Choosing Between Discover It and Discover It Student: A Practical Guide
You’re a student juggling classes, work, and social life, and you need a credit card that rewards your effort without adding stress. Or maybe you’re looking for a straightforward card with solid cash-back for everyday purchases. Either way, Discover It and Discover It Student cards are worth considering, but how do they really stack up against each other?
| Feature | Discover It | Discover It Student |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 15 months | 0% for 6 months |
| Cash Back | 5% on rotating categories | 5% on rotating categories |
| Cash Back Match | ✓ | ✓ |
| FICO Score Access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Late Payment Forgiveness | First late fee waived | First late fee waived |
| Minimum Income Requirement | No minimum specified | No minimum specified, student status required |
✅ discover it Pros
- Generous 0% intro APR period of 15 months.
- 5% cash back on rotating categories without an annual fee.
- Unlimited dollar-for-dollar cash back match at the end of the first year.
❌ discover it Cons
- Rotating categories require activation.
- Foreign transactions fees apply.
✅ discover it student Pros
- Designed specifically for students with no credit history.
- 5% cash back on rotating categories plus cash back match.
- Good Grades Reward program offering $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher.
❌ discover it student Cons
- Shorter 0% intro APR period of 6 months.
- Rotating categories require activation.
Introductory APR and Interest Rates
The Discover It card offers a longer introductory 0% APR period for 15 months, which is fantastic if you’re planning a big purchase or want to transfer a balance. The Discover It Student card offers a shorter 6-month 0% APR, which is still useful for textbooks or school supplies, but not as forgiving if you need a longer time to pay off debt. The Discover It is more suited for those who need flexibility in managing interest, while the student version is more about building credit while dealing with smaller expenses.
Cash Back and Rewards
Both cards offer 5% cash back on rotating categories, which is a sweet deal if you can keep up with the category changes and activate them each quarter. The Discover It Student card adds a nice touch with the Good Grades Reward, which can be motivating if you’re hitting the books hard. Both cards give you the first late fee waived, which is a nice buffer for those occasional slip-ups. If you’re more grade-focused and want that GPA reward, the student card edges out here.
Cardholder Perks and Additional Benefits
Both cards provide monthly FICO scores for free, which is a great tool for anyone looking to build or maintain good credit. The Discover It Student card is particularly advantageous if you lack credit history since it’s designed to help students kickstart their credit journey. The regular Discover It card is more of a workhorse, ideal for anyone who wants a solid, no-annual-fee card with consistent rewards. The lack of a minimum income requirement makes both cards accessible, but remember, the student card demands proof of student status.
While both cards sound great on paper, the catch lies in the rotating categories. If you’re not someone who tracks these diligently, you might find the 5% cash back less rewarding than it seems. Also, don’t expect to use these cards abroad without incurring fees. They’re domestic champs, but international duds.
Our Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re a student without much credit history, the Discover It Student card is your go-to. It rewards your academic efforts and builds your credit profile. For everyone else, especially if you’re looking at a big purchase or want to transfer a balance, the Discover It card’s longer 0% APR period and robust cash-back match make it a solid choice. Just be sure you’re on top of those rotating categories to maximize rewards.
Can I apply for the Discover It Student card if I’m not a student?
No, the Discover It Student card requires proof of student status to apply, as it’s specifically tailored for those in school looking to build credit.
Are there any foreign transaction fees with these cards?
Yes, both the Discover It and Discover It Student cards charge fees for foreign transactions, making them less ideal for international use.
What happens if I miss the activation window for rotating categories?
If you miss the activation window, you default to earning just 1% cash back instead of 5% for that quarter, so it’s crucial to activate on time.
