Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Chase Freedom Flex℠. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
Discover offers a wide range of credit cards for different types of consumers, and its cards have a lot going for them. Discover credit cards never come with an annual fee, and offer online privacy protection, identity protection perks like Social Security Number monitoring, and free overnight card replacement in the event your card is lost or stolen.
Best Discover Credit Cards of 2023
- Discover it® Balance Transfer: Best for balance transfers
- Discover it® Cash Back: Best for cash back
- Discover it® Chrome: Best for gas and dining
- Discover it® Miles: Best for travel
- Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for students
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for lower credit scores
Discover cards don't offer a traditional welcome bonus — instead, Discover will match all the rewards you've earned at the end of your first cardmember year through the Discover Cashback Match™ program. There's no limit to the rewards you earn or the amount Discover will match after the first year.
Here are the best Discover cards for 2023.
Best Discover Credit Card Reviews
Discover it Cash Back
The
Discover has released its cash back calendar through the third quarter of 2023. From July 1 to September 30, 2023, the categories are gas stations and digital wallets.
New cardholders also get a
Discover it Miles
The
You can also redeem miles for cash back or statement credits to cover other charges made to your card, so you aren't tied down to just travel redemptions. There is no annual fee to keep this card, and you can get access to your FICO score for free on your monthly statements.
The
Discover it Chrome Card
If you're looking for a Discover card and spend a lot at gas stations and restaurants, the
Keep in mind there are cards from other issuers, like the
Like other Discover cards, the
Discover it Student Cash Back
The
There aren't many student credit cards that come with an introductory APR, but the
It may be easier to qualify for this card with limited credit history.
Discover it Secured Card
Where many secured credit cards charge annual fees, application fees, and other fees, the
You'll also earn 2% cash back on the first $1,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each quarter (then 1%), as well as 1% back on everything else you buy. Like other rewards from Discover, you can earn unlimited cash back that never expires and redeem it for cash back, statement credits, and gift cards.
You can get free access to your FICO score on your credit card statement each month, which can help you monitor and improve your credit over time. Further, you won't pay a late fee on your first late payment, and there aren't any over-the-limit fees with this card, either. Automatic reviews start at seven months to see if Discover can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Read our Discover it Secured credit card review to learn more.
Discover it Balance Transfer
If you're carrying high-interest balances on other credit cards, it can make sense to transfer your balance to a card with a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. The
New cardholders receive a
The card offers the same Cashback Match™ program as other Discover cards.
Read our Discover it Balance Transfer card review to learn more.
Discover Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Discover a good credit card?
Discover cards are good credit cards for folks who prefer straightforward rewards earning and uncomplicated redemptions. If you like earning cash back without having to navigate lots of categories and don't need a lot of extra frills, a Discover card might fit the bill. However, if you're looking for premium benefits or travel transfer partners, you'll probably do better with a card from an issuer like Chase or American Express.
Do Discover cards charge fees?
Discover credit cards never have annual or foreign transaction fees, so they're a good choice if you're trying to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Like most other credit cards, there are fees for balance transfers, cash advances, late payments, and returned payments.
Where are Discover credit cards accepted?
Discover says its cards are accepted nationwide at 99% of the places that accept credit cards. That said, you might encounter a few merchants — like Costco — that don't accept Discover cards. You can also use Discover cards overseas in 200 countries, and you'll still earn rewards for your purchases wherever you are. For example, in Japan, Discover cards are accepted wherever you see the "JCB" logo, and in many countries when you see the "Diners Club International" logo.
How does Discover Cashback Match work?
Discover Cashback Match™ (called Unlimited Bonus with the
For example, if you earned $500 in rewards in the first year of having the
How many Discover credit cards can you have?
You can have a maximum of two Discover cards at one time, but you'll have to wait at least a year after opening your first card before you can get approved for a second.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Discover Credit Cards
We evaluated Discover's credit card lineup and looked at several factors:
- Earning potential — Does the card earn cash back or other rewards, and does it offer appealing bonus categories and a competitive rewards rate?
- Ease of use — Are there restrictions to be aware of, and is the rewards program easy to understand?
- Options for various types of consumers — We selected a variety of cards geared to different types of spenders, including students, credit card beginners, and those looking for an introductory 0% APR.
Here's a closer look at how we rate credit cards at Insider.
If you're thinking of applying for a Discover credit card and wondering which one suits your needs best, you'll need to consider what you hope to gain and the type of customer you are.
Discover credit cards also make things easy by letting you redeem your rewards at any time you want, and in $1 increments. Depending on the card, redemption options can include applying your rewards to your Discover statement or depositing them into your bank account, as well as cashing in rewards for gift cards, charity donations, and at checkout with Amazon and PayPal.
And as a Discover cardholder, you get free access to your FICO score.
Discover also offers the following products:
- Discover Personal Loan Review
- Discover Student Loan Review
- Discover Bank Review
- Discover Savings Account Review
- Discover CD Rates
- Discover Home Loans