

For iPhone (iOS):

Open the App Store.
Search for “Discover Mobile”.
Tap Get and wait for the installation.
Open the app and log in with your details.

With the Discover Mobile app, you have full control over your card wherever you go, ensuring security and convenience in your daily life.

Is the Discover it Student Cash Back Worth It?

If you’re a student looking for a credit card with no annual fee, great benefits, and an excellent cashback opportunity, the Discover it Student Cash Back is one of the best options. It stands out for its cashback match program, easy approval for students without credit history, and 5% cashback in popular categories.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Generous cashback (5% in rotating categories);
No annual fee;
First-year cashback match;
Credit-building opportunities;
No late fee on the first missed payment.

Cons:

Requires quarterly activation for the 5% cashback;
Initial credit limit may be low for some students.

The Discover it Student Cash Back is designed for students who want to save money and build credit early. With no annual fee and a rewarding cashback program, it’s a smart choice for those looking to earn cashback while learning how to manage their finances.