Discover it^® Student Chrome Review [2024]: Build Your Credit and Earn Valuable Rewards

If you’re a student, the Discover it^® Student Chrome can help earn rewards for everyday purchases. Cardholders 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.

While there’s a quarterly cap for the higher rewards rate, Discover offers a Cashback Match™ that can boost your earnings. Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Let’s dive into the details of this $0-annual-fee student card to help you decide if it fits your needs.

Double Rewards on Gas and Dining

Discover it^® Student Chrome

4.55

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Discover it^® Student Chrome

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Rates and fees

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 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.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Intro APR on purchases
• Up to 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter)
• Choice of card designs
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• Into APR period is relatively short

Card Details

• INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
• 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.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• No credit score required to apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.74% - 26.74% applies.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Key takeaways

• Students can use the Discover it^® Student Chrome to 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.
• You can boost your earnings at the end of your first year of having this credit card as Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• This credit card’s fixed categories can help students earn higher rewards on common spending, as these categories include gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter).
• The Discover it^® Student Chrome has a $0 annual fee.

Who should get the Discover it Student Chrome card?

Students looking for their first credit card should consider the Discover it Student Chrome. If you have a limited credit history, it might be perfect for helping you build credit, which will come in handy in the future. Having a good credit score can make it much easier to qualify for things like mortgage loans, and it might also help you get better rates too. As you use your card for purchases and pay off the balance each month, you could potentially raise your credit score and develop healthy financial habits.

Just because you’re getting a student credit card doesn’t mean you can’t earn rewards too. With this card, you'll 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. All of your spending puts cash back in your pocket with Discover it Student Chrome. In terms of rewards, it’s one of the best credit cards for students.

Discover it^® Student Chrome basics

Why we like the Discover it Student Chrome: benefits and perks

• Cashback rewards: You can 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. These are common and stable categories that many students might find useful.
• Cashback Match™: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This can translate to lucrative extra cash back if you use this card for most of your spending.
• Introductory purchase APR: Take advantage of a 0% introductory APR on new purchases for 6 months, then 17.74% - 26.74% Variable.
• $0 annual fee: Discover it Student Chrome has a $0 annual fee. With all the expenses that come with being a college student, it’s good to have a credit card that doesn’t cost you extra annual fees.
• No first late payment fee: If you accidentally miss a payment due date and pay late, Discover will waive your late fee the first time. You'll need to pay a late fee of up to $41 for any subsequent missed payments, though, so be sure to set up autopay.
• Credit score access: As a cardmember, you can view your FICO score, which is based on your TransUnion credit report, for free through the Discover mobile app.
• Security alerts: Discover it Student Chrome cardholders can opt to receive a variety of security alerts, such as new account alerts and potential fraud alerts. You can also sign up to receive alerts if Discover finds your Social Security number on the dark web.

What we don’t like about the Discover it Student Chrome: drawbacks

• Acceptance: Discover cards aren't as widely accepted as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards. If you're interested in earning cash back on all of your purchases, you may need a backup card just in case.
• Spending cap: While this card does offer cashback rewards, there's a quarterly spending cap. Cardholders earn 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter), and then 1% on all other purchases.
  

Earning & redeeming cash back with the Discover it Student Chrome

Best ways to earn

Earning cash back is simple with the Discover it Student Chrome. College students on the go can take advantage of 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter).

Students can also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. That means you’ll earn cash back on all of your education expenses, like school supplies, electronics, clothes, and more. Making Discover it Student Chrome your primary credit card can help you maximize your cash back earning potential.

Maximizing your redemptions

Cashback rewards can be redeemed at any time with your Discover it Student Chrome card. Redemptions come in many forms, including statement credits, electronic deposits into your bank account, or gift cards. Rewards can also be used to pay for your Amazon purchases or for purchases via PayPal.

Discover it Student Chrome cardmembers can redeem rewards easily through their online account or by phone.

Discover it Student Chrome FAQ

Other cards to consider

If you are interested in earning rewards, the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is another credit card to consider. You can earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal; unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 3% on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®); and 1% on all other purchases. 

Students looking for a cash back card that offers higher bonus rewards can also look to Discover’s other student credit card. Discover it^® Student Cash Back has a $0 annual fee and you 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.

Double Rewards on Gas and Dining

Discover it^® Student Chrome

4.55

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Discover it^® Student Chrome

4.55

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Apply Now

Why We Like It

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Rates and fees

Apply Now

See how these cards compare:

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Welcome bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
• No annual fee
• 3% unlimited cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®)
• 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when booked through the Capital One Entertainment portal
• Automatic consideration for a higher credit limit after 6 months
• No foreign transaction fee
• Rates and fees

Discover it® Student Cash Back

• Intro APR on purchases
• Excellent welcome offer
• Can help you remove personal info from people-search websites
• Useful redemption options, including on Amazon and PayPal
• $0 annual fee
• Rates and fees

Discover it^® Student Chrome: bottom line

The Discover it^® Student Chrome is a credit card designed for college students looking to earn cash back rewards while building their credit. You can 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.

This card has a $0 annual fee and an introductory APR offer on purchases. It also offers additional benefits, such as access to your credit score and identity theft protection tools.

While the Discover it Student Chrome card is a solid choice for students, especially those who frequently commute to school and dine out, it may not be the best fit for students who want a card with different bonus categories. Other cards, including some by Discover like the Discover it^® Student Cash Back, can be more appealing options.

Find out more options in our list of the best student credit cards.