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How many Discover cards can you have?
You can have up to two, but there are limitations.
Updated
Providers often cap the number of credit cards each customer is allowed to have at once. Discover is no different, although it has its own quirks to watch out for.
Discover credit card limitation rules
You are limited to two Discover cards at a time. To open your second card, you typically must have held your first for a minimum of one year. Note that some members have reported getting their second card even sooner, but one year is the standard.
Unlike most other providers, Discover lets you have two of the same card. Keep in mind if you apply for a card you already have, Discover may ask you to call in to confirm your application.
Why would I want a second Discover card?
One reason you might want a second Discover card is to increase your quarterly reward maximum.
For example, the Discover it® Cash Back offers 5% cash back in rotating categories that you activate each quarter, but only up to a quarterly maximum — usually $1,500. Once you reach that cap, you’ll earn only 1% cash back until the next quarter. By opening a second account of the same card, you can earn the bonus rate on up to $3,000 in eligible spending a quarter.
Many cardholders have reported qualifying for the first-year cashback match again. However, this comes down to Discover’s discretion, and your results may vary.
Finder Tip: Pair Discover credit cards
There are two Discover card pairs that are particularly useful. You’ll notice the cards in each pair offer attractive rewards in different categories.
None of Discover’s cards come with annual fees, so pairing is an easy option.
- Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card and Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card.
The Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card offers 2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each quarter, then 1%. For purchases outside these bonus categories, use the Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card, which offers a solid 1.5x miles on every purchase. You can redeem these miles for cash back as well as statement credits on travel purchases. - Discover it® Cash Back and Discover it® Miles.
The Discover it® Cash Back offers stellar rewards in select quarterly categories. The only downside is you don’t get these bonus rewards the whole year. For all of your purchases that don’t qualify for 5% cash back, simply use the Discover it® Miles.
Compare Discover credit cards
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Managing multiple Discover cards
One advantage of having multiple Discover cards is you can view your balances from a single online account. You can more easily monitor your payment due dates and pay off your cards all at once.
Of course, with multiple cards comes a higher risk of losing track of the details. Consider changing the payment due date on both cards to the same day to reduce confusion. And if you have trouble remembering your due dates, consider setting up automatic payments.
For more tips, read our guide on managing multiple credit cards.
Bottom line
Discover allows two card accounts at a time. Most card members must have their first card open for at least a year before getting their second card, though there may be exceptions.
There are several Discover cards that offer solid rewards, and a first-year rewards match. Compare Discover credit cards to find ones that are right for you.
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