Discover It Cash Back

Introduction to the Discover it® Cash Back Card

The Discover it® Cash Back Card is one of the most popular cash back credit cards on the market, known for its generous rewards program and unique features. Whether you’re a seasoned rewards enthusiast or new to earning cash back, this card offers an appealing combination of features that can help you maximize your spending. From its rotating 5% cash back categories to its no annual fee and Cashback Match feature, the Discover it® Cash Back Card offers exceptional value to cardholders looking to earn cash back on everyday purchases.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Discover it® Cash Back Card, including its rewards structure, benefits, fees, and how it compares to other similar cards in the market.

Key Features of the Discover it® Cash Back Card

The Discover it® Cash Back Card offers a variety of features that make it stand out from the competition. Here’s an in-depth look at what you can expect from this card:

1. 5% Cash Back on Rotating Categories

One of the key attractions of the Discover it® Cash Back Card is its 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories. These categories change every three months and can include purchases such as:

• Grocery stores
• Restaurants
• Gas stations
• Amazon.com
• Streaming services

To earn the 5% cash back, you need to activate the rotating categories each quarter. The 5% cash back is earned on purchases up to the quarterly maximum (usually $1,500 in purchases). Once you reach the limit, you’ll earn 1% cash back on any additional purchases within that category.

2. 1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases

In addition to the 5% rotating categories, the Discover it® Cash Back Card offers 1% cash back on all other purchases. This is ideal for everyday spending outside of the 5% bonus categories. Whether you’re buying coffee, clothing, or gas, you’ll still earn cash back on these purchases.

3. Cashback Match – A First-Year Bonus

One of the most notable features of the Discover it® Cash Back Card is the Cashback Match offer. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned. For example, if you earn $500 in cash back during the first year, Discover will match that and give you an additional $500. This essentially doubles your rewards during your first year, which can be a great incentive for new cardholders.

4. No Annual Fee

Unlike many other rewards cards that charge an annual fee, the Discover it® Cash Back Card comes with no annual fee. This is a significant advantage, as it allows you to enjoy all the rewards and benefits without worrying about paying an extra charge each year. This makes it a solid choice for anyone looking to maximize their rewards while minimizing costs.

5. 0% Introductory APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers

The Discover it® Cash Back Card offers 0% introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers for the first 14 months. This can be an excellent way to save money on interest if you need to carry a balance or transfer existing high-interest debt. After the intro period ends, a variable APR of 16.24% – 27.24% applies, depending on your creditworthiness.

6. No Foreign Transaction Fees

If you love to travel, the Discover it® Cash Back Card comes with no foreign transaction fees. This means you won’t be charged extra fees when making purchases abroad, unlike many other credit cards that impose a 3% fee on foreign transactions. This feature makes the card an excellent option for international travel.

7. Fraud Protection and Alerts

Discover provides $0 fraud liability protection, which means you won’t be held responsible for any unauthorized purchases made with your card. Additionally, Discover offers real-time alerts, so you can monitor your spending and detect any suspicious activity quickly.

8. Access to Discover’s Customer Service

Discover is known for its excellent customer service, and with the Discover it® Cash Back Card, you’ll have access to a 24/7 customer service team. You can contact them for assistance with any card-related issues, from lost or stolen cards to questions about your rewards.

How to Use the Discover it® Cash Back Card Effectively

To get the most out of the Discover it® Cash Back Card, it’s essential to understand how to maximize your rewards and benefits. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your card:

1. Activate Your 5% Categories

The 5% cash back is only available on purchases made within the rotating categories, and you need to activate these categories each quarter. Be sure to log into your account or use the Discover mobile app to activate the bonus categories before making any purchases. This will ensure you’re earning the maximum cash back for eligible purchases.

2. Maximize the $1,500 Quarterly Spending Limit

The 5% cash back rate applies up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter within the rotating categories. After you reach the $1,500 threshold, you’ll earn only 1% cash back for any additional purchases within that category. To maximize your cash back, try to make most of your purchases in the bonus categories, but also be mindful of the spending cap.

3. Take Advantage of the Cashback Match

During your first year as a cardholder, all the cash back you earn will be matched by Discover. So, if you’re able to earn a significant amount of cash back throughout the year, your rewards will be doubled at the end of the 12 months. To take full advantage of this offer, focus on spending in the rotating categories and earning as much cash back as possible.

4. Use the Card for Everyday Purchases

Even if you’re not in a rotating 5% category, the Discover it® Cash Back Card still gives you 1% cash back on all other purchases. Use the card for your everyday expenses, such as groceries, gas, and dining out, to build up your rewards over time.

5. Pay Your Balance in Full to Avoid Interest

To fully benefit from the 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers, be sure to pay off your balance before the intro period ends. If you carry a balance beyond the 14 months, the regular APR of 16.24% – 27.24% will apply, which could significantly impact your finances.

Discover it® Cash Back Card vs. Other Cash Back Cards

Let’s compare the Discover it® Cash Back Card with two other popular cash back cards to see how it stacks up:

Discover it® Cash Back vs. Chase Freedom Flex℠

• Introductory APR: Both cards offer 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (Chase Freedom Flex has a slightly shorter 15-month period).
• Cash Back Rewards: Both cards offer 5% cash back on rotating categories, but the Chase Freedom Flex℠ also offers 5% on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases.
• Annual Fee: Both cards have no annual fee.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: Chase Freedom Flex has 3% foreign transaction fees, while Discover it® Cash Back charges no foreign transaction fees.

Discover it® Cash Back vs. Citi® Double Cash Card

• Introductory APR: The Citi® Double Cash Card does not offer an introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers.
• Cash Back Rewards: Citi® Double Cash Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay it off. In contrast, the Discover it® Cash Back Card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter), plus 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Annual Fee: Both cards have no annual fee.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards charge no foreign transaction fees.

Who Should Consider the Discover it® Cash Back Card?

The Discover it® Cash Back Card is perfect for:

• Reward Seekers: Those who want to earn cash back on everyday purchases and take advantage of rotating 5% categories.
• First-Time Credit Card Users: With no annual fee, this card is an excellent choice for those who want to dip their toes into rewards credit cards without worrying about extra charges.
• Travel Enthusiasts: The card’s no foreign transaction fees make it an excellent option for international travel.
• Debt Repayers: Those looking to take advantage of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers can use this card to save on interest while paying down existing debt.

Final Thoughts on the Discover it® Cash Back Card

The Discover it® Cash Back Card is a solid choice for anyone who wants to earn cash back, especially those who are willing to take advantage of rotating categories and the generous first-year Cashback Match. With no annual fee, a 0% intro APR period, and the potential for significant rewards, this card offers great value for both new and experienced cardholders.

If you’re looking for a way to earn cash back on your everyday purchases while maximizing rewards in rotating categories, the Discover it® Cash Back Card is definitely worth considering.