Discover it^® Cash Back vs. Discover it^® Student Cash Back [2024]: Which Should You Choose?

We recommend the Discover it^® Cash Back if you’re not a student and want to take advantage of long intro APR offers.

But if you’re a student looking to build your credit history, the Discover it^® Student Cash Back is the better option.

Let’s explore our Discover it Cash Back versus Discover it Student Cash Back card review to see which one makes the most sense for you.

Key takeaways

• The Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Student Cash Back are nearly identical credit cards. They share similar welcome offers, rewards rates, and general perks and benefits.
• We think the Discover it Cash Back is a better overall card because it provides superior intro APR offers compared to the Discover it Student Cash Back. But not everyone may qualify for this card.
• If you’re a student with little or no credit history, the Discover it Student Cash Back makes more sense. It’s meant for students and still provides most of the same benefits as the Discover it Cash Back.

Compare Discover it Cash Back vs. Discover it Student Cash Back

Our verdict

We like the Discover it Cash Back more than the Discover it Student Cash Back because it has better intro APR offers. However, we recommend that students apply for the Discover it Student Cash Back because it has less-strict credit requirements compared to the Discover it Cash Back while offering nearly the same benefits.

Discover it Cash Back benefits and drawbacks

Cashback Match® welcome offer: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

The Discover it Cash Back has a $0 annual fee and charges 0% foreign transaction fees. Cardholders can 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 unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically..

You can also take advantage of intro APR offers:

• Intro APR on purchases: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 17.24% - 28.24% Variable))
• Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 17.24% - 28.24% Variable))

Learn more in our Discover it Cash Back review.

Discover it Student Cash Back benefits and drawbacks

Cashback Match® welcome offer: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

The Discover it Student Cash Back has a $0 annual fee and 0% foreign transaction fees. In almost every way, it’s identical to the Discover it Cash Back.

That includes being able to 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 unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.

But you have to be a student to qualify for this card, and the intro APR offers aren’t as good:

• Intro APR on purchases: 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases (then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable)
• Intro APR on balance transfers: 10.99% intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers (then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable)

Learn more in our Discover it Student Cash Back review.

Some Discover credit card spending categories require activation before you can earn their elevated cashback rate. This is a common requirement for rewards programs with rotating bonus categories.

What both cards excel at

• Generous welcome offers: Both the Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Student Cash Back provide excellent welcome offers.
• Cashback rewards: You can earn elevated cash back with either card. Learn more about Discover cash back credit cards.
• Redemption options: You can choose from a variety of redemption options, including statement credits, bank deposits, and gift cards.
• Discover network: Discover is the credit card issuer and payments network for both cards. Discover credit cards are accepted by 99% of places that accept credit cards nationwide.
• Annual fees: The Discover it Cash Back has a $0 annual fee, while the Discover it Student Cash Back has a $0 annual fee.
• No foreign transaction fees: You don’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees on the Discover it Cash Back or Discover it Student Cash Back.

2 important differences between Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Student Cash Back

1. Creditworthiness

The Discover it Cash Back is best for people with an average to excellent credit score (670 or higher FICO score), while the Discover it Student Cash Back is best for students. However, when assessing your creditworthiness, credit card issuers take into account several factors beyond just your credit score.

Since students may have little or no credit history on their credit reports, the Discover it Student Cash Back is likely a better option for them. The Discover it Student Cash Back could be the right move as a first credit card if you want to reach certain personal finance goals.

Winner: Discover it Student Cash Back because it makes more sense if you’re a student.

2. Intro APR offers

The Discover it Cash Back provides these intro APR offers:

• Intro APR on purchases: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 17.24% - 28.24% Variable)
• Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 17.24% - 28.24% Variable)

The Discover it Student Cash Back provides these intro APR offers:

• Intro APR on purchases: 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases (then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable)
• Intro APR on balance transfers: 10.99% intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers (then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable)

Overall, the Discover it Cash Back provides much better intro APR offers with longer intro APR periods.

Winner: Discover it Cash Back because it has the better intro APR offers.

Which credit card should you choose?

When you should choose Discover it Cash Back

• You want to earn cash back.
• You want long intro APR offers.
• You have an average to excellent credit score.

Banks and credit card issuers typically consider various factors in addition to your credit score when determining your creditworthiness.

When you should choose Discover it Student Cash Back

• You’re a college student.
• You want to earn cash back.
• You want to build your credit history.

What factors to consider before choosing

The Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Student Cash Back are nearly identical to each other. However, the main difference is that you have to be a student to qualify for the Discover it Student Cash Back.

If you’re a student without much credit history, consider the Discover it Student Cash Back. If you’re not a student and already have some credit history, consider the Discover it Cash Back.

Keep in mind that Discover provides a wide range of products, including additional credit cards, online banking, and loans. Learn more in our Discover review.

FAQ

Discover it Cash Back vs. Discover it Student Cash Back: bottom line

We recommend the Discover it Cash Back if you’re not a student and want to earn cashback rewards. But if you’re a student looking to earn rewards and build your credit history, the Discover it Student Cash Back is the better choice.

Compare credit cards to see more of our recommended credit card offers.

Up To 5% Cash Back

Discover it^® Cash Back

4.7

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Discover it^® Cash Back

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

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 unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• 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 unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
• Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
• Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• No foreign transaction fees

Drawbacks

• Rotating bonus categories to track

Card Details

• INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
• 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 unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
• 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.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.