Discover Student Cash Back Credit Card

By Raquel Oliveira • 03/07/2025

Discover Student Cash Back Credit Card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories.

The Discover Student Cash Back Credit Card is a great option for students who are new to credit and want to earn rewards while managing their spending. 

With 5% cash back on rotating categories like restaurants, gas stations, and online shopping, up to the quarterly maximum, and 1% on all other purchases, this card is a fantastic way to earn cash back on your everyday spending. 

Whether you’re shopping online, filling up your gas tank, or grabbing a bite to eat, the Discover Student Cash Back card helps you earn rewards on things you’re already buying.

One of the standout features of the Discover Student Cash Back Credit Card is the rotating 5% cash back categories, which change each quarter. To take full advantage of this feature, you just need to activate the categories each quarter, and you can start earning higher rewards on purchases in those categories.

Unique Feature of the Discover Student Cash Back Credit Card

The Discover Student Cash Back Credit Card is unique due to its rotating 5% cash back categories, which give you the opportunity to earn rewards at a higher rate on certain purchases each quarter. 

These categories often include popular student expenses like dining, gas, and online shopping, so it’s easy to maximize your cash back in categories that fit your lifestyle.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 5% cash back on rotating categories: Earn top rewards on categories like gas, restaurants, and online shopping, up to the quarterly limit.
• 1% on all other purchases: Earn rewards on everything you buy with no category restrictions.
• Cash back match: Discover will match all the cash back you earn during your first year.
• No annual fee: Enjoy cashback without paying extra fees.
• No foreign transaction fees: Use your card internationally without incurring additional charges.

Cons:

• Rotating categories require activation: You need to activate the 5% cash back categories each quarter.
• 5% cash back is capped: There’s a limit on how much you can earn in the 5% categories each quarter.
• APR can be high: After the intro period, the APR can be relatively high, so it’s important to pay off your balance to avoid interest charges.

How do I know if the Discover Student Cash Back is the best credit card for me?

The Discover Student Cash Back Credit Card is ideal for students who want to earn rewards while managing their spending. If you’re willing to keep track of the rotating 5% cash back categories and activate them each quarter, this card offers great value. 

Plus, with 1% cash back on everything else, you’ll always be earning rewards on your purchases.

Why do we like this card?

The Discover It Student Cash Back card stands out because it is designed specifically for students, making it easy to manage finances while earning rewards.

One of its best features is the first-year Cashback Match, which doubles all cashback earned in the first 12 months. This is a rare and valuable benefit for students looking to maximize their rewards.

Another great feature is the mobile app, which allows students to track their spending, set payment reminders, and even freeze their card if it is lost. This makes it easier to stay on top of finances and avoid common credit mistakes.

For students who want a simple, rewarding, and fee-free credit card, the Discover It Student Cash Back is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

The Discover It Student Cash Back card is a great option for students who want to build credit while earning rewards. With no annual fee, a first-year Cashback Match, and useful financial tools, it provides an excellent foundation for responsible credit use.

While the requirement to activate cashback categories may not suit everyone, those who take advantage of the 5% bonus rewards can earn significant savings. Additionally, paying the balance in full each month is essential to avoid high interest charges.

For students looking for a simple, rewarding credit card with strong security features, the Discover It Student Cash Back is a smart choice.