Why I Recommend This as Your First Credit Card
Hi, I’m Karl Brown — and the Discover it® Student Cash Back card was the very first credit card I got approved for. I was in college, working part-time, and had zero clue what a FICO score was. But this card helped me get started, earn real rewards, and most importantly — build credit without going into debt.
If you’re in the same boat — no credit, no cosigner, and no desire to pay fees — this card is hands-down one of the best options for 2025.
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners
This card was literally built for people with no credit. Here’s why I always recommend it to students:
- No credit score required to apply
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus (great for building history)
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Pre-qualify with a soft credit pull (no impact to your score)
💡 Tip: If you’ve got any part-time income, scholarships, or grants, you can usually list that on your application and still get approved
How the Cash Back Rewards Work
This is where Discover really shines — they make rewards both simple and generous.
- 5% cash back on rotating categories like Amazon, gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants (up to $1,500 per quarter, with activation)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Cashback Match™: Discover automatically doubles all the cash back you’ve earned after your first 12 months
📊 Example: If you earn $150 in cash back during your first year, you’ll get another $150 from Discover. Boom — $300
Here is the latest categories for 2025
Q2 (Apr–Jun): Grocery Stores & Wholesale Club
Q3 (Jul–Sep): Gas, EV Charging, Transit & Utilities
Fees & Introductory APR
One of the best parts about this card is how beginner-friendly the fee structure is
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
- Penalty APR: None
- First Late Payment Fee: Waived
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases: For 6 months, then variable APR applies
Pro Tips to Maximize the Card
From someone who’s made (and learned from) rookie mistakes:
- Activate your 5% categories each quarter — it’s quick and easy in the app
- Use the card for regular expenses like groceries or gas to build a history
- Pay on time every time — even the minimum protects your credit
- Use Cashback Match wisely — plan big purchases within your first year
- ⚠️ Avoid carrying a balance after the intro APR ends — interest can eat your rewards
Who Should Get This Card?
Get this card if you’re:
- A student with no or limited credit history
- Looking for a card with real rewards and no hidden fees
- Responsible enough to pay your bills on time
Skip it if you:
- Hate activating categories (consider flat-rate rewards instead)
- Want luxury perks or travel insurance (this card is simple and effective — not premium)
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
| No credit score needed | Must activate 5% categories each quarter |
| 5% categories + 1% on everything else | No flat-rate version available |
| Cashback Match in year one | Limited international acceptance (Discover) |
| $0 annual fee + no penalty APR | Not ideal for travel insurance or lounge perks |
Discover it® Student vs Other Starter Cards
| Feature | Discover it® Student | Chase Freedom Rise® | Capital One Savor Rewards for Students |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Rewards | 5% rotating + 1% | 1.5% flat | 3% categories + 1% |
| Cashback Match | ✅ Yes (Year 1) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Pre-Qual Without Impact | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | 3% | $0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Discover it® Student Cash Back good for beginners?
Yes! It’s designed specifically for students who are new to credit, offering rewards, no fees, and an easy application process.
Can I get this card with no credit history?
Absolutely. I did — and so can you. Discover looks at more than just your FICO score.
Do I need a job to get approved?
Not necessarily. You can report income from scholarships, grants, or part-time work.
Does Discover match all cash back every year?
No — Cashback Match™ is a first-year-only offer.
Can I use this card internationally?
Yes! Discover doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Just make sure it’s accepted in your destination country.
Final Thoughts from Karl
If you’re a student looking to start building credit — this is one of the smartest, most rewarding ways to do it. The Discover it® Student Cash Back card helped me build my credit score, earn real money back, and avoid unnecessary fees.
👉 Want to explore more beginner-friendly student cards? Check out my full Student Credit Card Guide for 2025 →
