The Discover it® Cash Back is a popular credit card that offers a unique way to earn cashback by rewarding you in rotating categories.
With the Discover it® Cash Back card, you’ll earn 5% cashback on purchases in categories that change each quarter, up to a quarterly spending cap, and 1% cashback on all other purchases. What makes this card even more appealing is its Cashback Match program, which matches all the cashback you earn in your first year.
Why Choose the Discover it® Cash Back Card?
The Discover it® Cash Back card is perfect for those who like to maximize their cashback earnings and are willing to keep track of changing categories. This card offers a high 5% cashback on rotating categories, which can include everything from groceries and dining to gas stations and Amazon.com purchases. By offering higher rewards in these specific categories, the card provides great value for consumers who are willing to plan their purchases around these offers.
In addition to the rotating categories, the Cashback Match program is a standout feature. Discover will match all the cashback you earn in your first year, which can result in a significant boost to your rewards. This feature makes it one of the best credit cards for earning cashback in the first year, especially for new cardholders.
Key Benefits of the Discover it® Cash Back Card
- 5% Cashback on Rotating Categories:
The Discover it® Cash Back card offers 5% cashback on purchases in rotating categories each quarter, up to a $1,500 spending limit. Categories change every three months, and they often include popular spending categories like groceries, dining, gas, and online shopping. This makes the card ideal for individuals who are willing to adjust their spending habits to maximize rewards. - 1% Cashback on All Other Purchases:
While the rotating categories offer high rewards, the card also provides 1% cashback on all other purchases, which ensures that you’re earning rewards on every purchase you make. This is a great feature for those who don’t always shop in the rotating categories. - Cashback Match for the First Year:
A major perk of the Discover it® Cash Back card is the Cashback Match program. Discover will match all the cashback you earn during your first year as a cardholder. For example, if you earn $500 in cashback during the first year, Discover will match that amount, giving you a total of $1,000 in cashback. This is a valuable benefit for new cardholders looking to earn more rewards right from the start. - No Annual Fee:
The Discover it® Cash Back card has no annual fee, which means you can keep all of your rewards without worrying about the cost of maintaining the card. Many cashback cards charge annual fees that can eat into your rewards, but with the Discover card, you won’t have that concern. - No Foreign Transaction Fees:
The Discover it® Cash Back card comes with no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent option for those who travel abroad. You can use the card overseas without worrying about additional charges, which is a great perk for international travelers. - Free FICO® Credit Score:
As a Discover it® Cash Back cardholder, you’ll have access to your FICO® credit score for free, allowing you to keep track of your credit health. This feature helps you stay on top of your credit score and make informed decisions about your finances.
Comparison with Other Cashback Credit Cards
The Discover it® Cash Back card offers some great benefits, but it’s important to compare it to other cashback cards on the market to understand how it stands out. Let’s look at how it compares to other popular options:
- Citi Double Cash Card®
- Cashback: 2% cashback on all purchases (1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay the bill).
- Annual Fee: No annual fee.
- Comparison: The Citi Double Cash Card® offers a straightforward 2% cashback on all purchases, which can be more convenient for those who don’t want to track rotating categories. However, the Discover it® Cash Back card offers higher rewards (5%) in rotating categories, and the Cashback Match program makes it a great choice for those who can optimize the rotating categories. If you prefer a simpler cashback structure without categories, the Citi Double Cash Card is a good choice, but for those willing to track categories, the Discover it® Cash Back card offers more potential.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Cashback: 1.5% cashback on all purchases.
- Annual Fee: No annual fee.
- Comparison: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers 1.5% cashback on all purchases, which is a solid cashback rate, but it doesn’t offer the 5% rotating categories that the Discover it® Cash Back card does. If you spend a lot in the rotating categories, the Discover it® Cash Back card is the better option. However, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® has a simple structure for those who don’t want to keep track of categories and prefer a consistent rate.
- Citi Rewards+® Card
- Cashback: 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations (on the first $6,000 per year), 1x points on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: No annual fee.
- Comparison: The Citi Rewards+® Card offers 2x points in certain categories, but the Discover it® Cash Back card offers 5% cashback in rotating categories and the Cashback Match program. For those who want more flexibility and high rewards on specific categories, the Discover it® Cash Back card is the superior choice.
Exclusive Benefits of the Discover it® Cash Back Card
- Cashback Matching:
The Cashback Match feature is a standout benefit. Discover matches all the cashback you earn in your first year, which can significantly increase the amount of rewards you earn. This is especially beneficial for new cardholders looking to maximize their cashback right from the start. - Rotating 5% Cashback Categories:
The rotating categories allow you to earn 5% cashback on purchases in popular spending categories. This makes it an excellent option for those who can take advantage of the rotating categories and adjust their spending accordingly. - No Annual Fee and No Foreign Transaction Fees:
The Discover it® Cash Back card has no annual fee, so you don’t have to worry about paying to keep the card. Plus, it has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travelers.
How to Apply for the Discover it® Cash Back Card
Applying for the Discover it® Cash Back card is simple. Visit the Discover website, fill out the application, and provide the necessary information. The approval process is quick, and once approved, you can start earning cashback right away. Make sure your credit score meets the requirements before applying.
Conclusion: The Best Card for Maximizing Cashback with Rotating Categories
The Discover it® Cash Back card is one of the best cashback cards available, offering 5% cashback in rotating categories and 1% on all other purchases, with the added benefit of Cashback Match in the first year. This card is perfect for consumers who are willing to track rotating categories and want to maximize their rewards. The lack of an annual fee and the no foreign transaction fees make it an attractive option for those who want to earn cashback without worrying about additional costs.
If you’re looking for a card that offers higher rewards in rotating categories and you want to maximize your cashback in the first year with the Cashback Match program, the Discover it® Cash Back card is an excellent choice.