- Note: All information for the Discover it® Cash Back, Discover it® Chrome, Discover it® Student Chrome, Discover it® Student Cash Back, Discover it® Miles, Discover it® Balance Transfer, and Discover it® Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by LA Times Compare. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
- Discover offers a range of credit cards based on customers’ needs and credit scores. They have cards for students, travelers, businesses, and everyone in between.
- They offer a variety of card types, including cash back, travel miles, secured, and student cards, as well as business credit cards.
- You can earn cash back on purchases at a variety of merchants, and can easily redeem rewards for statement credits, direct deposit, partner gift cards, or charitable donations.
- Discover cards offer features like 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases, no late fees for the first missed payment, and many more.
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On This Page
- Key Takeaways
- Our top picks for the best Discover credit cards
- About Discover credit cards
- Benefits of choosing a Discover card
- What types of rewards do Discover cards offer?
- Who should get a Discover credit card
- How to choose the right Discover card for you
- How we selected our top cards
- Best Discover credit cards FAQ
On This Page
- Key Takeaways
- Our top picks for the best Discover credit cards
- About Discover credit cards
- Benefits of choosing a Discover card
- What types of rewards do Discover cards offer?
- Who should get a Discover credit card
- How to choose the right Discover card for you
- How we selected our top cards
- Best Discover credit cards FAQ
Best Discover Credit Cards 2024
LA Times Compare Team
+ 1 other
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
Our top picks for the best Discover credit cards
Advertiser Disclosure
Discover it® Cash Back
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases and 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
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Why we like it
Discover it Cash Back offers high rewards on rotating categories, which can be ideal for cardholders who are OK with keeping track of them.
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Card Details
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- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on creditworthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- Unlimited cashback match
- Zero fees annually
- Intro APR period
Cons
- Caps on quarterly bonus rewards
- Low rewards on some purchases
- Not a simple rewards program
Discover it® Chrome
Up to 2% Reward Rate
Earn 2% cashback rewards on dining and gas purchases and 1% on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Cashback Match™
Regular APR
17.24% to 28.24% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Unlike the Discover it® Cash Back, which requires you to stay on top of rotating bonus categories, the Discover it® Chrome is much simpler, offering 2% rewards on dining and gas purchases and 1% on all other purchases.
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- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on creditworthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- Cash rewards never expire
- No fee annually
- Cashback match bonus
Cons
- High balance transfer fee after intro period
- Lower acceptance rate than some
- Less generous rewards structure than other cards
Discover it® Student Chrome
Up to 2% Reward Rate
Earn 2% cashback rewards on dining and gas purchases on up to $1,000 per quarter and 1% on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Cashback Match™
Regular APR
18.24% to 27.24% variable
Recommended Credit
No Credit History
Why we like it
For a low-maintenance option, the Discover it® Student Chrome is a great bet, especially if you spend a lot on gas or dining.
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- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- Students can build credit while earning rewards
- Automatic cashback match at the end of the first year
- Introductory APR offer
Cons
- Rewards are less-than-stellar in comparison with other student cards
- Rewards are limited to $1,000 per quarter
- High balance transfer fee
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases and 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Cashback Match™
Regular APR
18.24% to 27.24% variable
Recommended Credit
No Credit History
Why we like it
Discover it Student Cash Back is an excellent option for students who want to build their credit while earning rewards in quarterly categories. Get 5% cashback of up to $1,500 on categories that change each quarter.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- High rewards
- Cash back matching for the first year
- Zero fees annually
Cons
- Activate bonus categories each quarter
- Limited international acceptance
- Rewards on all other purchases can be low
Discover it® Miles
Up to 1.5X Reward Rate
Earn 1.5X miles per dollar on every purchase.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Discover Match® Miles
Regular APR
17.24% to 28.24% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Discover it Miles is a travel card with a unique rewards structure. Instead of a sign-up bonus, the issuer will match every mile you earn in the first twelve months of opening an account.
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- Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- Freeze your account in seconds with an on/off switch either on the mobile app or website to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- Intro APR period
- 1.5 miles per dollar earned
- Zero fee annually
Cons
- Must have good to excellent credit
- No luxury perks
Discover it® Balance Transfer
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories and 1% back on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Cashback Match™
Regular APR
17.24% to 28.24% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
While plenty of credit cards offer promotional rates, few can match Discover’s 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. You can even enjoy a six-month 0% APR on your purchases.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Your account may not always be eligible for balance transfers. Balance transfer eligibility is determined * at Discover’s discretion. Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- 0% intro APR on purchases for first six months
- Unlimited cashback match
- No annual fee
Cons
- Short balance transfer intro period
- Must activate bonus categories
- Requires good/excellent credit
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Up to 2% Reward Rate
Earn 2% cash back on gas and at restaurants (on up to $1,000 per quarter) and 1% unlimited cashback on everything else.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Cashback Match™
Regular APR
28.24% variable
Recommended Credit
No Credit History
Why we like it
This is a really solid option for a secured card. Not many secured cards will offer rewards, much less at a rate of 2% which you can earn any time you dine out or fill up your car. You can earn 1% for all other purchases to be redeemed for cash or statement credits.
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- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- No pesky fees
- Unlimited cashback rewards
- Build your credit responsibly
Cons
- Rewards are capped
- Not the same perks as traditional cards
- Requires a refundable deposit
About Discover credit cards
Discover is a steadfast credit card company with reliable rewards and solid products.
Known for its incredible cash back rewards, it is a comprehensive credit card issuer that partners with domestic and international merchants, allowing you to use it wherever you choose to go. Discover also helps you improve your finances by offering student loans, online banking, personal and home loans, and much more.
Unlike other major credit cards, you won’t find big sign-up bonuses or complicated rewards structures. Instead, Discover remains steady with easily redeemable and simplified rewards. As a customer, you get identity theft protection, free FICO scores to keep up with your credit, small business help, and much more. Additionally, Discover offers cards that reward combined purchases. Students and those rebuilding their credit history have available card options.
Finally, Discover ranks high in 24/7 customer service and satisfaction.
Discover provides eight different types of cards, including:
- Cash Back flagship Card
- Student Cash Back
- Student Chrome
- Travel Miles
- Secured Card
- Business Credit Card
- Gas and Restaurants Card
- NHL Card
Benefits of choosing a Discover card
Discover is a generous credit card issuer with incentives like no foreign transaction fees, free FICO scores, the ability to freeze your account, Social Security alerts, and no late fee for your first missed payment.
On top of that, Discover pioneered the unlimited cash back match for your first year. Many of Discover’s cards come with standard perks, including allowing cardholders the option to withdraw cash any time they make a purchase at participating retailers.
Other perks include 24/7 account monitoring, so you will always be notified if your personal information has been compromised. Many Discover cards also offer 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases, returning to standard APR after the timeframe
People of all credit levels can apply for a card. If you hold a Discover card, you can earn 1% cash back on every purchase you make, and Discover will match new accounts earnings within the initial year.
What types of rewards do Discover cards offer?
As a credit issuer, Discover offers its members the following rewards and benefits:
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- No penalty APR
- No fee for your first late payment
- No over-limit fee
- $0 fraud liability
- 24/7 customer service
- Account monitoring
- Rotating bonus categories
- Cash back match
- Free FICO credit scorecard
- 5% back on purchases up to $1,5000, then 1% after on select cards
- 2% back on $1,000 quarterly at gas stations and restaurants on select cards
- 1.5X miles on combined purchases with Discover it Miles
- Freeze it account lock
- Complimentary overnight card delivery
Since most Discover cards offer cash rewards, you might be pleased to learn you can easily redeem them for:
- Direct deposit
- Statement credit
- Amazon.com and PayPal purchases
- Charitable donation
- Partner Gift Card
If you have Discover Miles that you racked up with the Discover it Miles card, you can redeem them for everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, Paypal, or on travel.
You can transform miles at a 1:1 rate for cash back that is directly deposited into your bank account. You can even use your miles to help pay your Discover card balance.
The good news is that Discover rewards never expire as long as the account is still active.
Who should get a Discover credit card
Discover cards can benefit anyone whether you are rebuilding your credit, looking for high rewards, need low introductory interest, and much more.
In fact, Discover has a wide range of cards to choose from for daily purchases, students, travelers, and business owners.
These groups may benefit most from a Discover card:
Credit builders
If you made some poor choices in your credit past, Discover’s secured cards give you the chance to reestablish yourself and work your way towards a traditional card.
Travelers
Discover it Miles is a wonderful travel credit card that earns 1.5X miles on your spending, with no expiration date. No fees and flat-rate rewards are a handsome offer for those who enjoy adaptability.
Students
Discover’s two student cards allow first-time cardholders to sample the same rewards as traditional cards with room for building credit.
Daily shoppers
Discover it Cash Back allows you to earn maximum cash back rewards, while Discover it Chrome is ideal for those who frequently eat out, travel often on the road, or are looking for an everyday card for grocery store purchases and more.
Small business owners
Discover’s business card is easy-to-use and can help you establish and grow your business with 1.5% cash back on every business purchase.
You can start your credit journey or continue extending your credit with Discover.
How to choose the right Discover card for you
It can be challenging to find the right Discover card for you. By understanding all your card options, you can find the right fit for you, your credit history, and your spending habits.
You should first determine what your credit score is. By checking your FICO score, you can decide which cards you qualify for and which perks work best for you. Discover often offers free credit checks, or you could check with one of the three major credit bureaus.
Generally, there are three types of cards you can choose from:
- Cards that help build your credit
- Cards that with low interest
- Cards with high rewards
Choosing the right card for you means looking for features that match your specific needs. For example, if you don’t like to travel a lot, a travel rewards card isn’t the way to go.
Secured or student cards are great if you need to rebuild or build credit. Bear in mind that most secured cards require a security deposit of at least $200. The deposit will be refunded if you keep your account in good standing. If you are looking to save on interest, you may want to look into 0% APR or balance transfer cards.
Discover has a lot of options for those looking for cash back or travel rewards, especially if you can pay off your balance each month without recurring interest. The higher APRs are offset by rewards and sign-up bonuses. It may be good to note that there are no co-branded Discover credit cards currently.
How we selected our top cards
In selecting our top Discover cards, we considered factors like cash back, miles, rewards, benefits, and more to help you determine which card is the best to add to your wallet, including:
-
Rewards
From cash back incentives, miles, multi-faceted rewards structure for grocery store purchases and all other purchases, and returns based on rewards rate -
Annual fee
A card’s overall value can improve if they do not charge a high fee every year -
Benefits
We look for extra perks such as affordable travel insurance, extended warranties on purchases, discounts at select retailers, security alerts, credit monitoring, and financial management tools -
Sign-up bonus
We look for any extra incentives like unlimited cash back matches to add to the card’s overall value -
Variable APR
We look at intro APR for purchases and balance transfers and the card’s regular APR -
Foreign transaction fees
We take note of cards that allow you to travel internationally and make purchases without having to pay a high fee
Best Discover credit cards FAQ
Which Discover credit card is best?
If you’re considering applying for a Discover card and are unsure which one suits your needs best, you should think about what you want from your card and the type of customer you are. The best Discover card is the one that fits your personal needs. Once you know what is important to you in a credit card, its easy to match your interests up with the right rewards.
How many Discover card options are there?
Discover has 8 fantastic card options for you to choose from, including:
- Discover it® Cashback Credit Card: Enjoy cashback rewards
- Discover it® Chrome Credit Card: Earn back at restaurants and gas stations
- Discover it® Miles Credit Card: Earn miles with each purchase
- Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card: Start building your credit
- Discover it® NHL® Credit Card: Support your favorite NHL team
- Discover it® Business Credit Card: Build your business
- Discover it® Secured credit card: Work on your credit score
- Discover it® Chrome for Students: Get cash back at gas stations and restaurants
Is Discover a good credit card company?
Yes!
Discover is an excellent card with easy-to-use reward structures. They use an entirely U.S.-based customer service team that is available 24/7. Customers who prefer a straightforward card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, yearly fees, and can match other purchases you make in your initial year have a range of options to choose from.
What credit score do I need to apply for a Discover card?
Most cash back cards or no annual fee cards require at least a fair to good FICO score, which is around 700. If you have poor credit, Discover offers the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. This card is best for those with a score below 640, but anyone can apply for it with a security deposit of at least $200. If you don’t have any established credit, Discover also offers student cards that do not require credit history.
No matter where you are on your credit journey, Discover has a card that works with you.
Does Discover offer any other products besides credit cards?
Yes! Discover offers credit cards, checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, and more! You can learn more about Discover savings accounts in our helpful guide.
About the Author
The comparison team is a proud partner of the LA Times and is a combination of expert freelance writers, editors, and contributors specially selected for their extensive experience writing and working in the financial industry. Every article written is thoroughly researched, edited, reviewed, and then fact-checked by a member of The LA Times Business Development staff before publication to ensure you receive accurate information.
* Opinions expressed here are those of LA Times Compare and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.
All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publication. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.