Discover It Credit Card Information for Beginners

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The Discover it Credit Card is a great option for beginners, offering a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 14 months. This can be a huge help if you're looking to make a large purchase or consolidate debt.

The card also has no annual fee, which is a big plus for those who want to keep costs low. You'll earn 1% - 5% cash back on various purchases, and Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year.

To be eligible for the card, you'll need a good credit score, but the exact requirements aren't specified. The application process is relatively straightforward, and you can apply online or by phone.

Getting Started

You'll start spending instantly with your digital card, if eligible, earning cash back on every purchase, even before your physical card arrives.

To begin, you'll need to understand the terms of your account. The intro purchase APR is x% for x months from date of account opening, then the standard purchase APR applies. This means you'll have a temporary rate for a set period before the regular rate kicks in.

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The standard purchase APR is x% variable to x% variable, based on your creditworthiness. This rate may vary depending on your individual credit situation.

You'll also want to know about the minimum interest charge, which will be no less than $.50 if you're charged interest. This is a small price to pay, but it's essential to be aware of it.

Here are some key APRs and fees to keep in mind:

By understanding these terms, you'll be well on your way to making the most of your Discover It credit card.

Rewards and Earnings

The Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. This means you can earn a significant amount of cash back on your everyday purchases.

You'll also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically. This is a great feature for everyday spending, as you'll earn cash back without having to think about it.

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The card also offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which can be a huge help if you need to make a large purchase or pay off debt.

Here are the key rewards and earnings details for the Discover it Cash Back card:

Rewards and Earnings: "Earn Rewards on Every Purchase

You can earn rewards on every purchase with the Discover it Cash Back card, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, your cash back will never expire, and you can redeem your rewards for cash at any time.

The Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. This is a level to strive for, and you can earn up to $1,500 in cash back per quarter.

One of the best features of the Discover it Cash Back card is the cash back match at your first card anniversary. All your cash back earnings will be doubled, giving you an effective 10% cash back the first year. This means that if you earn $150 cash back, you'll get $300 back.

Crop focused bearded young man using tablet while doing online purchase with credit card sitting at table in modern cafe with coffee cup and shopping bag
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To maximize your earnings, you'll want to take advantage of the bonus earning categories. These categories change each quarter and include department stores, gas stations, wholesale clubs, Amazon, restaurants, and more. By earning 5% cash back on these categories, you'll get an effective 10% cash back the first year.

Here's a comparison of the Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Chrome cards:

The Discover it Cash Back card offers a higher cash back rate on rotating categories each quarter, making it a better choice for those who can take advantage of the earning categories.

Refer-a-Friend

Refer-a-Friend is a great way to earn some extra cash. You can receive a $50 statement credit when someone uses your refer-a-friend link to apply for a Discover Card.

To qualify for the credit, your friend must make a purchase within the first 3 months after card approval. This is a great opportunity to earn some extra money by sharing the benefits with friends and family.

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You can earn a maximum of $500 per year through the refer-a-friend program. This means you can refer multiple friends and still reach the maximum earnings limit.

Your friend will also receive a $50 statement credit once they're approved and make a purchase within the first 3 months. This is a win-win situation, where both you and your friend benefit from the program.

0% APR Purchases & Balance Transfers

If you need to make a large purchase or have high-interest credit card balances you'd like to pay off, a 0% APR period can save you hundreds of dollars in interest charges.

Discover credit cards offer a 0% APR benefit, which can be a game-changer for your finances. The Discover it Cash Back credit card, for example, offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a Variable APR of 18.49% - 27.49%.

The length of the 0% APR period varies depending on the credit card, but some offer more than others. The Discover it Chrome credit card, for instance, offers a 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases and 18 months on balance transfers.

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Here's a breakdown of the 0% APR periods offered by Discover credit cards:

Keep in mind that these 0% APR periods have a limited time frame, and after that, the standard Variable APR will apply. It's essential to pay off your balance before the intro period ends to avoid interest charges.

Benefits and Features

You can enjoy a range of benefits with the Discover it credit card, including the ability to regularly remove your personal info from select people-search websites that could sell your data, free of charge, by activating the feature through the Discover app.

The card also offers a Freeze it on/off switch that allows you to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers in seconds, both on the mobile app and website.

With the Discover it Cash Back card, you can earn up to 5% cash back on purchases, and rewards earned in the first year get doubled, making it a great option for those who want to maximize their cash back earnings.

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Here are some key features of the card:

As Charlotte Zhang, a credit cards writer at LendingTree, notes, the Discover it Chrome card offers 2% cash back on gas and restaurant purchases, up to $1,000 each quarter, making it a great option for those who frequently use these services.

Security Features That Matter

Regularly removing your personal info from select people-search websites can be done for free, just activate it with the Discover app. This is a crucial step in protecting your data.

You can prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers in seconds with the Freeze it on/off switch on the mobile app and website. This feature is a game-changer for anyone who's ever misplaced their card.

Pros & Cons

The Discover it Cash Back card has some amazing perks, but it's also essential to consider the potential downsides.

Rewards earned in the first year get doubled, which is a huge bonus.

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No annual fee means you won't have to worry about paying extra just for the privilege of using the card.

However, the potential for a very high regular APR is a concern, so be mindful of your credit score and payment habits.

The bonus reward categories rotate, requiring quarterly signup, which can be a bit of a hassle if you forget to sign up on time.

You'll also want to be aware of the balance transfer fee, which can add up quickly if you're not careful.

Learn More About

Discover it Cash Back offers 2% cash back on gas and restaurant purchases, up to $1,000 each quarter.

The Discover it Chrome card is a great option for those who frequently use gas and restaurants, as you can earn 2% cash back on these purchases.

If you own both the Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Chrome cards, you can strategically use them to maximize your quarterly bonus categories.

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Discover has been a long-time sponsor of various events and organizations, including the National Hockey League since 2008.

As a Discover cardholder, you can enjoy a 10% discount on purchases made from the NHL's online store using your Discover card.

Discover has also participated in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, winning the Grand Marshal award for excellence in creative concept and design in 2011 and 2012.

Signing Up and Alternatives

Signing up for the Discover it Cash Back credit card is a straightforward process that can be completed online. You'll need to provide some basic personal and financial information, including your name, address, and social security number.

The card has no annual fee, which means you can use it without worrying about extra charges. You'll also get a 0% purchase intro APR for 15 months, which can be a big help if you need to finance a large purchase.

If you're looking for alternatives, there are a few options to consider. Here's a brief rundown of some popular alternatives:

Check Pre-Approval/Qualification

Credit: youtube.com, Pre-Approval vs Pre Qualification

If you're interested in getting a Discover It credit card, it's a good idea to check if you're pre-approved or pre-qualified first.

You can do this by filling out the pre-approval form, which requires basic personal and financial info, and submitting it to see any pre-approved offers.

Pre-approval and pre-qualification are risk-free options that don't initiate a hard inquiry on your credit report.

To get started, you can find your pre-approved offers by filling out the pre-approval form, or you can complete the pre-qualification form to see which cards you're eligible for.

Here are the basic steps to follow:

  • Fill out the pre-approval form with basic personal and financial info.
  • Submit the form to see any pre-approved offers.
  • Complete the pre-qualification form to select the cards you want to apply for.

Keep in mind that neither pre-approval nor pre-qualification guarantees your actual credit application will be approved, but it can give you a better idea of which cards to apply for.

It vs. Alternatives

If you're considering the Discover it Cash Back, you're likely also looking at alternative cash back credit cards.

The Discover it Cash Back has a 3.9 WalletHub rating, while the Chase Freedom Unlimited has a 4.1 WalletHub rating, and the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has a 4.3 WalletHub rating.

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All three cards have an annual fee of $0, which is a great perk for anyone looking to save money.

The Discover it Cash Back, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card all offer a 0% purchase intro APR for 15 months, which can be a huge help for those making large purchases.

The regular APR for the Discover it Cash Back is 18.49% - 27.49% Variable, while the Chase Freedom Unlimited has a regular APR of 19.74% - 28.49%, and the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has a regular APR of 19.24% - 29.24%.

Here's a quick comparison of the rewards rates for each card:

Fees and APRs

Discover it credit cards are known for their competitive fees and APRs. The Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Chrome cards have $0 annual fees, making them cost-effective options.

You can enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for a certain period, depending on the card. For example, the Discover it Cash Back offers 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, while the Discover it Chrome offers 0% APR for 6 months on purchases and 18 months on balance transfers.

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Here are the intro APRs for the Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Chrome cards:

Low Intro APR

A low intro APR can save you a significant amount of money in interest charges, especially if you need to make a large purchase or pay off high-interest credit card balances.

You can get a 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers, but be aware that this is usually only temporary. For example, the Discover it Cash Back offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

Some credit cards offer longer intro APR periods than others. The Discover it Cash Back has a 15-month intro APR period, while the Discover it Chrome only offers 6 months.

You'll want to pay off your balance before the intro APR period ends, or you'll be charged a higher APR. For the Discover it Cash Back, that's 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR after the intro period ends.

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Here's a comparison of two credit cards with low intro APRs:

Keep in mind that some credit cards may charge a balance transfer fee, which can range from 3% to 5% of the transferred amount. For example, the Discover it Cash Back charges a 3% balance transfer fee.

No Annual Fees

Discover credit cards are a great option for those looking to avoid annual fees. They simply don't exist with Discover.

You can own a Discover it Cash Back or a Discover it Chrome without ever having to pay an annual fee - that's a $0 annual fee.

Return

The Discover it Cash Back card offers a higher cash back rate in a broader range of popular spending categories that rotate quarterly.

This rotating cash back rate is a significant advantage, especially for those with diverse spending habits.

Business and Global

Discover Financial Services has formed several agreements with other payment networks internationally since 2005 to increase acceptance of its payment cards around the world.

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This has allowed Discover cardholders to perform transactions while traveling abroad and vice versa, cardholders of other countries may utilize their cards at U.S. merchants and financial institutions that accept Discover.

Discover is accepted in 200+ countries and territories thanks to its global partnerships with over 30 major credit and debit partners.

Some of its major credit partners include Diners Club International worldwide, BC Card in South Korea, and JCB in Japan.

Its major debit partners include AFS in the Middle East and North Africa region, Areeba in Lebanon, and ATH in Puerto Rico, among others.

Here are some of Discover's major debit partners:

  • AFS in the Middle East and North Africa region
  • Areeba in Lebanon
  • ATH in Puerto Rico
  • Bcard in Bulgaria
  • Cabal in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil
  • Dutch-Bangla Bank in Bangladesh
  • Eazy in Bahrain
  • Interac in Canada
  • Jonet in Jordan
  • NAPAS in Vietnam
  • NCCC in Taiwan
  • PayNet in Malaysia
  • Prosa in Mexico
  • Saudi Payments in Saudi Arabia
  • SIBS with 10 countries in Europe and Africa

Student Credit Cards

Student credit cards can be a great way for students to build credit and earn rewards, especially with Discover's offerings.

Discover's student credit cards offer cash-back earnings, including 5% cash-back on quarterly rotating categories with the Discover It Cash Back for Students card.

For students who frequently dine out or fill up their gas tanks, the Discover It Chrome for Students card provides 2% cash-back at restaurants and gas stations.

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All Discover student credit cards offer 1% cash-back on all other purchases, making them a versatile option for students with varying spending habits.

One of the unique benefits of Discover's student credit cards is Cash-back Match™ at the first card anniversary, which doubles the cash-back earnings for the first year.

Students who maintain a good GPA can also earn a $20 statement credit each year, up to 5 years, with Discover's student credit cards.

Here are the cash-back earnings for Discover's student credit cards:

  • Discover It Cash Back for Students – 5% cash-back on quarterly rotating categories
  • Discover It Chrome for Students – 2% cash-back at restaurants and gas stations

In addition to cash-back earnings, Discover's student credit cards also offer 0% APR on purchases for 6 months, free account alerts, zero fraud liability, and the ability to freeze account.

Business Developments

In recent years, global business has experienced a significant shift towards digital transformation, with many companies investing heavily in e-commerce and online platforms. This trend is expected to continue, with e-commerce sales projected to reach $6.5 trillion by 2023.

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The rise of emerging markets has also had a major impact on global business. Countries like China and India are increasingly becoming major players in the global economy, with China's GDP projected to surpass the US by 2029.

The increasing importance of sustainability in business has led to a significant growth in the demand for eco-friendly products and services. Companies are now incorporating sustainable practices into their operations, with 70% of consumers willing to pay more for sustainable products.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work, with 73% of companies now offering flexible work arrangements. This shift has opened up new opportunities for businesses to operate globally, with 55% of companies reporting an increase in international sales.

Diners Club International Acquisition

In April 2008, Discover Financial and Citigroup announced that Discover was purchasing the Diners Club International network from Citigroup for $165 million.

The Federal Trade Commission approved the transaction in May 2008, paving the way for the acquisition to be finalized on July 1, 2008.

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Discover stated that the Diners Club network, a major network outside the United States, would be merged with the Discover Network, a major network in the United States.

This merger created an international network for Discover and Diners Club cardholders, allowing customers to expand their global reach.

Diners Club cards will continue to be issued by Diners Club International licensees, while Discover Bank has no plans to issue Diners Club branded cards itself.

Global Network

Discover Financial Services has formed agreements with other payment networks internationally to increase acceptance of its payment cards around the world. This allows Discover cardholders to perform transactions while traveling abroad.

The Discover Global Network is made up of three payment systems: Discover Network, Diners Club International, and Pulse. These systems enable cardholders to use their cards at merchants and financial institutions worldwide.

Some of the major credit and debit partners of Discover include Diners Club International worldwide, BC Card in South Korea, and JCB in Japan. These partnerships allow Discover cardholders to use their cards at merchants and financial institutions in these countries.

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Here are some of the major debit partners of Discover:

  • AFS in the Middle East and North Africa region
  • Areeba in Lebanon
  • ATH in Puerto Rico
  • Bcard in Bulgaria
  • Cabal in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil
  • Dutch-Bangla Bank in Bangladesh
  • Eazy in Bahrain
  • Interac in Canada
  • Jonet in Jordan
  • NAPAS in Vietnam
  • NCCC in Taiwan
  • PayNet in Malaysia
  • Prosa in Mexico
  • Saudi Payments in Saudi Arabia
  • SIBS with 10 countries in Europe and Africa

As a result of these partnerships, Discover is accepted in over 200 countries and territories.

Competitors

In the United States, Discover has some tough competition in the credit card market.

Discover competes primarily with Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, three well-established players in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my Discover card information?

Find your Discover card information by checking the front of your card or logging in to your online account. You can also find it on your latest paper statement if your physical card is unavailable

What is the starting credit limit for Discover It card?

The starting credit limit for the Discover It card is at least $500. However, it can be higher, potentially up to $11,000 or more.

What bank is the Discover it card?

Discover it cards are issued by Discover Bank, formerly known as the Greenwood Trust Company. Discover Bank is the primary issuer of most Discover brand cards.

What type of card is the Discover It card?

The Discover It card is a cash back credit card designed for individuals with good to excellent credit. It comes in various versions, including cash back, travel, and specialty cards, such as the NHL Discover It Card.

Is Discover It a real credit card?

Yes, Discover It is a real credit card offered by Discover, with multiple options available for different credit and rewards needs. Discover It credit cards are designed to provide benefits and rewards to cardholders.

Helen Stokes

Assigning Editor

Helen Stokes is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. With a background in journalism, she has honed her skills in researching and assigning articles on a wide range of topics. Her expertise lies in the realm of numismatics, with a particular focus on commemorative coins and Canadian currency.

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