Discover It Student Cash Back Credit Card

09/07/2026: Additional welcome bonus of $100 when you spend $300

The Discover it Student Cash Back is a no-annual-fee student credit card built specifically for college students who want to build credit history while earning cash back rewards. Ideal for undergraduates and young adults with limited or no credit, this card offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter, then 1%) and 1% on all other purchases, making it a strong fit for students who are willing to track and activate bonus categories to maximize rewards. While the $1,500 quarterly cap and standard 1% base rate may limit earning potential for higher spenders or those who prefer a flat-rate rewards structure, the Discover it Student Cash Back card provides meaningful value for everyday student expenses like gas, groceries, dining, and online shopping depending on the quarterly categories. With no annual fee and a student-focused approval process, it’s a practical choice for building responsible credit habits while earning rewards during college.

Issuer

Discover, originating as a Sears subsidiary in 1985, transitioned to an independent entity in 1993, briefly merging with Morgan Stanley in 1997 before becoming an independent company again in 2006 and being acquired by Capital One in 2025. Pioneering technology, Discover introduced online applications, bill pay, and rewards in 1995, later venturing into mobile payments in 2010. Operating the world's 3rd largest payment network, Discover has a diverse product range, offering credit cards, checking and savings accounts, CDs, personal, student, and mortgage loans. Targeting younger customers, particularly college students with minimal credit history, Discover is recognized for financial stability, boasting approximately $148 billion in assets and $18 billion in annual revenue in 2024. Committed to innovation, Discover has invested in technology throughout its history. Emphasizing corporate social responsibility, the company aims for a more equitable and sustainable world, pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. Engaging in various partnerships, including UnionPay, JCB, BCcard, PayPal, and sports sponsorships like the Orange Bowl and the NHL, Discover provides accessibility through a vast network of ATMs, totaling over 415,000 nationwide. Guided by values like doing the right thing, innovation, and collaboration, Discover, an equal housing lender, prioritizes regulatory compliance as an FDIC member.

Spending Multipliers

Credits & Features