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Discover credit cards: Which one is best for you?

Compare Discover cards to find the best pick of September 2023 and read unbiased card reviews.

Updated

Dec 10, 2022

Fact checked

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	Rewards	Purchase APR	Annual fee
Discover it® Cash Back	Up to 5% cash back	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 16.99% to 27.99% variable)	$0	View details	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.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
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	View details	Earn unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases - from airfare and hotels to groceries and online shopping.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
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	View details	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.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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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.

Quick look at the best Discover credit cards

Discover it® Cash Back: Best for rotating cash back
Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card: Best for travel
Discover it® Secured: Best secured card
Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best student card
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card: Best for gas and dining

Best for rotating cash back

Discover it® Cash Back

Finder score: 4.8 / 5 ★★★★★

Read Review

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.

Pros
Rewards. Great cash back in rotating categories. Earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 you spend on purchases each quarter in eligible rotating categories, such as at gas stations, restaurants, Amazon.com, grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Earn 1% cash back after you've hit the spending cap each quarter, and on all other purchases.
Intro APR. 0% for 15 months following your account opening on purchases and balance transfers. After that, your purchase and balance transfer APR will be between 16.99% to 27.99% variable. This is an above-average intro APR when compared to its competitors.
Cashback match. Discover will match all the cash back you have earned at the end of your first year.
Cons
Balance transfer limitations. You must complete your balance transfers until a specific date to use the 0% intro APR period.
Cashback categories. You don't know what the 5% cashback categories will be until the start of each year.

Annual fee	$0
Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 16.99% to 27.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 16.99% to 27.99% variable) Intro fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer for transfers that post to your account by August 10, 2022 with the 0% intro APR balance transfer offer described above. After that, 5% of the amount of each transfer.
Welcome Offer	Discover will match cash back earned at the end of your first card year
Rewards	Up to 5% cash back

Welcome Offer	Other
Rewards	Up to 5% cash back
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	670

Read Review

Best for travel

Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card

Finder score: 3.7 / 5 ★★★★★

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.

Pros
Rewards. A flat rate for all purchases. Earn 1.5x miles on everything you buy. Redeem miles for statement credit.
Intro APR. 0% for 15 months following your account opening on purchases. After that, your purchase APR will be 16.99% to 27.99% variable. This is an above-average intro APR when compared to its competitors.
Mile match. Discover will match all the miles you have earned at the end of your first year.
Cons
No 0% APR on balance transfers. You only get 0% intro APR on purchases, but not on balance transfers.

Annual fee	$0
Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 16.99% to 27.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 16.99% to 27.99% variable)
Welcome Offer	Discover will match miles earned at the end of your first card year
Rewards	Up to 1.5x miles

Welcome Offer	Other
Rewards	Up to 1.5x miles
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	670

Best secured card

Discover it® Secured

Finder score: 4.4 / 5 ★★★★★

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.

Pros
Signup bonus. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all of the cash back you’ve earned without any limits.
Cash back. Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on the first $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. After that, and on all other purchases, earn 1% cash back.
Credit reporting to the three major bureaus. Discover will report your payment history to the three major credit bureaus — TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. With consistent on-time payments, you’ll build your credit score.
Possible security deposit return after eight months. After eight months, Discover will review your account every month. If they deem you’ve been a responsible cardholder, they may return your security deposit while you continue using your card. This effectively turns your secured card into an unsecured card.
Cons
It hurts to pay late. Your first late fee is waived, but making subsequent late or returned payments could result in fees as high as $41.
Time limit for balance transfers. If you want to take advantage of the intro balance transfer APR, your transfers must post to your account within the first months.

Annual fee	$0
Purchase APR	28.24% variable
Balance transfer APR	10.99% intro for the first 6 months (then 27.99% variable) Balance transfer fee of 3%
Welcome Offer	Discover will match cash back earned at the end of your first card year
Rewards	Up to 2% cash back

Welcome Offer	Other
Rewards	Up to 2% cash back
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	300

Best student card

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Finder score: 4.2 / 5 ★★★★★

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.

Pros
Cash back. Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter you activate them, on up to $1,500 in combined purchases. After reaching the cap and on all other purchases, you earn 1% cash back.
Cashback match. This is Discover's version of a welcome offer where Discover matches all the cash back you earned during your first year of card membership without limits. This means if you earn $500 in cash back during your first year, Discover will award you an additional $500.
Good grades reward. Every school year you earn a 3.0 GPA or higher, Discover will reward you with a $20 statement credit for up to five years.
Cons
Balance transfer fees. You’ll pay a 5% fee for each balance transfer.

Annual fee	$0
Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 6 months (then 17.99% to 26.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR	10.99% intro for the first 6 months (then 17.99% to 26.99% variable) Intro fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer for transfers that post to your account by September 10, 2022 with the 10,99% intro APR balance transfer offer described above. After that, 5% of the amount of each transfer.
Welcome Offer	Discover will match cash back at the end of your first card year
Rewards	Up to 5% cash back

Welcome Offer	Other
Rewards	Up to 5% cash back
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	580

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.

Pros
Rewards: Solid for gas and dining. Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. After that, you will earn 1%. You will also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months after account opening. After that, the APR will be 16.99% to 27.99% variable.
Cashback match. At the end of your first card year, Discover will match all the cash back you have earned.
Cons
Balance transfer limitations. You must complete your transfers until a certain date to use the 0% intro APR period.

Annual fee	$0
Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 16.99% to 27.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 16.99% to 27.99% variable) Intro fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer for transfers that post to your account by August 10, 2022 with the 0% intro APR balance transfer offer described above. After that, 5% of the amount of each transfer.
Welcome Offer	Discover will match cash back earned at the end of your first card year
Rewards	Up to 2% cash back

Welcome Offer	Other
Rewards	Up to 2% cash back
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	670

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.

Thank you for your feedback!

Megan Horner

Megan Horner is head of publishing at Finder, where she leads a team that's focused on publishing personal finance guides and reviews that help readers make informed financial decisions. She's passionate about helping you find the best financial accounts to meet your needs — whether that's earning great rewards or improving your credit score. Megan's expertise has been featured on Lifehacker, CreditCards.com, American Banker and news broadcasts across the country. She has a longstanding background in surfacing the best deals and helping people make decisions, including a start as a writer at a comparison website and editing credit card and credit score content at Credit Karma. She earned a degree in English and editing from Brigham Young University.

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4 Responses

SGallegosFebruary 26, 2018

Which Discover card can be used when travelling to China?

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

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 ?

Finder

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

Discover credit cards: Which one is best for you?

Compare Discover cards to find the best pick of September 2023 and read unbiased card reviews.

Compare Discover credit cards

We compare the following brands

The best Discover credit cards

Quick look at the best Discover credit cards

Best for rotating cash back

Best for travel

Best secured card

Best student card

Best for gas and dining

How to apply for a Discover card

Application restrictions

How many Discover cards can I have?

How to choose the best Discover credit card

Standout benefits of a Discover card

Tips to maximize your Discover cash back

Alternatives to Discover credit cards

Discover rewards program

Alternatives to Discover credit cards

Frequently asked questions

Megan Horner

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

4 Responses

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