Discover It Balance Transfer Credit Card – How to

By Raquel Oliveira • 03/07/2025

Discover It Balance Transfer Credit Card: Cashback rewards on everyday purchases.

The Discover It Balance Transfer card is a great option for individuals looking to consolidate debt and save on interest. With a 0% introductory APR for 15 months and no annual fee.

For those who want to pay off existing balances without accumulating high-interest charges, this card is a solid choice. Additionally, Discover provides strong security features and cashback opportunities, making it a well-rounded option for everyday use.

However, there are some limitations to consider. The card charges a balance transfer fee, and Discover is not widely accepted outside the U.S. If you frequently travel internationally, this may not be the best option.

For individuals who prioritize low fees, interest savings, and cashback rewards, the Discover It Balance Transfer card offers a smart and practical financial solution.

How does Discover It Balance Transfer work?

The Discover It Balance Transfer Credit Card works by offering a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months. 

This allows you to transfer existing high-interest credit card balances and avoid paying interest on them for nearly a year and a half. The 0% APR is an excellent tool for those who want to consolidate debt and pay it off over time without incurring interest charges.

In addition to the balance transfer offer, the Discover It Balance Transfer card gives you 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to the quarterly limit).

For all other purchases, the card earns 1% cash back, which ensures you continue earning rewards on everyday purchases. With no annual fee, it’s an affordable way to earn rewards and save money on interest while managing debt.

Main benefits for the Discover It Balance Transfer

• Zero percent introductory APR for fifteen months on purchases and balance transfers, allowing users to pay down debt faster and avoid accumulating high-interest charges during the promotional period.
• Five percent cash back on rotating categories, including gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores, plus one percent cash back on all other purchases, making it beneficial for everyday spending and rewards accumulation.
• No annual fee, which ensures that users can focus entirely on repaying debt and earning rewards without worrying about additional yearly costs that could offset their savings.

Cons for the Discover It Balance Transfer

While the Discover It Balance Transfer Credit Card offers several great benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider. 

One downside is that the 5% cash back is limited to rotating categories each quarter, and you’ll need to activate them in order to earn the higher rewards rate. If the categories don’t align with your spending habits, you may not earn as much cash back as you’d like.

Additionally, the card charges a balance transfer fee of 3% (or 5% for cash advances), which can add to the cost of transferring balances. 

After the 18-month intro period, the APR reverts to a high variable rate, so it’s important to pay off your balance before the intro period ends to avoid paying interest on your transferred balance.

APR and Fees of the Discover It Balance Transfer

The Discover It Balance Transfer card offers a zero percent introductory APR for fifteen months on purchases and balance transfers, making it an excellent option for users seeking to pay off debt without accumulating high-interest charges.

After the introductory period, the APR transitions to a variable rate, ranging from eighteen point twenty-four percent to twenty-seven point twenty-four percent, depending on the user’s creditworthiness at the time of application.

There is no annual fee, making the card cost-effective for users focused on managing debt. However, balance transfers come with a fee of three percent for the first fifteen months, increasing to five percent thereafter.

Additional fees include late payment fees, which can be avoided by setting up automatic payments. Users who plan to carry a balance after the introductory period should carefully review the APR to determine its long-term affordability.

How to Apply for the Discover It Balance Transfer

Applying for the Discover It Balance Transfer card is straightforward and can be completed online in just a few steps. The application requires personal information, including name, address, Social Security number, and income details.

Potential applicants should check their credit score before applying, as approval and credit limit assignments depend on credit history. A strong score increases the likelihood of receiving the best terms and promotional offers.

During the application process, users can indicate whether they wish to transfer a balance. Discover then reviews the application and typically provides an approval decision within minutes, though some cases require additional verification.

If approved, the card is mailed within seven to ten business days. Once received, users can activate it and begin using it immediately for balance transfers or new purchases under the introductory APR terms.

Who Should Apply for the Discover It Balance Transfer?

This card is ideal for individuals seeking to consolidate debt under a lower interest rate while also earning cashback rewards on everyday spending. The combination of balance transfer benefits and rewards makes it highly versatile.

It is particularly useful for those with existing high-interest credit card balances who need structured repayment without additional annual fees. The introductory zero percent APR period allows users to focus on paying down debt faster.

However, those who frequently travel internationally may need an alternative card due to Discover’s limited acceptance abroad. Additionally, individuals primarily looking for rewards may find better cashback options with other credit cards.

Before applying, users should evaluate whether the balance transfer fee outweighs the potential interest savings. Responsible spending and timely payments are essential to maximize the benefits of this financial tool effectively.

Final Considerations

The Discover It Balance Transfer card provides an excellent opportunity for users looking to consolidate debt while still earning cashback rewards. Its zero percent introductory APR and no annual fee make it a cost-effective solution.

Despite its benefits, users should carefully consider balance transfer fees and foreign transaction limitations before applying. Ensuring that the savings from reduced interest outweigh the costs is crucial to making the most of this card.

For responsible cardholders who plan to pay off balances within the promotional period, this card offers valuable savings and cashback potential. By managing payments wisely, users can maximize its advantages while avoiding high-interest charges.