Published May 31, 2024
5 min read
Getting a credit card
Key points about: Discover it® Chrome for Students vs. Student Cash Back
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Compare the Discover it® Student Cash Back and Chrome cards.
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Learn about different ways to earn rewards for using your card.
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Determine which card is right for you.
With no annual fee, generous sign-up bonuses, and a low intro APR, the Discover it® Student Cash Back and Discover it® Student Chrome are both excellent options for student credit cards in 2024. Although both cards are similar, each offers different ways to earn rewards.
With the Discover it® Student Cash Back you can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. With the Discover it® Student Chrome you can earn 2% Cashback Bonus® at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases1 on both cards.
This guide will help you choose the ideal card for your financial needs and help maximize your benefits by comparing the rewards of each card—including key features like Cashback Match. As a new cardmember, you can get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, automatically. There is no limit to how much we’ll match.2
Compare Discover it® Student Chrome and Discover it® Student Cash Back credit cards
Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison chart to help you decide whether a Discover it® Student or a Student Chrome card is the better fit for you. While most factors are identical, the primary difference between the cards is the rewards rate. Consider factors like annual fees, cash back rewards, and more as you search for the right card for your needs.
What features do Discover it® Cards have for students?
As the comparison chart above illustrates, there are multiple similarities between the Discover Student Chrome vs. Student Cash Back cards. Here are a few examples of some perks and benefits that Discover it® Student Chrome vs. Cash Back both have to offer cardmembers:
- No credit score required to apply for Discover Student credit cards5
- Both cards have no annual fee
- Get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, automatically2 for both student Discover cards
- Both cards offer a 0% introductory APR for your first 6 months
What is the difference between Discover it® Student Cash Back and Discover it® Student Chrome?
The primary differences between Student Cash Back and Chrome are the types of purchases they reward, and the rates at how those rewards are applied. Each card may appeal to different types of cardmembers.
- The Discover it® Student Cash Back card offers a higher cash back rate on specific spending categories that rotate each quarter upon activation.
- The Discover it® Student Chrome card offers a lower cash back rate but on a wider variety of purchases, which remain automatic and consistent throughout the year instead of rotating every three months.
Earn top-tier rewards and build a credit history6 with a Discover student credit card
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Who should get the Discover it® Student Chrome Card?
The Discover it® Student Chrome card is ideal for students who:
- Make frequent purchases at restaurants or gas stations
- Want the convenience of not tracking rotating rewards categories
- Have no credit history
- Want the ability to prevent new purchases, cash advances and balance transfers with Freeze it®7
Who should get the Discover it® Student Cash Back Card?
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card may be the right choice for you if:
- Your spending habits align with the bonus reward categories
- You want the flexibility to earn higher rewards with the rotating rewards categories that change every three months
- Have no credit history
- Want the ability to prevent new purchases, cash advances and balance transfers with Freeze it®7
Practice responsible card use to build healthy credit
Whichever card you ultimately choose will help build your credit with responsible use.6 With no annual fees and generous rewards, both Discover it® cards are ideal credit cards for students in 2024. It’s never too early to begin your credit-building journey, but the best card option for you depends on your personal spending habits.
