How to Discover it® Cash Back Card 2025 – Full Guide & Benefits
The Discover it® Cash Back Card remains one of the top no-annual-fee credit cards in the USA (2025). It offers rotating 5% cashback categories, a unique cashback match for new users, and no hidden fees.
🎯 Key Benefits of Discover it® Cash Back Card (2025)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 💵 5% Cashback | On rotating categories each quarter (on up to $1,500 spent) – e.g., gas, groceries, restaurants, Amazon |
| 💳 1% Unlimited Cashback | On all other purchases |
| 🎁 Cashback Match Offer | Discover will match all the cash back you earn in the first year (new cardmembers only) |
| 🧾 No Annual Fee | No yearly charges to keep the card |
| 📲 Free FICO Score | Updated monthly on your account dashboard |
| 💰 Flexible Redemption | Redeem cashback as statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, or Amazon checkout |
| 🛡️ No Late Fee on First Late Payment | Also no penalty APR |
| 🌐 Online Privacy Protection | Helps remove your personal data from data broker sites |
| 🛫 No Foreign Transaction Fees | Ideal for travel use |
📋 Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| 📈 Credit Score | Recommended: 670+ (Good to Excellent) |
| 👤 Age | 18+ years, U.S. citizen or legal resident |
| 💼 Income Proof | Required for approval |
| 🧾 SSN or ITIN | Mandatory to apply |
| 📍 U.S. Address | Required mailing address |
📑 Documents Needed
Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
U.S. government-issued ID
Monthly income proof (optional but helps approval)
U.S. mailing address
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
🔹 Step 1: Visit Discover Website
👉 https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/cash-back/
🔹 Step 2: Click on “Apply Now”
🔹 Step 3: Enter Your Details
Name, SSN, income, housing, email
🔹 Step 4: Submit & Get Approval
Instant or email-based approval
Physical card arrives in 5–10 business days
🔄 2025 Quarterly Cashback Categories (Sample)
(Actual categories may vary – check Discover site)
| Quarter | 5% Cashback Categories |
|---|---|
| Q1 | Grocery Stores, Fitness Clubs, Gym Memberships |
| Q2 | Gas Stations, Electric Vehicle Charging |
| Q3 | Restaurants, PayPal |
| Q4 | Amazon.com, Digital Wallets |
📝 Activation required each quarter to earn 5%.
💡 Tips to Maximize Discover Cashback
✅ Activate each quarter’s categories
📱 Use Discover mobile app for spending alerts
🛍️ Stack with cashback apps or shopping portals
💰 New users can earn double cashback in the first year
❓ FAQs – Discover it® Cash Back Card 2025
Q1. Is there a joining fee or annual charge?
❌ No. It’s completely free for life.
Q2. How does cashback match work?
✅ Discover automatically doubles your first-year cashback – no signup required.
Q3. Can students or new credit users apply?
✔️ Yes, there’s also a Discover it® Student Cash Back card for beginners.
Q4. Does Discover report to credit bureaus?
✅ Yes, it reports to all three major credit bureaus – helps build credit fast.