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Discover is one of the most popular credit card issuers, especially when it comes to cash back cards. Two of its top offerings include the Discover it Cash Back card and the Discover it Student Cash Back card. These two cards have nearly identical benefits in all but a couple of ways, including introductory APR and credit requirements.
If you qualify for it, we think the Discover it Cash Back is the best option. However, thanks to the Discover it Student Cash Back’s lack of credit requirement, it’s a great card for students building their credit.
Let’s explore Discover it Cash Back and the Discover it Student Cash Back card a little more closely to see which one makes the most sense for you.
Compare cards
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4.7
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Discover it® Student Cash Back
4.75
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| FinanceBuzz value calculation1 | Year 1: $1,070
Year 2: $535 |
Year 1: $479
Year 2: $239 |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Welcome offer | Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. |
| Earning rate | Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. | Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
| Introductory APR |
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| Foreign transaction fee | 0% | 0% |
| Credit needed | Excellent, Good | Fair |
| Learn more in our full review | Learn more in our full review |
When to go with the Discover it Cash Back
The Discover it Cash Back is Discover’s basic cash back card. Cardholders can can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. While the Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Student Cash Back are quite similar, here are a few situations the Discover it Cash Back is a clear winner:
- You have good credit
- You’re planning a large purchase
- You want to do a balance transfer
Requires good credit
If you have good credit, the Discover it Cash Back is the better option for you. This card requires a good to excellent credit score — likely a score of 670 or higher. Keep in mind that a good score is no guarantee you’ll qualify, but your chances are much better.
Long 0% intro APR on purchases
If you're making a large purchase and you want to spread out the cost a bit, the Discover it Cash Back can help. It offers 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 15 months (then 18.74% - 27.74% Variable). So, you could make a large purchase right when you open the card and have more than a year to pay it back without paying any interest.
Ideal for balance transfers
The Discover it Cash Back also has a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months (then 18.74% - 27.74% Variable), making it a great option for anyone working to pay down credit card debt. I personally used this card’s balance transfer offer when I was on my debt payoff journey, and I credit it with helping me tackle my debt faster.
Learn more in our Discover it Cash Back review.
When to go with the Discover it Student Cash Back
The Discover it Student Cash Back is the college student version of its popular cash back card. This card has many of the same benefits. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Despite the similarities between the two cards, there are situations where the Discover it Student Cash Back is the better option:
- You have fair or no credit
- You’re a college student
Lower credit requirements
If you don’t have good enough credit to qualify for the Discover it Cash Back, you may still qualify for the Student Cash Back. This card is available to borrowers with fair credit, and Discover says you could possibly qualify with no credit at all.
For college students only
To qualify for the Discover it Student Cash Back, you’ll have to be a college student, including a student at either a two-year or four-year college or university. Unfortunately, the Student Cash Back isn’t an option for you if you have fair credit or no credit but aren’t a student.
Learn more in our Discover it Student Cash Back review.
What both cards excel at
As we’ve mentioned, the Discover it Cash Back and Student Cash Back are very similar. Let’s talk about a few things both cards do really well.
- High rewards rate: Both Discover cards offer great cash back earnings potential on useful quarterly rotating bonus categories. You do need to enroll in the rotating categories.
- Cashback Match: Both of these cards offer Discover’s popular Cashback Match. After your first year with the card, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. So, if you’ve earned $100, Discover will add another $100, for a total earnings of $200.
- Redemption options: You can choose from a variety of redemption options, including statement credits, bank deposits, payment rewards, gift cards, and charitable donations.
- Annual fees: Both the Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Student Cash Back are $0-annual-fee cards, so you can add either one to your wallet at no additional cost.
- No foreign transaction fees: You don’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees on the Discover it Cash Back or Discover it Student Cash Back. These may be good cards to have in your wallet if you’re planning an international trip.
FAQs
Is Discover it Student Cash Back the same as Discover it Cash Back?
No, the Discover it Student Cash Back and Discover it Cash Back are different cards. The main difference is that the Discover it Student Cash Back is a student credit card that can help you build credit. The Discover it Cash Back is meant for people who already have some established credit.
Can I change from Discover it Student Cash Back to Discover it Cash Back?
Your Discover it Student Cash Back becomes the standard Discover it Cash Back after you graduate from college. You keep the same cashback program and card design, though you might qualify for a credit limit increase to help you handle additional expenses.
What is the difference between Discover it Student Cash Back and Discover it® Student Chrome?
The Discover it Student Cash Back and Discover it Student Chrome have a few differences, including their rewards rates:
- Discover it Student Cash Back: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Discover it Student Chrome: Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Bottom line
For most people, it’s a pretty clear choice between these two cards. While they share many of the same benefits, the Discover it Cash Back has a far better introductory APR offer for purchases and balance transfers.
If you have less than ideal credit, the Discover it Student Cash Back could be a better option for you. However, this card is only available to current college students, so eligibility is quite limited. If your credit isn’t good enough to qualify for the Discover it Cash Back but you also aren’t a college student, you may also consider a Discover it® Secured Credit Card. There’s a lower credit requirement, and you can eventually work your way up to the Discover it Cash Back.
Keep in mind that Discover provides a wide range of products, including additional credit cards, online banking, and loans. Learn more in our Discover review.
Finally, if neither of these cards quite fits what you’re looking for — or you’re looking to pair it with another rewards card — there are plenty of other options. Compare credit cards to see more of our recommended credit card offers. You’ll find plenty of options, including other rewards cards to compete with Discover’s cash back offer and plenty of cards to use instead of the Student Cash Back if your credit isn’t quite where you want it to be.
Cash Back for Those New to Credit
Current Offer
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Up To 5% Cash Back
Current Offer
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.