Discover It Cash Back Credit Card – How to Apply

By Raquel Oliveira • 03/07/2025

Discover It Cash Back Credit Card 5% cashback in categories and no annual fee.

The Discover It Cash Back Credit Card is a top contender for anyone looking to maximize their cash back while enjoying an easy-to-understand rewards structure. 

Offering 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter and 1% on all other purchases, it ensures you earn rewards on both everyday expenses and purchases that matter most. 

With no annual fee and a cash back match for the first year, the Discover It Cash Back card is an exceptional option for those looking to get the most out of their spending.

If you’re someone who likes to earn cash back in areas that align with your spending, this card’s rotating categories will help you get the most out of your purchases. Plus, with no annual fee, this card offers great value without the cost.

How does Discover It Cash Back work?

The Discover It Cash Back Credit Card works by offering 5% cash back on rotating categories that change every quarter. Categories include groceries, restaurants, gas stations, and online shopping, among others. 

To take advantage of this high cash back rate, you need to activate the categories each quarter. This ensures you can earn rewards in areas where you spend the most, whether it’s dining out, shopping for groceries, or filling up at the gas station.

In addition to the 5% cash back on rotating categories, the card offers 1% cash back on all other purchases, ensuring that you are always earning rewards no matter what you buy.

This card also comes with no annual fee, making it an affordable option for those who want to earn cash back without paying extra fees. If you spend wisely and take advantage of the rotating categories, you can accumulate a significant amount of rewards over time.

Main benefits for the Discover It Cash Back

The main benefit of the Discover It Cash Back Credit Card is its ability to earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter. 

These categories include common purchases like groceries, gas, and dining, so it’s easy to maximize your cash back by spending in the right places. By activating the rotating categories each quarter, you can earn more on purchases you’re already making.

Another significant benefit is the cash back match, which doubles all the cash back you earn during your first year of use. This feature provides an excellent boost to your rewards, making the Discover It Cash Back card even more valuable in its first year.

The card also offers 1% cash back on all other purchases, ensuring you continue to earn rewards consistently.

Cons for the Discover It Cash Back

Discover is not accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard, particularly for international transactions. Travelers should have a backup credit card to ensure seamless payments in countries where Discover is not commonly used.

Cashback bonus categories require quarterly activation, which may be inconvenient for users who prefer a fully automated rewards system without the need to manually opt-in for each quarter’s promotional spending category.

The five percent cashback rate applies only to the first fifteen hundred dollars spent per quarter in the eligible category. After reaching this limit, additional spending in that category earns just one percent cashback, reducing the overall rewards potential.

APR and Fees

The Discover It Cash Back Credit Card offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 14 months.

After that, the APR reverts to a variable rate between 14.99% and 25.99%, depending on your creditworthiness. The high APR after the intro period means it’s important to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

There is no annual fee for the card, which makes it an affordable option for anyone looking to earn cash back without extra costs.

However, the card does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee, which can add up if you plan to use the card internationally.

How to Apply for the Discover It Cash Back

Applying for the Discover It Cash Back Card is a simple process that can be completed online. The application requires basic personal information, including name, address, Social Security number, and income details for credit evaluation.

Applicants can use Discover’s pre-approval tool to check their eligibility without affecting their credit score. This feature allows potential cardholders to see if they qualify before submitting a formal application that results in a credit inquiry.

Once the application is submitted, Discover typically provides a decision within minutes. If approved, the card is mailed within seven to ten business days, and users can activate it immediately for purchases and cashback rewards.

For those who prefer digital access, Discover offers an instant-use virtual card option. Approved users can start making purchases online or through mobile wallets before receiving their physical card in the mail.

Who Should Apply for the Discover It Cash Back Card?

This card is best suited for individuals who actively monitor their spending and take advantage of rotating cashback categories. The five percent rewards can lead to significant savings for those willing to activate the categories each quarter.

It is also a strong choice for first-time cashback credit card users. The first-year Cashback Match effectively doubles earnings, making this card one of the most valuable options for individuals new to credit card rewards programs.

However, users who prefer fixed cashback rates without activation requirements may find other cards more convenient. Those who travel internationally frequently should also consider a backup card due to Discover’s limited global acceptance.

Before applying, applicants should evaluate their spending habits and determine whether they are willing to track and activate quarterly categories. If so, this card provides excellent long-term value without additional costs.

Final Considerations

The Discover It Cash Back Card is a powerful tool for earning rewards on everyday spending. Its five percent rotating categories and first-year Cashback Match make it a compelling option for individuals looking to maximize cashback rewards.

With no annual fee and a zero percent introductory APR for fifteen months, the card offers both short-term financial flexibility and long-term earning potential. Responsible users can take full advantage of these benefits to optimize their savings.

However, quarterly activation requirements and spending limits on bonus categories may not appeal to everyone. Applicants should assess whether the activation process fits their lifestyle before committing to this credit card.

For those who actively track their spending and take advantage of rotating cashback offers, this card remains one of the most competitive options in the market. Maximizing its features requires attention, but the rewards can be highly worthwhile.