“Best student cashback credit card 2025”
About Discover It Student Credit Card
The Discover It Student Credit Card is designed for college
students and young adults who are new to credit. It helps users build credit
responsibly while also earning rewards on everyday purchases. The card comes
with no annual fee, rotating cash back categories, and a unique first-year
rewards bonus that can double what you earn.
Quick Overview
- Rewards
Program: 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter (on up to
$1,500 in spending, after activation). Earn 1% back on all other
purchases.
- Cashback
Match: At the end of the first year, Discover matches all the cash
back you’ve earned with no cap.
- Intro
APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 6 months. After
that, a variable APR applies.
- Balance
Transfers: Introductory APR of 10.99% for 6 months on eligible balance
transfers.
- Fees:
No annual fee. No foreign transaction fees.
- Eligibility:
Available to U.S. students with limited or no credit history. Applicants
typically need to be at least 18, have a U.S. address, and a Social
Security Number or ITIN.
- Extras:
Free FICO credit score updates, security alerts, the ability to freeze
your account instantly, and fraud protection.
Direct Link To Offer
“Build credit and earn rewards as a student”
Bonus Categories for 2025
For the third quarter of 2025 (July through September), the
rotating 5% categories include gas stations, electric vehicle charging, public
transit, and utilities. Students who regularly spend in these areas can
maximize their rewards by activating and using the card strategically.
How To Maximize Rewards
- Activate
categories every quarter to unlock 5% cash back.
- Track
the $1,500 spending cap in bonus categories to avoid dropping to 1%
rewards.
- Use
the card for everyday purchases like gas, groceries, or transit.
- Pay
your balance in full to avoid high interest charges.
- Take advantage of the first-year Cashback Match to double your rewards.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No
annual fee makes it student-friendly.
- First-year
Cashback Match effectively doubles rewards.
- Rotating
bonus categories align with common student expenses.
- Helps
build credit with reporting to all three major bureaus.
- Free
tools like FICO score access and account freeze add extra value.
Cons:
- Must
remember to activate rotating categories each quarter.
- Rewards
limited to $1,500 per quarter in bonus categories.
- Interest
rates after the intro period are high if you carry a balance.
- Discover
is not as widely accepted internationally as Visa or Mastercard.
Is This Offer Profitable ?
The Discover It Student Credit Card is a profitable option
for students who use it responsibly. The combination of no annual fee, strong
cash back potential, and the first-year Cashback Match make it one of the best
starter cards available.
However, profitability depends on paying balances in full
and making the most of the rotating categories. For students who forget to
activate categories or carry a balance, the value can drop quickly.
Review
If you’re a student looking to build
credit and earn meaningful rewards, this card is a strong choice in 2025.