Apply for Discover it Student Credit Card: Building a solid credit foundation during your college years is a pivotal step toward financial independence. The Discover it® Student Credit Card offers a pathway to establish credit while enjoying various perks tailored for students.
Understanding the Discover it® Student Credit Card
The Discover it® Student Credit Card comes in two primary variants:
- Discover it® Student Cash Back: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in rotating categories each quarter, such as grocery stores, restaurants, or gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Discover it® Student Chrome: Automatically earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Both cards feature no annual fee and offer a dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Discover it® Student Credit Card, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old: Applicants must be of legal age.
- Have a U.S. address: A valid residential address within the United States is required.
- Possess a Social Security Number (SSN): An SSN is necessary for identity verification.
- Provide proof of enrollment: Documentation confirming your enrollment in a two- or four-year college or university. discover.com
Gathering Necessary Information
Before starting your application, ensure you have the following details:
- Personal Information: Full legal name, date of birth, and contact information (phone number and email).
- Financial Details: Total gross income, monthly housing or rent payment, and information about current bank accounts.
- Educational Information: Current year in college and expected graduation date. discover.com
Application Methods
You can apply for the Discover it® Student Credit Card through various channels:
- Online: Visit the official Discover website, navigate to the student card section, select your preferred card, and click “Apply Now.”
- By Phone: Call 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683). Note: Applicants must be 21 years or older to apply over the phone.
- By Mail: If you’ve received a mail offer, fill out the enclosed application and return it in the provided envelope. You can also respond to mail offers online. discover.com
Step-by-Step Online Application Guide
- Navigate to the Application Page: Visit the Discover student credit card page.
- Select Your Card: Choose between the Student Cash Back or Student Chrome card based on your spending habits.
- Click “Apply Now”: Initiate the application process.
- Enter Personal Information: Provide your legal name, address, date of birth, and SSN.
- Input Financial Details: Specify your total gross income, monthly housing payment, and current bank account information.
- Provide Educational Information: Indicate your current year in college and expected graduation date.
- Review and Submit: Double-check all entered information for accuracy before submitting your application.
Understanding the Approval Process
After submission:
- Immediate Decision: Many applicants receive a decision within 60 seconds.
- Further Review: If additional evaluation is needed, it can take up to 30 days, though decisions are typically made within 5 to 7 days.
- Receiving Your Card: Upon approval, expect your card to arrive within 5 business days. wallethub.com
Building Credit Responsibly
To establish and maintain good credit:
- Make Timely Payments: Always pay at least the minimum due by the due date.
- Keep Balances Low: Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit limit to maintain a good credit utilization ratio.
- Avoid Unnecessary Debt: Use your credit card for essential purchases and avoid impulsive spending.
- Monitor Your Credit Score: Discover provides a free FICO® Credit Score feature, allowing you to track your progress and detect potential fraud early.
- Set Up Automatic Payments: To avoid late fees and interest charges, consider enabling auto-pay or setting reminders for due dates.
Managing Your Discover it® Student Credit Card
Once you receive your card, it’s important to manage it effectively to maximize its benefits.
1. Utilizing Online Account Management Tools
- Discover offers an easy-to-use online account dashboard where you can check your balance, view transactions, and make payments.
- The Discover Mobile App allows for on-the-go account management, including payment scheduling and rewards tracking.
2. Setting Up Alerts and Notifications
- Enable email or text alerts for payment due dates, suspicious activity, and spending limits to stay informed.
- Set up a low balance notification to avoid overextending your credit.
3. Contacting Customer Service
- Discover offers 24/7 customer support, meaning you can call anytime for assistance with billing, rewards, or disputes.
- You can also reach out via live chat through your online account or mobile app.
Exploring Rewards and Benefits
One of the standout features of the Discover it® Student Credit Card is its cash back rewards program.
1. Earning Cash Back
- Discover it® Student Cash Back: Earn 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter (gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.) up to the maximum limit when activated. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Discover it® Student Chrome: Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter) and 1% cash back on everything else.
2. Redeeming Rewards
- Use cash back rewards anytime with no expiration.
- Redeem rewards as statement credits, direct deposits, Amazon purchases, or gift cards.
- Enjoy Discover’s Cashback Match™, where all cash back earned in the first year is automatically doubled.
3. Additional Perks
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for students who travel or study abroad.
- Introductory 0% APR: Some students qualify for 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases, followed by a standard variable APR.
- Freeze It® Feature: Instantly freeze your card to prevent unauthorized use if lost or stolen.
Comparing Student Credit Card Options
The Discover it® Student Credit Card is a great choice, but it’s important to compare it with other student credit cards to ensure it’s the best fit for your needs.
| Feature | Discover it® Student | Capital One Journey Student | Bank of America Student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Back | 1%-5% | 1%-1.25% | 1%-3% |
| No Annual Fee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Credit Score Requirement | Fair to Good | Fair to Good | Fair to Good |
| APR | 0% Intro APR for 6 months, then variable | Variable | Variable |
| Rewards Matching | ✅ (1st-year Cashback Match) | ❌ | ❌ |
If you want higher cash back in specific categories, the Discover it® Student Cash Back card might be the best option. If you want simpler cash back rewards, the Discover it® Student Chrome could be a better fit.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for a credit card is straightforward, but certain mistakes could hurt your chances of approval:
1. Providing Incorrect Information
- Double-check your Social Security Number, income details, and college enrollment status before submitting your application.
2. Applying Without an Income Source
- Even if you’re a student, Discover requires proof of income (scholarships, part-time jobs, parental support, etc.) to ensure you can make payments.
3. Submitting Multiple Applications
- Applying for multiple credit cards in a short period can hurt your credit score. Apply only when you’re confident about your approval chances.
4. Ignoring the Terms and Conditions
- Be aware of APR rates, fees, and rewards expiration policies before applying.
FAQs About the Discover it® Student Credit Card
1. Can I apply for the Discover it® Student Credit Card with no credit history?
Yes! The card is designed for students with little to no credit history. Approval is based on income, financial responsibility, and enrollment status.
2. How long does it take to get approved?
Most applications receive a decision within minutes. If further review is needed, it can take 5-7 business days.
3. What is the credit limit for Discover it® Student cards?
The credit limit varies based on your income and creditworthiness. Many students start with a $500-$2,000 limit, which can increase over time.
4. Do Discover student cards help build credit?
Yes! Your on-time payments and responsible use are reported to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), helping you build a solid credit score.
5. Can I upgrade to a regular Discover card later?
Yes! After responsible use for at least six months to a year, you may be eligible to upgrade to a non-student Discover credit card with higher credit limits and better rewards.
Conclusion
Applying for the Discover it® Student Credit Card is a great way to start your financial journey and build credit responsibly while enjoying rewards. With no annual fee, cash back perks, and credit-building tools, this card offers students a solid foundation for future financial success.
If you’re a student looking for a beginner-friendly credit card, consider applying online today!
