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Discover credit cards: Which one is best for you?

Compare Discover cards to find the best pick of March 2024 and read unbiased card reviews.

Compare Discover credit cards

Discover's selection of credit cards almost universally earn rewards and include several credit-building options. If you need a closer look at Discover's card options, select your credit score below and click Show filters to compare Discover credit cards side by side.

1 - 3 of 6
Name Product Filter values Rewards Purchase APR Annual fee
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back
Up to 5% cash back
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 16.99% to 27.99% variable)
$0
Earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories every quarter you activate, then 1% thereafter. Earn 1% back on all other purchases.
Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card
Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card
Up to 1.5x miles
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 16.99% to 27.99% variable)
$0
Earn unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases - from airfare and hotels to groceries and online shopping.
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card
Up to 2% cash back
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 16.99% to 27.99% variable)
$0
Earn 2% cash back on gas and dining on your first $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. After that earn 1% in these categories and on all other purchases.
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The best Discover credit cards

The best Discover credit card is the one that best fulfills your financial need for the lowest cost. The credit card experts at Finder compared all Discover credit cards against one another based on several features, including cashback opportunities, travel perks, credit requirements and APR. We ranked the Discover credit cards that performed best in a given category on our list of best picks.

Best for rotating cash back

Discover it® Cash Back

4.8
★★★★★

Finder score

If you can keep track of rotating reward categories, you could earn great cash back from the Discover it® Cash Back Card. You’ll also like the card’s intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Best for travel

Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card

3.7
★★★★★

Finder score

The Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card is a good travel pick if you don’t want to pay an annual fee. You’ll earn 1.5x miles on everything you buy, which makes the card similar to the solid Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card.

Best secured card

Discover it® Secured

4.4
★★★★★

Finder score

Expect a better secured card by Discover with cash back on all purchases — rare for this kind of card. If you spend and are responsible in making payments, you could also get your security deposit back as soon as eight months.

Best student card

Discover it® Student Cash Back

4.2
★★★★★

Finder score

The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a great student cards because you get to earn generous rewards on your purchases just like you would with the nonstudent card. Discover's other student card, the Student Chrome, is also solid, though less flexible than this card.

Best for gas and dining

Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card

This card offers a solid 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants. Keep in mind this rate applies only to the first $1,000 in qualifying purchases each quarter, after which you’ll earn 1%. If you don't spend often in these categories, the Discover it Cash Back might prove a better choice.

How to apply for a Discover card

Visit the Discover site and choose Apply now on the credit card page. Before you apply, check that you meet the eligibility requirements and have the required information on hand. You need to be at least 18 years old and provide your name and residential address, Social Security Number, date of birth, email address, phone number and financial information.

Application restrictions

There’s an unwritten rule that says any additional Discover applications made beyond the first in one year will likely be denied. However, some readers report that they were approved for a second card before one year was up, so your mileage may vary.

How many Discover cards can I have?

You’re allowed a maximum of two Discover credit cards at one time.

How to choose the best Discover credit card

If you need help choosing the best Discover credit card for you, here are a few questions to consider:
  • Review your spending habits. Since most Discover cards offer some form of cash back, a big part of choosing the right one involves picking the card that enables you to earn the most cash back over time in the categories you spend most in.
  • Consider your travel needs. The Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card is a simple travel product that’s solid all around.
  • Look at the state of your credit score. The Discover it® Secured is aimed at those who have damaged or no credit, and it can help you build a strong FICO score.
  • See if you qualify for a student card. Student cards may prove a better option if you can qualify for them, as they’re designed for those who might not yet have a strong credit history..

Standout benefits of a Discover card

  • No annual fee on any card. All Discover cards have no annual fee.
  • Cash back. Almost every Discover card offers cash back. The exception is the provider’s travel card, which offers miles.
  • Rewards match. In lieu of traditional signup bonuses, Discover offers a cashback or mile match at the end of your first card year.
  • First late-payment fee waived. After your first late payment, you’ll be charged up to $40 per late payment.

Tips to maximize your Discover cash back

  • Activate your categories.
    If you fail to activate before the end of the quarter, you won’t earn accelerated cash back. You also may not receive retroactive cash back if you activate later in a quarter.
  • Cashback Match.
    Instead of a signup bonus, Discover will match the entire cash back you earn during your first year. Suppose you earn $500 in cash back, You’d get a $500 bonus for a total of $1,000 for the first year. This beats any signup bonus offered by a similar card.
  • Use at Amazon.com.
    When Amazon.com purchases are part of the Discover card categories, you can buy gift cards and use them later during the year. You can also use your card to renew your Prime membership.
  • Pair it with another card.Chase Freedom Flex℠ also offers 5% cash back up to $1,500 in combined purchases, and the categories rarely overlap. Combining the two cards can maximize your cash back during the entire year.

Alternatives to Discover credit cards

While Discover has a great selection of credit cards, it lacks in some areas, such as travel and rewards. Other great alternatives include American Express credit cards, Chase cards or Citi cards. You’ll find some great cards to help fill in the gaps that Discover lacks.

Discover rewards program

Almost all Discover cards offer cash back. For the provider’s travel card, you’ll earn miles.

If you earn cash back, redeem it for rewards that include:

  • Gift cards.
  • Instant eCertificates.
  • Charitable donations.
  • Statement credits.
  • Electronic deposits into an account of your choice.
  • Pay with Cashback Bonus at eligible merchants.

Redeem miles for electronic deposits into your bank account or for travel statement credits.

Alternatives to Discover credit cards

While Discover has a great selection of credit cards, it lacks in some areas, such as travel and rewards. Other great alternatives include American Express credit cards, Chase cards or Citi cards.

You’ll find some great cards to help fill in the gaps that Discover lacks. Or if you’re not sure if Discover products are right for you, compare credit cards from other providers.

Frequently asked questions

How do I report fraud to Discover?
Call a Discover representative at 866-240-7938 to report a suspicious or unauthorized transaction.

Where is Discover accepted?
Discover cards are accepted at most US locations with a few exceptions. However, you may have some trouble using this card abroad.

More guides on Finder

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4 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    SGallegosFebruary 26, 2018

    Which Discover card can be used when travelling to China?

      Default Gravatar
      johndeguzmanMarch 10, 2018

      Hi,

      Thank you for contacting finder.

      I understand that you have a question about which card is better to use when travelling to China.

      Please be advised that all discover cards can be used globally. Although the best option is to use the Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card because this card gives you 1.5x miles or more for every dollar you spend on purchases.

      Thanks.

      John

    Default Gravatar
    mattFebruary 15, 2018

    Hello I’m traveling to mazatlan mexico I have a discover card I want to use not sure if it would be accepted at places there ?

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaFebruary 24, 2018Finder

      Hi Matt,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder.

      According to Discover’s website, Mexico has “moderate acceptance” of their card. Moreover, your card is accepted if you see the logo “Discover” and “Diners International.”

      I would suggest, Matt that you get in touch with Discover to double check with them. This will not just save you from any trouble, but also be able to notify them that you are going overseas and prevent them from mistaking your foreign credit card use as unauthorized.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

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