How to apply for the Discover it Student Cash Back card

What you need, how the application works and what to set up first

By Luzia Martins
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Two colorful Discover it Student Cash Back credit cards on a soft gradient background, representing Discover’s student credit card with 5% cash back and no annual fee.

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is a no-annual-fee card for college students who want to build credit and earn rewards. This guide covers who the card suits, what you need to apply, how the application works and what to set up once you’re approved, including the transition of Discover accounts to Capital One.

The card at a glance

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Rewards: 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, 1% on everything else
  • Cashback Match: all the cash back you earn in your first year, matched automatically at the end of that year
  • Welcome offer: $100 statement credit after spending $300 in the first 3 months (limited time)
  • Intro APR: 0% on purchases for 6 months, then 16.49% to 25.49% variable
  • Foreign transaction fee: none

Terms checked in September 2026. Offer terms may change if you navigate away from the card page, so check the terms of your specific offer before you apply.

Who the card suits

The card is designed for college students who are starting their credit history. You don’t need a credit score to apply, although Capital One may use your score if you have one. It works best if you’re comfortable activating bonus categories every quarter and paying your balance in full each month.

If you’d rather not track categories, a flat-rate student card may be simpler. And if you have no income of your own, you may have trouble qualifying, since federal rules require applicants under 21 to show independent income or ability to pay.

What you need to apply

The application asks for basic personal information, details about your school and your income. Have this ready:

  • Full legal name, date of birth and home address
  • Social Security number
  • Details about your school, such as the name of your college or university
  • Your income, which can include part-time work

The bank may ask for additional information to verify your identity.

How to apply

  1. Open the card’s page on Discover’s website and select Apply Now. The application is completed on Capital One’s website, which now handles Discover card applications.
  2. Choose your card design and fill in your personal, school and income information.
  3. Review the rates, fees and offer terms, then submit the application.
  4. Wait for the decision. Approval is subject to credit review.

Apply only through the official Discover or Capital One websites, and be cautious with links received by email or text message claiming to offer the card. Submitting an application usually results in a hard inquiry on your credit report.

After you’re approved

Once your card arrives, set it up in the Discover app or on Discover’s website. Then take care of three things:

  • Activate the 5% categories each quarter. If you skip a quarter, those purchases earn only 1%.
  • Set up automatic payments or reminders. Paying on time is the most important factor in building good credit.
  • Track your first-year cash back. It’s all matched at the end of your first year, so the first 12 months are when the card pays the most.

Discover card accounts are moving to Capital One throughout 2026 and early 2027. Discover says it will contact cardholders directly when it’s time to start managing their account with Capital One. Until then, keep using Discover’s website, app and phone number.

Frequently asked questions

Does the card have an annual fee?
No. The Discover it Student Cash Back card has no annual fee, not just in the first year.
How does the Cashback Match work?
Discover matches all the cash back you earn from the day your account is approved through your first 365 days, with no limit. The match is added to your rewards account within two billing periods after your first year ends. It’s only available to new cardholders.
What happens if I pay late?
There’s no fee the first time you pay late. After that, the late fee is up to $41. Late payments can also be reported to the credit bureaus and hurt your score, which works against the reason for having a student card.
Can I use the card abroad?
Yes, and there’s no foreign transaction fee. However, Discover isn’t accepted as widely overseas as Visa or Mastercard, so bring a backup card if you’re studying or traveling abroad.
What's my starting credit limit?
Your limit is set when you’re approved, based on your credit profile and income. Reviews report that starting limits can be as low as $500.

How to contact Discover

  • Customer service in the U.S. (English and Spanish), 24/7: 1-800-347-2683
  • From outside the U.S.: 1-224-888-7777
  • Hearing or speech impaired: dial 711 (Relay Service)

Our take on the Discover it® Student Cash Back card

The Discover it Student Cash Back card is a strong first card for college students. It has no annual fee, doesn’t require a credit score to apply and doubles your first-year cash back. Activate your categories each quarter, pay in full every month and use this first card to build a solid credit history.

The button below takes you to Discover’s official website, where you can review the card and apply.

GO TO OFFICIAL WEBSITE

*You will be redirected to Discover’s website*

Editorial Notice: All content published on this website is completely independent and aims to provide clear, useful, and up-to-date information about personal finance. We have no ties to banks, financial institutions or credit card companies. We are not affiliates and do not receive commissions or payments to promote products or services. Our website is monetized exclusively through the advertisements displayed on our pages. This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.

Hi, I’m Luzia, part of the content team at Finvyu. I specialize in providing clear and accessible financial information to help people of all ages manage their money more effectively in everyday life.
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