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Not all student credit cards are created equal; some are designed to simply help you build credit while others offer valuable rewards. Discover it® Student Chrome is one of the few that can not only help you build credit but also reward you for everyday purchases and doing well in the classroom — you get a $20 statement credit every year your GPA is 3.0, for up to five years.
While this card does come with some perks for students, how does it compare to similar student credit cards?
Double Rewards on Gas and Dining
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Discover it® Student Chrome
Current Offer
Discover will automatically match the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year — and there's no limit
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, up to $1000 per quarter; and 1% automatic cash back on all other purchases
Who should get the Discover it Student Chrome card?
Students looking for their first credit card should consider the Discover it Student Chrome. If you have a limited credit history, it might be perfect for helping you build credit, which will come in handy in the future. Having a good credit score can make it much easier to qualify for things like mortgage loans, and it might also help you get better rates too. As you use your card for purchases and pay off the balance each month, you could potentially raise your credit score and develop healthy financial habits.
Just because you’re getting a student credit card doesn’t mean you can’t earn rewards too. With this card, you'll earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations (up to $1,000 quarterly). You’ll also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. All of your spending puts cash back in your pocket with Discover it Student Chrome. In terms of rewards, it’s one of the best credit cards for students.
Card basics
| Card type | Student |
| Credit card issuer | Discover |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Intro bonus | Discover will automatically match the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year — and there's no limit |
| Rewards rate | 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, up to $1000 per quarter; and 1% automatic cash back on all other purchases |
| Recommended credit score | Good, Fair |
| Intro APR | 0% for 6 months, then 18.24% to 27.24% (variable) |
Discover it Student Chrome benefits and perks
- Cashback rewards: You can earn a generous 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, up to $1000 per quarter; and 1% automatic cash back on all other purchases.
- Cashback match: Discover will automatically match the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year — and there's no limit. This can translate to a lucrative cashback bonus if you use this card for most of your spending.
- Introductory APR: Take advantage of a 0% introductory APR on new purchases for 6 months, then 18.24% to 27.24% (variable). Consider making any large purchases, like educational expenses, and paying them off over time.
- No annual fee: Discover it Student Chrome has a $0 annual fee. With all the expenses that come with being a college student, it’s good to know someone is looking out for you.
- No first late payment fee: If you accidentally miss a payment due date and pay late, Discover will waive your late fee the first time. You'll need to pay a late fee for any subsequent missed payments, though, so be sure to set up autopay.
- Credit score access: As a cardmember, you can view your FICO score (based on your TransUnion credit report) for free through the Discover mobile app.
- Security alerts: Discover it Chrome cardholders can opt to receive a variety of security alerts, such as new account alerts and potential fraud alerts. You can also sign up to receive alerts if Discover finds your Social Security number on the Dark Web.
- Good grade reward: Discover gives you more than just the satisfaction of knowing you did your best when you get good grades. They reward you with a $20 statement credit every school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to five years.
Drawbacks to the Discover it Student Chrome
- Acceptance: Discover cards aren't as widely accepted as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards. If you're interested in earning cash back on all of your purchases, you may need a backup card just in case.
- Spending cap: While this card does offer cashback rewards, there's a quarterly spending cap of $1,000 on its 2% earning category. All purchases exceeding the $1,000 amount will earn 1% cash back.
Earning & redeeming cash back with the Discover it Student Chrome
Best ways to earn
Earning cash back is simple with the Discover it Student Chrome. College students on the go can take advantage of 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations (up to $1,000 quarterly) on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
Students will also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. That means you’ll earn cash back on all of your education expenses, like school supplies, electronics, clothes, and more. Making Discover it Student Chrome your primary credit card will maximize cash back earning potential.
| Categories | Rewards rate |
| Restaurants and gas stations (up to $1,000 quarterly) | 2% |
| All other purchases | 1% |
Maximizing your redemptions
Cashback rewards can be redeemed at any time with your Discover it Student Chrome card. Redemptions come in many forms, including cashback rewards for statement credits, electronic deposits into your bank account, or gift cards. Rewards can also be used to pay for your Amazon purchases or donated to your favorite charities, as well.
Discover it Chrome cardmembers can redeem rewards easily through their online account or by phone.
Discover it Student Chrome FAQs
What is the difference between the Discover it® Student Cash Back and Discover it Student Chrome?
Discover’s two student credit card options are very similar. The main difference is that Discover it Student Chrome offers 2% cash back in specific categories, and Discover it Student Cash Back gives 5% cash back in spending categories that change quarterly.
Is Discover it Student Chrome a good card?
If you’re looking to build credit while earning rewards, the Discover it Student Chrome is a solid addition to your wallet. It’s a perfect first credit card. You won’t be weighed down by annual fees and can even get rewarded for good grades.
How do I qualify for a student Discover Card?
To qualify for a student credit card from Discover, you must be a current college student. You’ll be asked to provide proof of your education status. Applicants are also subject to a credit check to determine creditworthiness and verify identity.
Does Discover raise your credit limit?
Cardholders can request a credit line increase online by logging into their account and completing a request. You can also request an increase by calling Discover at 1-800-DISCOVER. Updating any changes to your personal information, such as income and housing, may help you become eligible for limit increases.
Other cards to consider
If you are interested in earning rewards, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is another credit card to consider. You’ll earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats (through 11/14/2024); 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment; 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 3% on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®); and 1% on all other purchases.
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards is also a great option for students who travel or study abroad as the card includes travel accident insurance (when you use the card to pay for your trip) and no foreign transaction fees.
Students looking for a cash back card that offers higher bonus rewards can also look to Discover’s other student credit card. Discover it® Student Cash Back has a $0 annual fee and you can earn 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter on up to $1,500 in purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Double Rewards on Gas and Dining
Discover it® Student Chrome
Why We Like It
Discover will automatically match the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year — and there's no limit
See how these cards compare:
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Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Welcome bonus: Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus after spending $100 in the first 3 months
- No annual fee
- 3% unlimited cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®)
- 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment
- Automatic consideration for a higher credit limit after 6 months
- No foreign transaction fee
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Discover it® Student Cash Back
- 0% intro APR on purchases
- 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories quarterly
- Automatically get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of any cash back you've earned at the end of the first year
- $0 annual fee
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