Discover it® Student Cash Back Review: Benefits | MaxRewards

Discover it® Student Cash Back

The Discover it® Student Cash Back is built for students who want a simple first credit card with no annual fee and straightforward cash-back rewards. It works best as an everyday starter card for learning credit habits while still earning a little back on regular spending.

Annual Fee

Rec. Credit Score

Rebuilding

Good For

Student first card

How to Apply

All information about Discover it® Student Cash Back has been collected independently by MaxRewards. Discover it® Student Cash Back is no longer available through MaxRewards.

Is the Discover it® Student Cash Back worth it?

This card is great for...

Building credit history

Everyday student spending

No annual fee use

This card is worth a look for students who want an accessible first card from a major issuer and do not need premium perks or a big welcome offer. The no annual fee keeps the downside low, and a basic cash-back structure is easy to manage while you focus on using the card responsibly and paying in full.

Its limits are just as clear. Rewards are modest outside of any rotating bonus categories, and there are no listed statement credits, travel benefits, or other extras to help it stand out long term. If your main goal is building credit with some cash back on the side, it fits well. If you want stronger everyday rewards or richer benefits, you will likely outgrow it.

MaxRewards Verdict

A solid starter card for students who want to build credit without paying an annual fee. Its main strength is simplicity, and its main limitation is that the long-term rewards and perks are fairly light.

Rewards

This card earns cash back, so the value is easy to understand and redeem. The key question is not complexity, but whether its earning rates match the kind of day-to-day spending you expect to put on a student card.

CategoryEst. yearly spendRateRewards

Gas

Jul 1 – Sep 30 · Up to $1,500 in spend

Est. yearly spend

Rate5%

Rewards

Amazon

Oct 1 – Dec 31 · Up to $1,500 in spend

Est. yearly spend

Rate5%

Rewards

Everywhere

Est. yearly spend

Rate1%

Rewards

Est. Annual Rewards

Recommended Minimum Credit

Min: Poor

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

Poor credit or higher is recommended for this card.

Credit approval is not guaranteed. Meeting the recommended credit range does not ensure approval, and applicants with lower scores may still be considered.