Discover Student Cash Back – How to apply

By Raquel Oliveira • 03/20/2025

Discover Student Cash Back offers Building a solid credit history.

The Discover Student Cash Back card is an excellent option for students looking to build credit while earning rewards on everyday purchases. It offers a generous cashback program with no annual fee, making it both practical and rewarding.

A key highlight is its 5% cashback on rotating categories, which change every three months. This allows cardholders to maximize earnings in essential spending areas like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations.

New cardholders also benefit from Cashback Match, where Discover doubles all cashback earned in the first year—automatically and with no limit. This makes it an especially valuable choice for students.

With no foreign transaction fees and free access to credit tracking tools, this card helps students manage their finances responsibly while building a strong financial foundation.

How does the Discover Student work?

The Discover Student Cash Back card operates like a standard credit card, with the added benefit of helping students establish a credit history. All transactions are reported to the major credit bureaus.

The card offers 5 percent cashback in select categories that change each quarter. These may include supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations, or online shopping platforms. To receive the 5 percent rate.

For purchases outside of the featured categories, cardholders earn 1 percent cashback. This ensures that even if they don’t take full advantage of the rotating categories, they still receive rewards on every purchase.

Cashback can be redeemed in multiple ways, including as a statement credit, PayPal transfer, or for Amazon purchases, providing flexibility for students looking to maximize their rewards.

Main Benefits of the Discover Student Cash Back

• Free credit score tracking through Discover’s online account management.
• 5 percent cashback in rotating categories, including grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• 1 percent cashback on all other purchases, ensuring continuous rewards.
• Cashback Match at the end of the first year, doubling the total rewards earned.
• No annual fee, making it an affordable option for students.
• No foreign transaction fees, making it a useful card for students who travel internationally.

How to Use the Discover Student Cash Back Efficiently

To maximize the benefits of this card, students should follow a few key strategies:

• Activate the 5 percent cashback categories each quarter to ensure access to the highest rewards.
• Keep track of category spending to stay within the $1,500 quarterly limit for 5 percent cashback.
• Take full advantage of the Cashback Match feature by using the card regularly in the first year.
• Pay the full balance each month to avoid high APR charges after the introductory period.
• Use the free credit tracking feature to monitor progress and build a strong credit history.

By following these practices, students can maximize their rewards while learning responsible credit management.

Cons of Discover Cash Back for Students 

While Discover Student offers clear advantages, it also has some limitations. One of the least convenient points is the need to manually activate cashback categories every quarter. 

For those who are not used to managing details like this, it can be easy to forget to activate categories and miss opportunities to maximize rewards.

The initial credit limit tends to be lower as it is aimed at students. This may be a restriction for those who intend to use the card for larger expenses or emergencies. And it requires strict financial control, as the reduced limit can be quickly reached.

Discover Student Cash Back: Fees and APR Details

This card offers a promotional APR period, but users should be aware of potential costs once the introductory offer ends.

• 0 percent APR for the first six months on purchases and balance transfers.
• Variable APR of 17.49 percent to 26.49 percent after the introductory period, depending on creditworthiness.
• Balance transfer fee of 3 percent on transferred amounts.
• Cash advance APR of 29.49 percent, making it costly to withdraw cash.
• No annual fee, making it a budget-friendly option for students.

Students should be mindful of the APR after the six-month period, as carrying a balance could lead to high-interest charges. Paying the statement balance in full each month is the best way to avoid unnecessary costs.

How to Apply for the Discover Student Cash Back

Applying for the Discover Student Cash Back card is a simple process that can be completed online in just a few minutes.

• Choose a card design: Discover offers multiple card designs, allowing students to personalize their card.
• Enter personal information: Provide basic details such as name, address, and date of birth.
• Confirm student status: Enter school email and details about college enrollment, including expected graduation year.
• Provide financial details: Share income information and monthly housing expenses to determine eligibility.
• Submit the application: Discover will review the request and provide a decision, often instantly.

Once approved, students can start using their card immediately and begin earning cashback on their purchases.

Final Verdict: Is the Discover Student Cash Back Worth It?

This card is a great option for students who want to build credit while earning cashback on everyday purchases. With no annual fee and strong reward potential, it provides excellent value for students looking to manage their spending wisely.

The Cashback Match feature makes the first year especially rewarding, while the rotating 5 percent categories ensure ongoing earning opportunities. However, students should remember to activate the categories each quarter and be mindful of the APR.

Whether you’re just starting to build credit or looking for a rewarding way to manage everyday expenses, the Discover Student Cash Back card offers a practical solution with valuable perks.

For students looking for a straightforward, rewarding, and cost-effective credit card, the Discover Student Cash Back is a solid choice. See more for this card, Aplly now and get benefits!