Discover Credit Cards Review

(July 2024)

Discover Credit Cards Review

In This Article

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for a great credit card, check out Discover Credit Card. With its wide acceptance, exceptional customer service, generous cashback and rewards program, this card empowers you to explore new possibilities while managing your finances with ease.

Additionally, it offers a 0% intro APR period, which is perfect for your balance transfers or big expenses. Do you know that most of their customers appreciate their top-notch customer service and super user-friendly mobile app? Oh yeah! Just keep in mind that it might not be accepted everywhere like the big guys. But if you want cash-back rewards, great service, and a plan to pay off your balance quickly, the Discover Credit Card is a fantastic pick for your wallet.

For more information contact,
Corporate Address
Address: Riverwoods, 2500 Lake Cook Rd, United States
Phone number: 1-224-888-7777
Website: www.discover.com

Pros

  • Offers cashback rewards on purchases.
  • Gives wide merchant acceptance due to Discover’s network.
  • Provides introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers.
  • Offers fraud protection and security features.
  • Allows free FICO credit score tracking.

Cons

  • Offers higher interest rates for cash advances and balance transfers.
  • Provides lower credit limits for individuals with limited credit history.
  • Gives fewer rewards and benefits compared to some premium credit cards.
  • Offers limited customer service availability outside of regular business hours.
  • Charges potentially higher fees for late payments or returned payments.

Who Discover Credit Card Is Best For

Go for Discover Credit Card if you:

  • Like earning cash back on your everyday purchases.
  • Need to build your credit history.
  • Have an excellent credit score.
  • Plan to make a large purchase or transfer a balance from another credit card.
  • Prefer a credit card that doesn’t come with an annual fee.

Who Discover Credit Card Isn't Right For

Consider other types of credit cards if you:

  • Travel frequently to remote places or international locations.
  • Prefer a credit card that offers consistent and higher cashback in specific spending categories.
  • Make purchases outside the United States.
  • Want to transfer a significant balance from another credit card.

What Discover Credit Card Offers

Discover it Cash Back

If you’re a big spender or someone who knows how to make the most of the 5% cash-back categories on the Discover it® Cash Back card, you can get some fantastic rewards. And guess what? In the first year, you can get double those rewards, so it’s even more awesome.

Discover it® Secured

If you’re looking to build your credit history, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a must-check-out option. Just make sure to put down a deposit (the same as your credit limit) to start. The best part is, it’s one of the few cards in its class that gives you decent rewards without any pesky annual fees.

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Check out the Discover it® Student Cash Back – it’s like the Discover it® Cash Back, but you can only use it if you are students who don’t have much credit history. Go for it if you’re a student looking to build your credit.

Discover it® Chrome

If you’re someone who loves road trips and can’t get your hands on a card with better gas rewards, the Discover it® Chrome might be a good fit for you. Keep in mind, it won’t bring in loads of cash back, but it could be an option worth considering.

Discover it® Miles

Bear in mind that instead of receiving conventional cash back, the Discover it® Miles card accrues miles, which function in a similar way to cash back, with each mile being equivalent to one cent.

Discover Credit Card Details

Discover it Cash Back

Keep in mind that this card presents an appealing deal with its enticing rewards program. You can enjoy a generous 5% cash back on purchases in ever-changing quarterly categories, up to a certain limit. Moreover, for all other purchases, you still get 1% cash back, ensuring you earn rewards on all your expenses. Besides the impressive rewards, there’s no need to worry about an annual fee, which adds to the card’s appeal. If you want to make big purchases or transfer balances, the card provides a welcome respite with a 0% introductory APR, valid for 15 months. It’s a well-rounded card that rewards your spending while saving on costs.

Discover it® Student Cash Back

One good thing about this card is that it is very good for you if you’re a student. It provides a great cashback opportunity where you can earn 5% cash back on purchases that fall under rotating quarterly categories, up to a certain maximum each quarter. Not only that but for all other purchases, you receive 1% cash back. The card doesn’t have an annual fee, and it comes with a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers.

Discover it® Chrome

Consider this credit card that offers appealing advantages, giving you a generous 2% cash back on purchases you make at gas stations and restaurants, along with 1% cash back on all other transactions. What’s more, there are no annual fees, providing a smooth and hassle-free experience for you. The cool thing is that, during the initial 15 months, there is an attractive 0% introductory APR for both purchases and balance transfers, allowing you to manage your finances conveniently and flexibly. This card is an excellent option for you if you want to enjoy valuable benefits and financial ease without incurring unnecessary costs.

Discover it® Miles

With this card, you can earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend on travel and dining, while on all other purchases earn you one mile per dollar. Moreover, it presents a $95 yearly fee and a fantastic 0% introductory APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers. This means you can enjoy the convenience of paying off your expenses over time without accruing any interest. An excellent choice for you if you are an avid traveler and diners seeking rewards and financial flexibility.

Discover it® Secured

If you’re looking to build or fix your credit, check out this card! Get 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on everything else. The only thing you need to do is put down a security deposit of $200 or more to start, and you get a refund when your credit improves. It’s a win-win situation! So, take charge of your credit journey with this fantastic offer.

Where Discover Credit Card Stands Out

Introductory APR Offers

Take advantage of the attractive introductory APR (Annual Percentage Rate) deals on both purchases and balance transfers. If you need to make a big purchase or want to transfer existing debt to save on interest, these offers can be a real game-changer.

Free FICO® Credit Score

Keeping track of your credit score is crucial, and Discover helps you do just that. It provides free access to your FICO® Credit Score, enabling you to monitor your credit health regularly.

Security Features

If you want to keep your account safe and secure, Discover is excellent with that. It offers various security features, like fraud monitoring and the ability to freeze your account if needed, giving you peace of mind.

Generous Cashback Rewards

One of the most impressive aspects of Discover Credit Cards is their cash-back rewards program. They offer a variety of cards that give you cashback on every purchase you make. Whether it’s groceries, gas, dining, or online shopping, you can earn rewards on all your everyday expenses.

No Annual Fee

Discover is all about keeping it simple and user-friendly. Unlike many other credit cards, most Discover cards come with no annual fee. This means you can enjoy all the benefits without having to worry about an additional cost eating into your rewards.

Customer-Friendly Service

If you ever have any issues or questions, their customer support team is ready to assist you 24/7. This kind of support can make a huge difference when dealing with credit card matters.

Where Discover Credit Card Falls Short

Limited Acceptance

One of the main drawbacks of the Discover Credit Card is its limited acceptance. While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide, Discover is not as widely recognized, especially outside of the United States. This can be frustrating when you’re traveling or trying to make purchases internationally.

Cashback Redemption Restrictions

Don’t forget that Discover offers cash-back rewards program, which can be a great perk. The truth is, you can find it disappointing that there are restrictions on how and when you can redeem your cashback. For example, there might be minimum redemption thresholds or limited options for redemption, limiting your flexibility in using your rewards

Foreign Transaction Fees

If you’re someone who frequently travels abroad or makes international purchases, you may not get the best of this credit card. Discover typically charges foreign transaction fees and this can add extra costs to your purchases when you use the card outside of the United States.

Introductory Offers

While Discover often provides attractive introductory offers, such as 0% APR for a limited period or bonus cashback, these promotions are usually for a short time only. Once the introductory period ends, the regular interest rates and rewards may not be as appealing.

Less Generous Rewards in Certain Categories

Although Discover offers cashback rewards, they may not be as generous as other credit cards in specific spending categories like dining or travel. If you spend a significant amount in these areas, you might find other cards that offer better rewards suited to your lifestyle.

How to Qualify for Discover Credit Card

To qualify for Discover Credit Card:

  • Keep your credit score in the range of good to excellent.
  • Show a consistent income and work record.
  • Keep your debt-to-income ratio low.
  • Refrain from making too many credit inquiries in a short period.
  • Make sure you are either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
  • Meet the minimum age requirement, usually 18 or 21.
  • Demonstrate responsible financial behavior and a good payment history.

How to Apply for Discover Credit Card

  1. Go to the Discover website and click on the “Apply Now” button.
  2. Select the type of credit card you want to apply for.
  3. Enter your personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number, and income.
  4. Provide your employment information.
  5. Answer a few questions about your credit history.
  6. Review your application and submit it.

Alternatives to Discover Credit Card

Chase Freedom Unlimited

This card is a great option if you want to enjoy some cash-back rewards. You can earn a flat-rate cashback on all your purchases, and it has excellent introductory offers. Also, Chase has a wide network of merchants, making it convenient to use almost anywhere.

American Express Blue Cash Preferred

If you spend a lot on groceries and gas, this card is your choice. It offers generous cash-back percentages on these categories, along with other rewards for different purchases. Just check if it aligns with your spending habits.

Capital One Venture Rewards

If traveling is your passion, this card might be your new travel buddy. You earn miles on every purchase, and there’s no limit to how many miles you can earn. You can redeem these miles for travel-related expenses, making it an excellent choice for you if you’re traveller.

Customer Reviews

Before applying for Discover Credit Card, spare some time to examine its ratings on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau. Discover currently holds a rating of 1.89 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 121 reviews and 1.2 out of 5 on the Better Business Bureau. This rating indicates that a significant portion of their customer base express dissatisfaction with their overall purchase experience. The common grievances the customers shared revolve around issues with their credit card services, and problems related to business processing times.

Pro Tips

  • Research different credit cards: Take the time to research and compare different credit card options. Look into their benefits, rewards programs, fees, interest rates, and any promotional offers. This helps you find a card that suits your lifestyle and spending habits.
  • Consider your credit score: Your credit score plays a vital role in credit card applications. Higher scores increase your chances of approval and may qualify you for better terms and rewards. If your score is low, work on improving it before applying for a credit card.
  • Compare fees and interest rates: Pay attention to the annual fees, balance transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, and any other charges associated with the credit card. Additionally, review the interest rates (APR) to ensure they are competitive and manageable for you.
  • Understand the rewards program: If the credit card offers a rewards program, familiarize yourself with its structure and benefits. Consider whether the rewards align with your spending patterns and if they provide value for you.
  • Read the terms and conditions: Carefully review the credit card’s terms and conditions to understand the payment due dates, grace periods, late fees, and any other important details. Be aware of any potential changes to these terms in the future.

Recap

To find the right credit card, research and compare options, considering benefits, fees, interest rates, and rewards programs that suit your lifestyle. Understand that a higher credit score improves approval chances and offers better terms. Analyze annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and APR for manageability. Understand the rewards program’s structure and benefits, ensuring they align with your spending habits. Thoroughly review the credit card’s terms and conditions, including payment due dates, late fees, and potential changes.

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