Discover It Cash Back – How to apply

By Raquel Oliveira • 04/04/2025

Discover it Cash Back card is a versatile option for those who want to maximize their rewards.

The Discover It® Cash Back Card is a standout choice for individuals looking to maximize rewards on everyday spending. With no annual fee and rotating 5% cashback categories, it offers a smart way to save throughout the year.

Perfect for those who appreciate flexible earning potential, the card provides 1% cashback on all purchases, plus an exceptional Cashback Match after the first year, doubling all the rewards you’ve earned.

If your spending frequently covers categories like groceries, dining, or gas, this card can deliver impressive value. Its 5% bonus categories rotate quarterly, offering ongoing opportunities to earn more on essential expenses.

Before applying, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the cashback activation process and the spending caps for bonus rewards. Keep reading to discover the key benefits, potential drawbacks, and whether this card aligns with your financial strategy.

How Does the Discover It Cash Back Card Work?

The Discover It Cash Back Card offers a simple and effective cashback structure. Cardholders earn five percent cashback on select rotating categories each quarter, up to fifteen hundred dollars spent, after which cashback drops to one percent.

To activate the five percent rewards, users must opt-in each quarter through the Discover app or website. While this extra step requires attention, it ensures that cardholders maximize rewards on the eligible spending categories during that period.

In addition to rotating categories, the card offers one percent cashback on all other purchases, with no limit. This makes it a practical choice for everyday spending, ensuring that every transaction earns some level of reward.

A standout feature of this card is the Cashback Match. At the end of the first year, Discover will match the total cashback earned. This means a user who earns two hundred dollars in cashback will receive another two hundred dollars automatically.

Main Benefits of the Discover It Cash Back Card

• Five percent cashback in rotating categories that change quarterly, allowing users to earn higher rewards on specific types of purchases, such as groceries, gas, dining, or online shopping, depending on the current promotion.
• Cashback Match at the end of the first year, doubling the total cashback earned without any limits, making it an excellent choice for maximizing rewards, especially for first-time Discover cardholders looking to boost their savings.
• No annual fee, ensuring that all rewards earned go directly to the cardholder without any additional costs. This feature makes the card accessible to budget-conscious individuals who prefer a no-cost credit card with strong benefits.

Cons of the Discover It Cash Back Card

Discover is not accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard, particularly for international transactions. Travelers should have a backup credit card to ensure seamless payments in countries where Discover is not commonly used.

Cashback bonus categories require quarterly activation, which may be inconvenient for users who prefer a fully automated rewards system without the need to manually opt-in for each quarter’s promotional spending category.

The five percent cashback rate applies only to the first fifteen hundred dollars spent per quarter in the eligible category. After reaching this limit, additional spending in that category earns just one percent cashback, reducing the overall rewards potential.

APR and Fees

The Discover It Cash Back Card features a zero percent introductory APR for fifteen months on purchases and balance transfers. This promotional period allows users to finance large purchases or consolidate debt without accumulating high-interest charges.

After the introductory period, the APR becomes variable, ranging from eighteen point twenty-four percent to twenty-seven point twenty-four percent. This interest rate depends on the applicant’s creditworthiness and financial history at the time of approval.

There is no annual fee, making the card a cost-effective choice for cashback enthusiasts. However, balance transfers are subject to a three percent fee during the promotional period, increasing to five percent after fifteen months.

Additionally, late payment fees may apply, though Discover offers a first-time forgiveness policy. Users who miss a payment will not be charged a fee for the first occurrence but should set up automatic payments to avoid penalties.

How to Apply for the Discover It Cash Back Card

Applying for the Discover It Cash Back Card is a simple process that can be completed online. The application requires basic personal information, including name, address, Social Security number, and income details for credit evaluation.

Applicants can use Discover’s pre-approval tool to check their eligibility without affecting their credit score. This feature allows potential cardholders to see if they qualify before submitting a formal application that results in a credit inquiry.

Once the application is submitted, Discover typically provides a decision within minutes. If approved, the card is mailed within seven to ten business days, and users can activate it immediately for purchases and cashback rewards.

For those who prefer digital access, Discover offers an instant-use virtual card option. Approved users can start making purchases online or through mobile wallets before receiving their physical card in the mail.

Who Should Apply for the Discover It Cash Back Card?

This card is best suited for individuals who actively monitor their spending and take advantage of rotating cashback categories. The five percent rewards can lead to significant savings for those willing to activate the categories each quarter.

It is also a strong choice for first-time cashback credit card users. The first-year Cashback Match effectively doubles earnings, making this card one of the most valuable options for individuals new to credit card rewards programs.

However, users who prefer fixed cashback rates without activation requirements may find other cards more convenient. Those who travel internationally frequently should also consider a backup card due to Discover’s limited global acceptance.

Before applying, applicants should evaluate their spending habits and determine whether they are willing to track and activate quarterly categories. If so, this card provides excellent long-term value without additional costs.

Final Considerations

The Discover It Cash Back Card is a powerful tool for earning rewards on everyday spending. Its five percent rotating categories and first-year Cashback Match make it a compelling option for individuals looking to maximize cashback rewards.

With no annual fee and a zero percent introductory APR for fifteen months, the card offers both short-term financial flexibility and long-term earning potential. Responsible users can take full advantage of these benefits to optimize their savings.

However, quarterly activation requirements and spending limits on bonus categories may not appeal to everyone. Applicants should assess whether the activation process fits their lifestyle before committing to this credit card.

For those who actively track their spending and take advantage of rotating cashback offers, this card remains one of the most competitive options in the market. Maximizing its features requires attention, but the rewards can be highly worthwhile.