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Best Discover Credit Cards

March 2024

Discover disrupted the credit card industry back in 1985 by not charging an annual fee and offering higher credit limits than other cards. But it didn't stop there. We can also thank Discover for cashback rewards, which many cards have emulated since.
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There is a lot to love about Discover's credit cards. For starters, none of them charge an annual fee. There are no foreign transaction fees, and they all come with Discover's Freeze It feature, which allows you to switch your account on and off if your card is lost or stolen. To top it all off, Discover credit cards offer between 1% and 5% in cashback, and Discover matches first-year cashback rewards for new cardmembers after the account has been open for one year. Discover's lineup of credit cards offers excellent rewards, benefits, and perks. However, there are still some standouts worth special consideration.
Here is our list of favorite Discover credit cards.
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FAQs on Discover Credit Cards

How does Discover 5% cashback work?

Discover offers 5% cashback in bonus categories that change every three months. You must opt in (or "activate") online to be eligible for the latest categories. Once you do, you get 5% cashback on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending in the bonus categories (and 1% after that). All other purchases earn 1% cashback. The 5% categories include common expenses like grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and Amazon.com.

What credit score do you need to qualify for a Discover Card?

There aren't any Discover cards that flat-out require excellent credit, currently. But you probably need a credit score of at least 700 for the cards that require good credit for approval. So most Discover cards may be a tough get for the average person, who has a credit score of 669.

How do I redeem cashback with Discover?

The simplest way to redeem cashback with Discover is to take the money as a statement credit. If you have, say, $30 in cashback, you can apply it to your account and reduce your balance by $30. You can also get your cashback as a direct deposit into a bank account, spend it on Amazon.com or redeem it for gift cards.

How often will Discover grant a credit limit increase?

For the best chance of approval, Discover recommends that you wait at least 6 months before applying for another credit limit increase, but your credit limit is being constantly reevaluated and could increased at any time.

Does Discover do a hard pull for credit increase?

Discover will use the information in the soft pull report to determine if you are eligible for an increase. If there is a further need for review, Discover might do a hard pull. Pulling this report can negatively impact your credit score. If you are approved, you will have a higher limit on your credit card, which could improve your credit score.

Does Discover approve credit cards instantly?

Yes, it is possible to get instantly approved (or denied) for a Discover credit card. However, not all approvals are instant. Your application may need further review. For instance, the approval time can be extended if the system needs to verify your personal information due to discrepancies between your application info and your credit file.

How long does it take to get a Discover credit card?

If you're instantly approved you will typically receive your Discover card within 7-10 business days.

Which network is better Discover or AMEX?

It all depends on what you're looking for. American Express has cards with better travel perks and rewards, and offers generous signup bonuses. Discover doesn't charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees and has better cashback rewards. AMEX has a wide selection of business cards, but Discover offers a student credit card and a secured credit card.

Does Amazon accept Discover credit cards?

Yes, Amazon Pay accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB. An Amazon.com store card is also available for use with selected merchants.

Can you get a Discover card with bad credit?

Yes, Discover offers the Discover it® Secured, which is designed for people new to credit as well as people looking to rebuild their credit.

Which is the best Discover credit card?

The best Discover credit card for you depends on many factors, such as your credit score, your goals, and where you like to spend your money. Compare the pros and cons of the cards above to find the card that best fits your lifestyle.

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SuperMoney is the most comprehensive financial services comparison site around. We have published hundreds of personal finance articles and provide detailed reviews on thousands of financial products and services. Our unbiased advice and free comparison tools help consumers make smart financial decisions based on hard data, not marketing gimmicks.

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