$0
Annual fee
See the card
Card reviewDiscover
Updated Aug 12, 2026 · research
DiscoverDiscover Cashback Bonus
Discover it Student Cash Back
Earn rewards on every purchase and build credit with responsible use
Entry LevelPersonal
Discover
Credit profile: no credit check$0
Annual fee
5% back rotating categories
Top rate
N/A
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating
Earning Rates
Rotating Categories
5%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.
All Other Purchases
1%cash back
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No annual fee
- Cashback Match doubles first-year cash back earned
- 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories
- No foreign transaction fee
- Free FICO score and Good Grades Reward
Cons
- Rotating categories require quarterly activation
- 1% cash back on non-bonus purchases
- No welcome bonus
- Limited international acceptance
Key Takeaways
- Earn 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories (activation required) and 1% on everything else
- Cashback Match automatically doubles all first-year cash back at year-end
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees apply
- Access free TransUnion FICO Score 8 monthly
- Good Grades Reward offers $20 credit per school year for 3.0+ GPA
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
APR Information
- Purchase APR
- 16.49% - 25.49%0% intro APR for 6 months
APRs shown are variable and may change based on the Prime Rate. Your actual APR will be determined based on your creditworthiness.
Card Benefits
1 benefits
Other Insurance
Coverage Tier Legend
Best in ClassIndustry-leading coverage
StrongAbove average
StandardTypical coverage
LimitedBelow average
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cash back earning rates on the Discover it® Student Cash Back card?
Cardholders earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in rotating quarterly categories up to the quarterly maximum with activation required. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. Categories are announced each quarter and may include groceries, restaurants, gas, or Amazon.com.
How does the Cashback Match work?
Discover automatically matches all cash back earned during the first 12 billing periods at the end of the first cardmember year dollar for dollar. There is no minimum spending requirement or cap. This is a one-time benefit applied to the first year only.
Is there an annual fee for this card?
There is no annual fee for the Discover it® Student Cash Back card. The $0 annual fee applies every year with no waivers needed.
Does the card charge foreign transaction fees?
No foreign transaction fee is charged on purchases made outside the United States. Discover acceptance may be limited internationally compared to Visa or Mastercard.
What is the Good Grades Reward?
Students earn a $20 statement credit each school year if their GPA is 3.0 or higher. GPA verification is required, and it is limited to one reward per school year with eligibility conditions.
How can I access my FICO score?
Cardholders receive their free FICO Score 8 from TransUnion on monthly statements and in the Discover app. The score updates monthly.
What is Freeze it®?
Freeze it® allows instant freezing of the account online or via the mobile app to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers. It does not block recurring transactions.
About This Card
This card suits college students with fair credit who want to build credit while earning cash back on rotating categories. The first-year Cashback Match and student-specific rewards add value without fees.
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 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Cashback Match doubles all first-year cash back without minimum spend or cap, setting it apart from other entry-level student cards.
Ready to Decide?
Apply for the Discover it Student Cash Back
Current offer available with no annual fee.
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Sources & Methodology
Sources & Methodology
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