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The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
The Discover it® Student Chrome is a great starter credit card to help you build credit while you learn how to responsibly use a credit card.
Discover it® Student Chrome
On Discover's website
Insider’s Rating
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3.6/5
Perks
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR for six months on purchases
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.24% Variable
Intro Offer
Unlimited Cashback Match™ – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Earn Unlimited Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Fair/New to Credit
Pros
- Earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Discover matches cash back after your first account year
Cons
- Low cap for earning 2% cash back (up to $1,000 per quarter in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants)
- Other cards offer better cash-back rates
Insider’s Take
The Discover it® Student Chrome is a great starter credit card to help you build credit while learning how to responsibly use a credit card. It's worth noting that this student credit card is nearly identical to the regular Discover it® Chrome in almost every way, with the addition of a few student-specific perks.
Discover it Student Chrome review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It's free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Trust takes time to build, and credit, at its core, is a form of trust. Banks need to see a record of on-time payments before they'll approve you for the best credit cards, which is why many students have a more limited selection of cards to choose from. That makes the Discover it® Student Chrome, one of several top Discover credit cards, an interesting option.
It's worth noting that this student credit card is nearly identical to the regular Discover it® Chrome in almost every way, with the addition of a few student-specific perks that we'll get to in a minute.
Discover it Student Chrome Overview
With the Discover it® Student Chrome, you'll earn 2% cash back on your first $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%) at gas stations and restaurants. None of Discover's cards charge an annual fee, which is appealing to students who may have less disposable income. You'll earn 1% back on all other purchases.
This almost goes without saying, but the Discover it® Student Chrome is best for ... students. If you're not currently in school but interested in a card like this, you're better off applying for the regular Discover it® Chrome.
Even if you are a student this may not be the best card for you. There are plenty of good no-annual-fee cards that are easy to get approved for with limited credit, even if they don't have the word "student" in the name. Make sure you sit down and look at your spending patterns to determine whether this is the most rewarding card for you.
If you're interested in a simple, no-hassle cash-back credit card, the Discover it® Student Chrome is a good option. But if you're looking to start accumulating travel rewards, there are better options to consider.
Discover it Student Chrome Rewards
Welcome Bonus
Discover doesn't offer a big flashy welcome bonus on its credit cards. Instead, you're eligible for Discover Cashback Match™, meaning Discover will match all the cash back you earn, dollar-for-dollar, at the end of your first year.
This means your earning rate on gas and dining goes up to 4% for the first year (on your first $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter). The Discover it® Student Chrome normally earns 1% back on all other purchases, but that effectively gets doubled to 2% for the first year.
Whether or not this is a good offer depends almost entirely on how much you expect to spend in your first year, but one nice thing about Cashback Match™ is that it's not all or nothing. Traditional credit card bonuses require you to spend a certain amount of money over your first few months with the card. If you hit the mark, you get the bonus. If not, you don't.
Cashback Match™ means you won't have to keep an eye on the calendar or carefully add up your transactions to see if you're on track — so one less thing to worry about.
How to Earn Rewards With the Discover it Student Chrome
The card's earning structure is straightforward, though you'll have to keep an eye on the quarterly spending cap. Cardholders earn:
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on the first $1,000 in combined spending each quarter (then 1%)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
If you spend a lot on gas and dining, you could do quite well with this card. But if you don't spend in these categories, a different card will serve you better.
How to Use Rewards From the Discover it Student Chrome
The Discover it® Student Chrome is all about simplicity, and that applies to redeeming your rewards as well. Discover makes it easy to cash out for a statement credit or to pay when checking out with Amazon or PayPal.
Unlike some other cards, there's no minimum amount required to start redeeming your rewards. Rewards don't expire, but if you close your account or don't use the card for 18 months Discover will automatically cash them out for you.
Discover it Student Chrome Benefits and Features
Outside of the Cashback Match™ offer and 2% bonus categories, there are a few perks that help the Discover it® Student Chrome stand out from the regular Discover it® Chrome.
0% Introductory APR on Purchases
The Discover it® Student Chrome comes with anintroductory 0% intro APR for six months on purchases (then a 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR). Zero-interest credit card offers like this are helpful if you have a lot of expenses to pay for upfront (like textbooks or supplies) that you need a little more time to pay off.
Just be sure you have the ability to pay off your balance before the promotional APR period expires, otherwise, you could be on the hook for hefty interest charges.
Late Payment Forgiveness
Discover also understands that many of the people who apply for this card may have never had a credit card before. While credit cards aren't all that complicated to use, it does take some adjustment if you're switching over from using a debit card for everything.
That's why Discover will waive the late fee on your first late payment (you will be charged a late payment fee after the first late payment), giving you a chance to learn the important lesson of paying your bills on time without any penalty.
Free FICO Score
Discover it® Student Chrome cardholders can access their FICO score for free at any time through their online account. This makes it easy to keep an eye on your credit score and how it's changed over time.
Unique Card Designs
When you apply for the Discover it® Student Chrome, you can choose from a number of colorful card designs that you don't usually find on credit cards from other issuers.
Discover it Student Chrome Annual Fee and Other Costs
The Discover it® Student Chrome doesn't charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees. New cardholders get a 0% intro APR for six months on purchases (then a 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR), so try to avoid carrying a balance after the no-interest period expires,
There are other scenarios where you might pay a fee, including late payments, returned payments, balance transfers, and cash advances.
Compare the Discover it Student Chrome
Discover it® Student Chrome | Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students | |
Annual fee | $0 | $0 (rates and fees) | $0 |
Rewards rate | 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined spending each quarter (then 1%) 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases | 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through November 14, 2024 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases 5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel 3% cash back ondining 3% cash back on entertainment 3% cash back onpopular streaming services 3% cash back atgrocery stores(excluding Walmart and Target) 1% cash back on all other purchases | 3% cash back in the category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement/furnishings)* 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs* 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases |
Welcome bonus offer | None, but Discover offers dollar-for-dollar match of all cash earned the first year | $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within three months of account opening | $200 cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening |
Card benefits | Free FICO score No foreign transaction fees 0% intro APR for six months on purchases (then a 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR) | Price protection*** Extended warranty*** Car rental coverage*** Roadside dispatch*** Travel accident insurance*** Complimentary concierge services Free credit monitoring with CreditWise from Capital One Complimentary Uber One membership, through November 14, 2024** | Free FICO score 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (then a 16.99% - 26.99% Variable APR) |
Review | Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Student Credit Card review |
*3% and 2% cash-back categories on the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students on up to $2,500 in combined spending each quarter, then 1% cash back
*** Exclusions apply
Discover it Student Chrome Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Discover it Student Chrome only for students?
The Discover it® Student Chrome is available to students who are enrolled in college or university and at least 18 years of age. You may be asked for proof of enrollment.
What credit score is needed for the Discover it Student Chrome?
You don't even need an established credit history to be considered for the Discover it® Student Chrome, as long as you meet other underwriting criteria. Discover will look at all the information you submit on your application to evaluate your creditworthiness, including your credit score if you have one.
What's the difference between the Discover it Student Cash Back and Discover it Student Chrome?
Both the Discover it® Student Chrome and Discover it® Student Cash Back are meant for current college or university students. The main difference between them is in how they earn cash back.
The Discover it® Student Chrome earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined spending each quarter (then 1%), and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Meanwhile, the Discover it® Student Cash Back earns 5% cash back in categories that rotate each quarter on up to $1,500 in combined spending when you activate (then 1%) (from July 1 to September 30, 2024, earn 5% cash back atWalmart and grocery stores on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%), and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Does the Discover it Student Chrome help me build credit?
Yes, when you use it responsibly. Opening a student credit card like the Discover it® Student Chrome can help you build a positive credit history and credit score. Discover will report your account activity to the three major credit bureaus. If you pay your bill on time, pay at least the minimum payment each month (ideally, more than that), and avoid carrying a balance, you could see an increase in your credit score and be able to qualify for more credit in the future.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Discover it Student Chrome
Insider's experts evaluated the Discover it® Student Chrome in comparison to other student credit cards that earn rewards, including from other banks. Some of the factors we considered include:
- Ease of use — Are the card's earning rates straightforward, and is it easy to redeem rewards? Are there any restrictions or hoops to jump through?
- Earning potential — Are the card's earning rates and bonus comparable to similar cards? If there are bonus categories, are they useful for students, and are any capped at a maximum amount of spending?
- Benefits — Many student credit cards are light on benefits. Does the card have perks that make it stand out?
- Fees — Most student credit cards don't charge an annual fee, but are there other fees to be aware of? Does the card waive the late payment fee on your first late payment?
To learn more about our methodology, read about how we rate credit cards at Personal Finance Insider.
When considering whether or not Discover is right for you, consider its additional product lines:
- Discover Personal Loan Review
- Discover Student Loan Review
- Discover Bank Review
- Discover Savings Account Review
- Discover CD Rates
- Discover Home Loans Review
Ethan Steinberg is an award-travel expert who loves helping readers leverage their credit card rewards for luxurious international travel on a budget. Before going back to grad school, Ethan spent two years based in Shanghai working as a senior points and miles contributor for The Points Guy. While living in Asia he developed an insatiable desire for mountain hikes, spicy noodles, and earning enough frequent flyer miles to enjoy a flat bed on his trips back to the US.
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Angela Fung is the Compliance Manager for Business Insider'sPersonal Financedivision, overseeing a team that ensures content accuracy and editorial independence so readers are always getting up-to-date and objective financial advice.The compliance team's mission is to maintain reader trust by confirming stories are fact-checked and current so that readers can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by maintaining clear, precise language that is compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.
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Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
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**Enrollment required.
***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.