Discover it Student Chrome Card Review

Discover it Student Chrome offers 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants and 1% cash back on general purchases. Student Chrome claims a hidden gem: the Unlimited Cashback Match. This perk automatically doubles all your stored cash back at the end of your first year, regardless of how much you spend. That’s essentially free money without any minimum requirements. The card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 6 months, followed by a standard variable APR of 18.24%–27.24%.

Quick Highlights

• Earn an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match on all cash back earned in your first year.
• Earn 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%).
• Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• No credit score is required to apply.
• Help remove your personal information from data-selling people-search sites through the mobile app.
• No annual fee.
• Build credit with responsible use.
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then variable APR applies.
• Terms & Conditions Apply

Rewards and Benefits

Earning Rewards

• 2% cash back: Earn on gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 combined spend per quarter (then 1%).
• 1% cashback: On all other purchases.
• Restaurants include cafes, takeout, delivery, and fast food.
• Max annual cash back: $80 in the elevated categories.

Redeeming Rewards

• Flexible options: Redeem anytime, for any amount.
• Rewards don’t expire, even if your account closes.
• Redemption methods: statement credits, bank transfers, charity donations, merchant purchases.

Estimated Rewards Potential

• Based on average student spending: $174.34 cash back per year.
• Plus: First-year cash back match (amount not specified).

Other benefits

Personalize your experience

• Choose a card design: Pick from a variety of stylish options to express yourself.
• Referral program: Earn statement credits when your friends get approved for a Discover card.

Stay connected and manage your finances

• Discover mobile app: Bank on the go with convenient features and real-time access.

Maximize your cashback

• Cashback Match: New card members get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match on all cash back earned in the first year! Turn $50 into $100, or $100 into $200—there’s no limit!

Protect your identity

• Social Security number monitoring: Receive alerts for potential breaches on the dark web.
• Freeze it: Instantly disable lost or stolen cards with a tap.

Discover it Student Chrome Rates and Fee 

• Regular APR: 18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR
• Purchase intro APR: 0% Intro APR for 6 months
• Balance transfer intro APR: 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
• APR for Cash Advances: 29.99%
• Penalty APR: None

Fees

• Annual fee: $0
• Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
• Foreign purchase transaction fee: None
• Cash Advance: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
• Return Payment: Up to $41.
• Late Payment: Not the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41.

Discover it Student Chrome Features

• Online Privacy Protection: We actively safeguard your privacy by helping you remove your personal information from data-selling websites. Activate it easily through the Discover app.
• Freeze it on/off Switch: Misplaced your card? No worries! Instantly block new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers with the convenient Freeze It feature on our mobile app and website.
• Free FICO® Credit Score: Gain valuable insights into your credit health with your free FICO® Credit Scorecard. Checking your score never impacts it!
• $0 fraud liability guarantee: Have peace of mind knowing you’re never responsible for unauthorized Discover Card purchases.
• 24/7 U.S.-Based Customer Service: Connect with a friendly and knowledgeable representative from our U.S.-based customer service team anytime.
• Tap to Pay Convenience: Enjoy fast and secure contactless payments using your Discover Card.

Discover it Student Chrome Rewards Redemption

Rewards never expire, but we may change how we give them to you. We have the right to decide how you receive your rewards, but we’ll always make sure you get them. If your account is closed or inactive for 18 months, we may credit your account or send you a check with your remaining balance.

• Use Rewards at Amazon
• Use Rewards at PayPal

Is the Discover It Student Chrome card good for you?

If you eat out and drive a lot! Here’s why

• No fees: You won’t pay any yearly charges or need a deposit to get the card.
• Good rewards: Earn 2% cash back on gas and restaurant purchases (up to $1000 each quarter!) plus 1% back on everything else.
• Bonus year: In your first year, Discover matches ALL your cash back earned, doubling your rewards!

Discover it Student Chrome Eligibility Criteria

Basic Requirements

• Age: at least 18 years old. Applicants under 21 may need to meet additional income requirements.
• Location: Be a legal resident of the United States or its territories.
• Social Security Number (SSN): or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Financial Requirements

• No minimum credit score is required. While not mandatory, having a good credit score can improve your chances of approval.
• Income: Provide proof of income on the application. This can be from a part-time job, scholarship, allowance, or other sources.
• Debt-to-income ratio: While not explicitly stated, Discover considers your overall financial health, including existing debts, when evaluating your application.

Discover it Student Chrome Application and Approval Process

Application Process

1. Eligibility: This card is primarily for college students (18 years of age or older) with limited credit history or no credit history at all. You’ll need a Social Security number and a valid US residence.
2. Gather Information: Prepare documents like your Social Security Number, proof of income (part-time job pay stubs, scholarships, etc.), and residential address.
3. Apply Online: Head to the Discover it student Chrome page on the Discover website and fill out the application form. It takes about 10 minutes and requires basic information like your name, address, income, and employment details.
4. Review & Submit: Review your application carefully for accuracy and submit it.

Approval Process

1. Instant Decision or Further Review: You might receive an instant approval decision or your application might require further review. This takes longer but allows Discover to assess your creditworthiness more thoroughly.
2. Approval Factors: Several factors influence approval, including your credit score (if you have one), income, debt-to-income ratio, and employment history.
3. Decision Notification: Discover will notify you of their decision via email or mail. An approval includes your credit limit and APR.

Customer Service

• Customer care: 1-800-347-2683
• Official Website: Discover it

Conclusion

In conclusion, Discover It Student Chrome can be a strong choice for college students looking to build credit and earn cash back on everyday expenses. It stands out for its solid 2% cashback rate for gas and restaurants, 0% introductory APR period, and no annual fee.

However, cashback rates may be lower than some competitors, and the APR after the intro period can be high. Additionally, limited international acceptance could be a concern for frequent travelers.

Ultimately, the Discover It Student Chrome appeals to responsible students who prioritize building credit and value cash back on everyday expenses, particularly gas and restaurants. If maximizing rewards or extensive travel perks are your primary concerns, exploring other alternatives might be beneficial.

WhatCard recommended Credit Card: Discover it Cash Back Credit Card Review