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If you’re a student, the Discover it® Student Chrome can help earn rewards for everyday purchases. Cardholders earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
While there’s a quarterly cap for the higher rewards rate, Discover offers a Cashback Match™ that can boost your earnings. Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Let’s dive into the details of this $0-annual-fee student card to help you decide if it fits your needs.
Double Rewards on Gas and Dining
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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 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Key takeaways
- Students can use the Discover it® Student Chrome to earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You can boost your earnings at the end of your first year of having this credit card as Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
- This credit card’s fixed categories can help students earn higher rewards on common spending, as these categories include gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter).
- The Discover it® Student Chrome has a $0 annual fee.
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 Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 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.
Discover it® Student Chrome basics
| Card type | Student/Cash back |
| Credit card issuer | Discover |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Welcome offer | Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. |
| Intro APR | 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable |
| Rewards rate | Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
| Recommended credit score | Fair |
Why we like the Discover it Student Chrome: benefits and perks
- Cashback rewards: You can earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. These are common and stable categories that many students might find useful.
- Cashback Match™: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This can translate to lucrative extra cash back if you use this card for most of your spending.
- Introductory purchase APR: Take advantage of a 0% introductory APR on new purchases for 6 months, then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable.
- $0 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 have a credit card that doesn’t cost you extra annual fees.
- 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 of up to $41 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, which is based on your TransUnion credit report, for free through the Discover mobile app.
- Security alerts: Discover it Student 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.
What we don’t like about the Discover it Student Chrome: drawbacks
- 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. Cardholders earn 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter), and then 1% on all other purchases.
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 gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter).
Students can 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 can help you maximize your cash back earning potential.
| Category | Rewards rate |
| Gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) | 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 statement credits, electronic deposits into your bank account, or gift cards. Rewards can also be used to pay for your Amazon purchases or for purchases via PayPal.
Discover it Student Chrome cardmembers can redeem rewards easily through their online account or by phone.
Discover it Student Chrome FAQ
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 with the Discover it® Student Cash Back, you 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.
With the Discover it Student Chrome, you can earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
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 great first credit card. You won’t be weighed down by annual fees since it has a $0 annual fee.
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 1-800-347-2683. 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.
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 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.
Double Rewards on Gas and Dining
Why We Like It
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
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
- Intro APR on purchases
- 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories, up to a quarterly maximum when you activate
- Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
- $0 annual fee
- Rates and fees
Discover it® Student Chrome: bottom line
The Discover it® Student Chrome is a credit card designed for college students looking to earn cash back rewards while building their credit. You can earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
This card has a $0 annual fee and an introductory APR offer on purchases. It also offers additional benefits, such as access to your credit score and identity theft protection tools.
While the Discover it Student Chrome card is a solid choice for students, especially those who frequently commute to school and dine out, it may not be the best fit for students who want a card with different bonus categories. Other cards, including some by Discover like the Discover it® Student Cash Back, can be more appealing options.
Find out more options in our list of the best student credit cards.