Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Compare Discover credit cards with no annual fee
Earn cash back and Discover will double it at the end of your first year.
Compare Credit Cards
Top Offers
Discover is probably the most generous card issuer in the US, as it doesn’t charge an annual fee for any of its cards and instead of offering a flat signup bonus, Discover matches any cash back you earn during your first year.
You won’t find a large variety of cards, such as hotel cards, airline cards or store cards, but you can find decent cash back and travel options that could help you earn rewards on your purchases or save money on interest with an intro APR period.
Compare Discover credit cards with no annual fee
{"niche":"USCCF"}
Discover card fees to watch out for
All Discover cards come with useful and rewarding perks. But there are some things to keep an eye on, such as the fees and interest you could pay on your card. Note that you’ll find such fees with most providers.
- Balance transfer fee. If you’re moving your balance to save money on interest, expect to pay a balance transfer fee. If this is 3% of the amount you transfer, a $5,000 balance transfer will cost you $150 in balance transfer fees.
- Cash advance fee. Cash advances are among the most expensive transactions you can make. Aside from accruing interest the moment you make the transaction, you also pay a cash advance fee of 5% but not less than $10. This makes a $500 cash advance cost you $25 right off the bat.
- Late payment fee. Discover won’t impose any fees the first time you’re late on your payment. But every time you miss payment after that, expect to pay up to a $40 fee.
How to compare Discover cards with no annual fee
When comparing Discover cards with no annual fee, consider the following:
- Do you travel often?
The Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card could be a solid choice for frequent travelers as it lets you earn unlimited miles on everything you buy with the card. Keep in mind, Discover cards aren’t as widely accepted overseas as Visa or Mastercard. - Do you want to earn cash back?
Aside from the Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card, all other Discover cards earn cash back. You can either earn cash back on quarterly rotating categories or in predetermined categories. - Do you want to earn a signup bonus?
Discover offers something special — a cashback match. This means Discover will double the cash back or miles you earn during your first year, without limits. For example, if you earn $1,000 cash back on your own, Discover will give you another $1,000 for a total of $2,000 cash back. - Are you a student?
Discover offers two credit cards for students, the Discover it® Chrome for Students and the Discover it® Student Cash Back. Both cards offer cashback match, good grades reward of $20 each year your GPA is 3.0 or higher, and a 0% intro APR period on purchases. The main difference is the cash back that each card offers. - Do you want a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers?
All cashback cards, except for the student cards and the secured card, offer 0% intro APR period longer than a year. - Do you want a 0% intro APR period on purchases?
All Discover cards, except for the secured card, offer a long 0% intro APR period on purchases. However, the intro APR period on purchases on the student cards is shorter than the other cards.
Will I earn more rewards if I pay an annual fee?
No, because there is no Discover credit card that has an annual fee.
Bottom line
Most Discover cards with no annual fee let you earn cash back, while only one card earns miles. If you’re looking to use a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers or purchases, you’ll find most of the cards suitable. However, if you’re looking to earn higher rewards by paying an annual fee, you’ll be disappointed as there is no such Discover card.
If none of the cards fit your needs, check out other credit cards to compare your options.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
5 smart ways to invest your stimulus check
If you don’t need your money right now, consider investing in an HSA, blue chip stocks and more.
-
Best store credit cards of 2021
Here are our picks for the best store cards of the year.
-
Best no annual fee credit cards of 2021
Our picks for the best no-annual-fee cards.
-
DasherDirect prepaid card review
Dashers can get instant access to earnings, plus 2% cash back at gas stations with this prepaid card.
-
Consumers Credit Union CD review
You need to be a member to access this credit union’s high interest rate options.
-
Revolut Junior card review
Current Revolut users can get a free prepaid card for their kids between the ages of 12 and 17.
-
Air Canada to launch new Chase credit card in the US
Air Canada anticipates launching the new credit card and also joining Chase’s lineup of travel partners in 2021.
-
Figure personal loan
Loans of up to $50,000 available from this well-established lender.
-
10 financial New Year’s resolutions and money hacks for 2021
To the year 2020: Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
-
How to separate your finances during divorce
Ways to protect your assets and what you need to know about marital debt.
Ask an Expert