
The NerdWallet Discover Card Review and Guide is a great resource for anyone looking to make the most of their credit card. You can earn 5% cash back on various categories throughout the year, such as gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants.
The cash back bonus categories change each quarter, so it's essential to keep track of the current categories to maximize your rewards. This way, you can earn more cash back on your everyday purchases.
Discover Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travel.
Getting Started
To get started with the NerdWallet Discover card, you'll need to be eligible for a digital card, which will allow you to start spending instantly.
You'll also earn cash back on every purchase, even before your physical card arrives.
Introductory APRs apply for a limited time, with the standard purchase APR ranging from x% to x% variable, based on your creditworthiness.
For more insights, see: Venture X Business Credit Card
The cash APR is x% variable, and variable APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
There's no minimum interest charge if you don't owe any interest, but it will be at least $0.50 if you do owe interest.
You'll pay either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater, and balance transfer fees apply, ranging from x% to x%.
The Discover card has a potentially lucrative sign-up bonus, with an unlimited cashback match for all new cardmembers.
Worth a look: Apr on Discover Card
Earn Rewards on Every Purchase
The Discover Card offers a great rewards program that lets you earn cash back on every purchase. You can earn rewards on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter, such as grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more.
One of the best things about the Discover Card is that your cash back will never expire. You can earn cash back you can spend with Discover, and one dollar earned is worth one dollar you can spend. This means you can use your rewards to make purchases or pay off your balance.
Discover Card also offers 99% nationwide acceptance, so you can use it almost anywhere. You're never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card, which gives you peace of mind.
Here are some key details about the Discover Card rewards program:
Overall, the Discover Card rewards program is a great way to earn cash back on your everyday purchases. With its flexible redemption options and 99% nationwide acceptance, it's a card worth considering.
Card Features
The Discover card offers a range of features that make it a great choice for many users. You can start spending instantly with your digital card, and earn cash back on every purchase, even before your physical card arrives.
The card's security features are also top-notch, with regular removal of your personal info from select people-search websites and a Freeze it on/off switch to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers in seconds.
Here are the card's key features at a glance:
Note that the card's APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate, and there may be fees associated with cash advances and balance transfers.
Cash Back in Popular Areas
The Discover it Cash Back card offers some amazing cash back rewards. You can earn 5% back on rotating quarterly categories up to a maximum of $1,500 in purchases per quarter, but you need to activate it.
One of the benefits of this card is that it earns 5% back on rotating categories, which can be a huge advantage for people who frequently shop at specific stores or use certain services. For example, previous bonus categories have included gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Here are the current Discover bonus rewards categories for 2025:
After you hit the quarterly cap, you'll earn 1% back on all other purchases, including those in the bonus categories.
Security Features That Matter
You can help prevent new purchases with the Freeze it on/off switch on our mobile app and website.
Having this feature is a huge relief, especially if you're traveling or have misplaced your card.
You can prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers in seconds with the Freeze it on/off switch.
This feature is super convenient and can save you from potential financial headaches.
We'll even help you regularly remove your personal info from select people-search websites that could sell your data - it's free and can be activated with the Discover app.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
No Foreign Transaction Fees can be a huge perk for travelers, especially those who like to explore international destinations. You won't pay extra to use the card abroad.
Some credit cards, like the Discover it Cash Back, offer this feature. However, international acceptance isn't as widespread compared with Visa's or Mastercard's.
You can avoid foreign transaction fees altogether with certain credit cards, such as the Discover it Cash Back, which has no foreign transaction fees.
Here are some credit cards that offer no foreign transaction fees, but keep in mind that international acceptance may vary:
- Discover it Cash Back
Card Type
There are three main types of credit cards, each designed for a specific purpose. Our card comparison tool helps identify the best card for you based on your needs.
If you're looking to earn rewards, there are cards that offer this feature. These cards can be a great way to earn points or cash back on your purchases.
Cards that save you money on interest are perfect for those who want to pay less on their balances. By comparing cards within this type, you can find the one that suits your financial situation.
If you're trying to build or rebuild credit, there are cards that cater to this need. These cards can help you establish a positive credit history or improve your credit score.
Here are the three main types of credit cards:
- Cards that earn rewards when you make purchases.
- Cards that save you money on interest.
- Cards that help you build or rebuild credit.
Managing Your Account
Managing your account with a Discover card is a breeze. You can easily lock your card to prevent new purchases, cash advances, or balance transfers if you misplace it. Simply access the website or mobile app to turn the switch on or off.
Some recurring bills and other transactions may remain active, even with your card locked. Don't worry, you can still take care of these transactions.
If you need a new card, Discover offers free overnight shipping for replacement cards to any U.S. street address, with terms applying.
Consider reading: New Law about Credit Cards
Activate Categories
To activate bonus categories, you'll need to sign up online, which will start your 5% cash-back rewards from the date you activate them. This means you can earn higher rewards, but only after you've taken the extra step.
You can opt in at any time before the quarter ends, but remember that you'll only get 5% back starting from the date you sign up. This is a good opportunity to earn more rewards, so don't miss out.
Consider setting a reminder for the start of each new quarter - Jan. 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct. 1 - to take advantage of bonus cash back for the entire quarter. This way, you'll never forget to activate your categories and earn those extra rewards.
Worth a look: How to Activate Discover Card on App
Don't Overspend
When you're trying to maximize your rewards, it's easy to get caught up in overspending just for a little extra cash back. Avoid breaking the budget just for a little extra cash back in your rewards account.
Consider your spending habits and focus on earning rewards on things you would've spent money on anyway. This way, you can make the most of your cash back without sacrificing your financial stability.
A good example is using a credit card like Discover it Cash Back, which offers rewards on everyday purchases. By being mindful of your spending, you can earn rewards without going over budget.
Consider reading: Credit Cards for Everyday Use
Account-Locking Function
If you misplace your credit card, you can easily lock your card to prevent new purchases, cash advances, or balance transfers. Access the website or mobile app to turn the switch on or off.
Some recurring bills and other transactions may remain active, but you can still lock your card to prevent unauthorized use.
Discover offers free overnight shipping for replacement cards to any U.S. street address, which is a convenient option if you need a new card.
Broaden your view: How to Lock My Discover Card
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside to the Discover card?
The Discover card's bonus categories rotate annually, which may not align with your spending habits, limiting your 5% cash back benefits. Additionally, you'll need to regularly activate categories each quarter, adding complexity to your rewards.
Why does no one use Discover card?
Discover card is less widely accepted due to its higher fees and lower usage, making it less attractive to many merchants. As a result, it's often not a viable payment option for smaller stores and online businesses.
What credit score is needed for a Discover card?
To qualify for a Discover card, you typically need a good to excellent credit score of 700 or higher. This means you'll need a strong credit history to get approved for this card.
Are there any benefits to having a Discover card?
Yes, Discover cardmembers can earn cash back or Miles rewards on their purchases, depending on their chosen card
Sources
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/cash-back/it-card.html
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/how-to-make-the-most-of-discover-it
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/benefits-discover-it
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/compare/credit-cards
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/students-capital-one-vs-discover
Featured Images: pexels.com