Discover it Student Cash Back: eligibility and rewards
Discover markets this card to students, but holding an F1 visa doesn’t by itself make you eligible or guarantee approval. Read the issuer’s application requirements for your own circumstances before applying.
The official card page, checked October 5, 2026, lists 5% cash back in activated quarterly categories up to the applicable cap, and 1% on other purchases.
Key features and terms to check before applying:- Cash back rewards on all purchases, including 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee, making it an affordable option for students.
- The official page currently advertises a six-month introductory purchase APR period. Check your specific offer for its rate and duration.
- No credit score is required to apply, according to the issuer; this doesn’t guarantee approval or waive other eligibility requirements.
- Responsible use may help build credit; late payments can harm it.
- Security features to protect against fraudulent activity, including the ability to freeze the account in seconds and 24/7 monitoring for suspicious activity.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Regular APR | Variable APR after the introductory period; see the issuer’s current rates and the terms of your specific offer |
| Initial credit line | Determined by the issuer; no particular credit limit is guaranteed |
Cashback Match and referral offers
The issuer advertises a match of qualifying first-year cash back for eligible new cardholders. This is based on rewards earned, rather than a guaranteed $200 payment. For example, $50 in qualifying rewards would produce a $50 match under the advertised terms.
If you receive a referral offer, read its eligibility rules and qualifying steps before counting on a bonus. Use the terms attached to your own offer, since a promotion mentioned in an older review may no longer be available.
Before applying, read the issuer’s rates, rewards, fees and eligibility information and the offer you receive. Interest and fees can cost more than the rewards you earn, so look at the card as a borrowing decision as well as a cashback offer.
