Discover it® Student Chrome Review: A Banger Starter Card (2024)

Discover it® Student Chrome Review: A Banger Starter Card (1)

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MoneyGeek’s Take

The Discover it® Student Chrome is an excellent choice for students who frequently spend on gas and dining, providing automatic high cash back in these categories. It also has several student-friendly features: no annual fee, no security deposit, no FICO score requirement and a 0% intro APR period on purchases. The spending limit on bonus categories may dampen its appeal for some users, but this card gets a ‘W’ for most students.

Discover it® Student Chrome

Discover it® Student Chrome Review: A Banger Starter Card (2)

MoneyGeek Rating

3.9/ of 5

Annual Fee

$0

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.

Cashback Match

  • The Discover it® Student Chrome is a game changer for budget-conscious students. It rewards you generously for those weekend outings and gas fill-ups without the burden of an annual fee. You also get a solid introductory offer, and there are no credit score requirements. As an added perk, at the end of your first year, Discover steps in to match all the cash back you've earned. Stay mindful of the spending limits on bonus categories, and watch out for the potential APR uptick after the introductory period. All in all, it's a card that truly understands the student lifestyle.

  • PROS

    • No annual fee
    • 0% intro APR offer
    • No credit score requirement
    • High cash back for restaurant and gas
    • Get a dollar-for-dollar cash back match

    CONS

    • Bonus categories have spending caps
    • Potentially high APR
    • Unlimited Cash Back Match — Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year.
    • Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
    • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases — automatically.
    • No credit score is required to apply.
    • Reduces the 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 using the mobile app.
    • No annual fee. Build your credit with responsible use.
    • 0% intro APR on purchases for six months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24%–27.24% applies.

    Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Discover it® Student Chrome Card Overview

If you’re in college, the Discover it® Student Chrome is a standout choice as your first card. It accepts applicants without credit and has several student-friendly perks: no annual fee, no security deposit and a 0% intro APR period on purchases.

Additionally, it offers 2% cash back on gas and dining for up to $1,000 per quarter. Unlike its twin, the Discover it® Student Cash Back, you don’t need to activate categories to get bonus rewards with the Student Chrome. All other purchases get 1% cash back, and Discover doubles all the cash back you earn for the first year.

The spending cap can be a drag, and some cards may offer better cash back or bonuses. But if you want a low-maintenance card while you’re starting out, you can’t go wrong with the Discover it® Student Chrome.

>> MORE: MoneyGeek's Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Discover it® Student Chrome Review: A Banger Starter Card (3)

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Although Discover states that you don’t need a FICO score to get the Discover it® Student Chrome, they will still assess your eligibility. Being a student doesn’t guarantee automatic approval. Like other student cards, you’ll need to provide proof of school enrollment and report your current and expected income when applying.

Discover it® Student Chrome Card Details

Feature

Details

Card Uses

  • Student Card
  • Cash Back

Annual Fee

$0

Introductory Offer

Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year

Introductory APRs

0% intro APR for six months on purchases

Rewards

  • Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
  • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases

Regular APRs

18.24%–27.24% variable

Penalty APR

None

Balance Transfer Fees

3% intro fee for transfers during the intro period (date varies) with the 10.99% intro APR balance transfer offer, then 5% of each transfer

Late Fees

None the first time you pay late; after that, up to $41

Foreign Transaction Fee

None

Other Perks

  • Access to Discover’s online privacy protection service
  • Free access to security alerts if your Social Security number is found on the dark web
  • Access to Discover’s mobile app

Rewards Program Overview

The Discover it® Student Chrome Card caters to the everyday needs of students, offering a straightforward rewards program. With this card, you can earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. All other purchases net you an unlimited 1% cash back.

Beyond the base rewards, Discover offers a unique first-year perk: a cash back match. This means that at the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you've earned, doubling your rewards for that year. This bonus can be particularly appealing if you plan to use your card frequently.

When it comes to redemption, the cash back you earn never expires and is redeemable for any amount at any time. You can choose statement credits, deposits to bank accounts, charitable donations or paying with rewards at select merchants.

Why You Might Want This Card

The Discover it® Student Chrome is a great card for students, allowing you to build credit while earning cash back.

Helps Build Credit: You can qualify for this card even though you don’t have a FICO score. And because the card reports to the three major credit bureaus, using it responsibly will help you build your credit.

Get Cash Back: The card lets you earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. This could mean up to $80 back per year if you can maximize the cap. In addition, all the cash back you earn for the first year gets doubled, so you stand to earn up to $160 just from road trips and eating out.

Intro APR on Purchases: Benefit from a 0% intro APR on purchases for six months, providing a cushion for large expenses or emergencies.

Light on Fees: This card doesn’t have an annual fee or a security deposit. Moreover, it doesn’t charge a late fee the first time you miss a payment. Although you should always pay your dues on time, it’s reassuring to know that you have a get-out-of-jail-free card while you’re learning how to use your card responsibly.

Why You Might Want a Different Card

The Discover it® Student Chrome is a strong student card, but it takes the 'L' in some categories.

Rewards Cap: The 2% cash back on gas and dining is limited to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. If you’re a heavy spender and want a card that doesn’t have spending caps on bonus categories, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards may be a strong alternative.

Cash Back Match: The allure of doubling your cash back at the end of the first year is strong, but it requires you to spend significantly to reap the full benefits. If you want to get an easy cash bonus from your card, the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards offers a $50 welcome bonus after you spend $100.

How Discover it® Student Chrome Compares

To help you assess if the Discover it® Student Chrome is right for you, we compare it with similar cash back cards.

Discover it® Student Chrome vs. Discover it® Student Cash Back

Also issued by Discover, you can expect the same student-friendly features with the Discover it® Student Cash Back. Its main difference with the Student Chrome is its cash back: it offers 5% on rotating categories, which change every quarter and has a $1,500 spending cap. Its cash back rate is significantly higher, but it requires activation and can fall into a category you don’t use at all. Still, it can work as an alternative if you want maximum cash back on your purchases.

Discover it® Student Chrome Review: A Banger Starter Card (4)

MoneyGeek Rating

3.6/ of 5

Rates & Fees

Discover it® Student Chrome vs. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards

The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards offers unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services and grocery stores. It lacks cash back on gas but offers higher rewards on more categories sans the cap. The catch? It’s not as accessible as the Discover it® Student Chrome, as you’ll need some credit history to qualify. But if you’ve been building your credit for a while and want better rewards, you can graduate to the SavorOne Student Card.

Discover it® Student Chrome Review: A Banger Starter Card (5)

MoneyGeek Rating

4.9/ of 5

Is Discover it® Student Chrome Right for You?

The Discover it® Student Chrome card is a smart pick for students building their credit. There’s no credit requirement to qualify for this card, and it comes with several student-friendly benefits. Notably, it lets you earn 2% cash back on gas and dining (up to a quarterly limit) and has a first-year cash back match.

It’s the GOAT if you’re in college and only starting out adulting. However, if you’ve been playing the game for a while and have built some credit, other cards may offer better cash back rewards.

Discover it® Student Chrome Review: A Banger Starter Card (6)

BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR STUDENTS IN 2024

Still undecided about the Discover it® Student Chrome? We rank the best student credit cards to help you on your journey to your financial happy place.

How We Evaluated the Discover it® Student Chrome Card

In evaluating the Discover it® Student Chrome, MoneyGeek considered a range of features that are particularly relevant to students. We scored the card against 60 other cards, with a focus on the following weighted criteria, listed from most to least significant in determining its Cash Back Score (out of a possible 5 points for each criterion):

  • Reward Rate Efficiency (50%): A 5 rating here means the card offers a highly competitive cash back rate.
  • Annual Fee (10%): A 5 rating indicates no annual fee, enhancing affordability.
  • Introductory Purchase APR (5%): A top score reflects a valuable intro APR period.
  • Credit Accessibility (5%): A 5 rating suggests the card is available to a broad credit spectrum.
  • Issuer Satisfaction (5%): High customer satisfaction is reflected by a 5 rating.
  • Penalties (5%): A 5 rating means no penalty rates or fees are imposed.
  • Regular APR (5%): A competitive ongoing APR earns a 5 rating.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees (5%): No fees on foreign transactions would score a 5.
  • Balance Transfer Offer (5%): An excellent balance transfer offer is rated 5.
  • Offer ROI (10%): A high return on investment for the card offers scores a 5.

This systematic approach ensures a balanced and comprehensive review, aligning with the card's identified pros and cons.

About Doug Milnes, CFA

Discover it® Student Chrome Review: A Banger Starter Card (7)

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.

sources

*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about

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Discover it® Student Chrome Review: A Banger Starter Card (2024)

FAQs

Is the Discover student Chrome card good? ›

Discover it Student Chrome is good for avoiding interest on big-ticket student expenses, such as textbooks, because it offers a 0% introductory APR on new purchases for the first 6 months your account is open. The average purchase card is interest-free for about 11 months.

What is the credit limit for Discover it student chrome card? ›

Students that are approved for a Discover It® Student Chrome are guaranteed a credit limit of at least $500. However, Discover or any other issuer determines your credit limit from many factors including your income and credit worthiness.

What is the minimum credit score for Discover it card? ›

Discover it® Cash Back

The credit score needed for Discover it® Cash Back card is one of Discover's flagship offerings. To qualify for this card, you generally need a good to excellent credit score, which typically means a FICO score of 700 or higher for Discover card approval.

Is it hard to get a Discover student card? ›

For example, there is no credit score required to apply for a Discover It® Student Chrome credit card. However, if your credit score is low because of missed or defaulted payments on past loans or credit cards, your application is more likely to be rejected.

What's the difference between Discover card and Discover it Chrome? ›

Earning rate. The key difference between these cards is the amount of cash back that they offer. The Discover it® Cash Back offers a bonus on rotating categories, while the Discover it® Chrome offers on an ongoing bonus on gas and restaurant purchases.

What is the difference between student and regular Discover card? ›

Different eligibility criteria

For example, there is no credit score required to apply for Discover Student credit cards. Regular credit cards generally require an established credit history, with a good to excellent credit score being a common prerequisite.

Why did I get denied for Discover student card? ›

Common reasons applicants are denied credit cards include low credit scores, no credit history, inadequate ratio of income vs. expenses, and not meeting minimum age requirements.

What credit score do you need for Discover It Student Chrome? ›

No credit score is required to apply for a Discover it® Student credit card. The Discover it® Student credit card can help you build credit with responsible use.

What is the lowest limit on Discover it credit card? ›

The Discover it® Cash Back credit limit is at least $500 for all cardholders. It has the potential to be higher, too. Discover does not disclose a maximum credit limit, but there are reports of some cardholders receiving credit limits between $2,000 and $11,000.

Is Discover hard to get approved for? ›

If you want to get a Discover® credit card, you may be wondering how hard it is to get approved. Your credit score plays an important role here. The best Discover credit cards are aimed at consumers with FICO® Scores of 670 or above. If you have good or excellent credit, that helps quite a bit.

What's the easiest credit card to get? ›

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is our top pick for easiest credit card to get because it's geared toward those with limited / poor credit. It offers great rewards and charges a $0 annual fee.

Does a Discover card build credit? ›

A Discover it® Secured credit card can help you build credit with responsible use. It's among the secured cards that have no annual fee, offers rewards, and allows to upgrade to an unsecured card after six consecutive on-time payments and six months of good status on all your credit accounts.

Do I need SSN for Discover student credit card? ›

You must be 18 or older to apply for a credit card. Currently, Discover only accepts SSN to verify your identity; you can't use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). However, if you're an international student you might be eligible to receive an SSN even if you don't have U.S. citizenship.

What is the maximum limit on Discover student card? ›

The credit limit for a Discover student credit card is $500 at a minimum. Your initial credit limit is based on factors such as your credit report, income, and debt, and some people have reported receiving limits of $2,000 to $3,000 on student credit cards from Discover.

How long does it take for Discover to approve a student credit card? ›

The application for a Discover student card only takes minutes to complete online. When you submit an online application, you may receive immediate credit card approval. However, it's possible that credit card issuers might not send a confirmation for several days or even weeks.

What is the best Discover credit card for students? ›

With no annual fee, generous sign-up bonuses, and a low intro APR, the Discover it® Student Cash Back and Discover it® Student Chrome are both excellent options for student credit cards in 2024. Although both cards are similar, each offers different ways to earn rewards.

Does the Discover student card give you money for good grades? ›

You will be eligible to receive a 1% cash reward on the school-certified amount if: Your cumulative high school Grade Point Average (GPA) is at least a 3.0. You are a US citizen or permanent resident.

Is the Discover student chrome card metal? ›

Is the Discover it® Chrome card metal? No. The plastic Discover it® Chrome doesn't come with the same satisfying weight as a metal credit card. In fact, none of Discover's credit cards are metal.

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