You want a simple, reliable path to a cash-back card. The Discover it® Cash Back credit card is a clear option.
You earn rewards, pay a $0 annual fee, and get a first-year cash back match. You can apply online in minutes or by phone.
What Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card Gives You
You earn 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter after activation. The cap is $1,500 in combined category purchases per quarter.
That equals up to $75 in cash back per quarter from the 5% tier. All other purchases earn 1% automatically.
Discover matches all the cash back you earn in your first year. The match posts after your first 12 billing periods (or 365 days, whichever is longer).
Rewards
There is no stated limit to the match amount. Your account must be open and in good standing to receive it.
You can redeem rewards as a statement credit, bank deposit, gift cards, or at select retailers.
You manage everything in the app or online. You can freeze your card if you misplace it.
Ongoing benefits to note
Support is U.S.-based and available 24/7 at 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683).
You can view your FICO® Score on statements and online.
You have $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized purchases. You can freeze/unfreeze your card from the app if you misplace it.
Account alerts help you track due dates and unusual activity. Virtual card numbers may be available for safer online checkout.
How to Apply For the Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card
You must be at least 18 years old to apply. You need a U.S. address, a Social Security number, and verifiable income.
Discover may check your credit reports and other information to evaluate your application.
You can use online pre-approval to see potential offers with no hard inquiry. If you accept and submit, a hard pull happens.
Discover generally allows up to two Discover credit card accounts per person. You can apply for a second card 12+ months after your first account opening.
- Check pre-approval. Use Discover’s pre-approval tool. You get a personalized offer without a hard pull. If you accept and continue, a hard inquiry occurs.
- Compare terms. Review APR ranges, intro periods, and fees. Confirm the 0% windows and transfer deadlines. Read all pricing and rewards details before you proceed.
- Complete the form. Enter your legal name, address, SSN, income, and housing costs. Ensure the data matches your credit reports.
- Decide on a balance transfer. If you plan to move a balance, submit transfer details during or after approval. Note the transfer deadline and fees. Keep paying your old issuer until the transfer posts.
- Submit and review the decision. You may get an instant decision. If approved, you might receive a digital card for immediate use where eligible.
- Activate and set controls. Activate the card, set up autopay, and enable alerts. Turn on the card on/off switch in the app for added control.
Smart Use Tips
Activate the 5% category each quarter. Track the $1,500 quarterly cap to avoid missing rewards.
Use the card where it fits the category mix first, then your backup card. Keep utilization low and pay on time.
If you transferred a balance, avoid interest on new purchases by paying the entire statement balance, including the transfer, by the first due date.
Redeem cash back regularly if you prefer liquidity. Or save for larger redemptions like gift cards with bonus value when available.
Bank Phone and Address
Customer service (credit cards): 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683).
Corporate headquarters: Discover Financial Services, 2500 Lake Cook Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015, United States.
Mail for rate/terms updates: PO Box 15410, Wilmington, DE 19850-5410.
Fees at a Glance (quick recap)
Stronger credit usually qualifies you for lower APRs.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Purchase APR: 0% intro for 15 months, then 17.99%–26.99% variable.
- Balance transfer APR: 0% intro for 15 months (transfers that post by 1/10/2026), then 17.99%–26.99% variable.
- Balance transfer fee: 3% intro (through 1/10/2026), then 5%.
- Cash advance APR/fee: 28.99% variable; fee is $10 or 5%, whichever is greater.
- Late fee: $0 first time, then up to $41.
- Returned payment fee: up to $30.
- Minimum interest charge: $0.50.
Competitors
Here’s a clean side-by-side so you can see how Discover it® Cash Back credit card stacks up.
| Card | Rewards structure | Caps / activation | Intro APR (purchases / BT) | Notable extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Cash Back | 5% in rotating quarterly categories; 1% other purchases | 5% on up to $1,500 per quarter; activation required | 0% for 15 months (both); then variable APR applies | First-Year “Cashback Match” for new cardmembers (matches all cash back earned) |
| Chase Freedom Flex® | 5% rotating categories; 5% via Chase Travel℠; 3% dining & drugstores; 1% other | 5% on up to $1,500 per quarter; activation required | 0% for 15 months (both); then variable APR applies | Wide non-rotating categories (3% dining & drugstores) |
| Citi Custom Cash® | 5% on your top eligible category each billing cycle; 1% others | 5% up to $500 per billing cycle; no activation | 0% for 15 months (both); then variable APR applies | Auto-adjusts to your highest spend category each cycle |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards | 3% category of your choice; 2% grocery & wholesale clubs; 1% others | $2,500 combined cap per quarter (3% + 2%); change 3% category monthly | Intro APR offer available (term varies by offer) | Flexible 3% category (gas/EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, home improvement/furnishings) |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® | Flat 2% cash rewards on purchases | No cap; no activation | 0% for 12 months (purchases & qualifying BTs); then variable APR | Simple 2% everywhere structure; BTs within 120 days qualify for intro terms |
| Capital One Quicksilver® | Flat 1.5% cash back on purchases | No cap; no activation | (Offer varies by version; check current terms) | Travel-friendly no-FTF cash-back option |
Bottom Line
Discover it® Cash Back credit card delivers rotating 5% categories, a simple 1% base rate, and a full first-year match.
The intro APR windows help you manage purchases or consolidate debt. Apply online or by phone when you’re ready.
Disclaimer: Rates, fees, features, and eligibility can change. Details above are accurate as of late 2025 to the best of current disclosures; verify the latest terms on Discover’s official materials or by calling 1-800-DISCOVER before you apply.
