How to Upgrade, Downgrade or Change Your Discover Credit Card

Updated: August 22, 2024

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Whether you want to upgrade or downgrade your Discover credit card, it’s usually possible to get a product change. MoneyGeek outlines how to switch between cards and breaks down the benefits and drawbacks of doing so.

Discover allows cardholders to switch between credit cards. In some cases, the company may even send you a targeted offer for a card upgrade.

The easiest way to upgrade or downgrade your Discover credit card is by calling the number on the back of your card or Discover’s customer service hotline at 1-800-347-2683. You can also ask for a product change online by logging in to your account.

Depending on your lifestyle and spending habits, switching credit cards might make sense if you’re looking for a card with more benefits or a lower annual fee.

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Rules When Upgrading or Downgrading Credit Cards With Discover

Upgrading or downgrading your Discover credit card can be done over the phone or online. But there are some rules to keep in mind before making the switch to a new card. You can also visit the Discover site to request a product change.

  • You need to wait at least one year after opening a card before you can request a product change.
  • Product changes can’t be completed if you’re currently enrolled in a Discover promotion such as Cashback Match, a program exclusively for new cardmembers where Discover matches all the cash back rewards earned on a Discover credit card at the end of the first year.

If you have any concerns, you may get in touch with a customer representative and inquire about Discover’s product change rules.

metalCard icon
SHOULD YOU GET A NEW CREDIT CARD?

If you want to increase your rewards rate — for example, from 2% to 5% cash back — on eligible purchases without hurting your credit score, a Discover product change may work well for you. But if you want to take advantage of card offers like a 0% intro APR for a major purchase or balance transfer, applying for a new Discover card may make more sense.

What Will Happen to My Reward Points/Miles?

Whether you are upgrading or downgrading your Discover credit card, the rewards already earned on your existing card will stay the same. So will your account number and your payment due date. The only change will be your reward-earning rate.

When Should You Upgrade Your Discover Credit Card?

Upgrading your Discover credit card can help you enjoy a new set of perks that better suit your spending needs. For example, say you’ve improved your credit score and want to increase your credit line and earn more rewards on purchases. In that case, you may want to upgrade your Discover it® Secured Card (earns 1%–2% cash back) to Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card (earns 1%–5% cash back).

The Pros & Cons of Upgrading

Pros:

  • Upgrading your Discover credit card can earn you more rewards on eligible purchases.
  • You don’t need to go through a new card application process.
  • Your credit history and credit score won’t be negatively affected.

Cons:

  • You won’t be eligible for Discover’s intro APR offers or Cash Back Match.

Discover Upgrade Options

Your spending habits will dictate the right credit card for you. Consider these Discover upgrade options when you want to earn more on your credit card.

Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card to Discover it® Miles

If you find yourself frequently traveling, upgrade your Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card to Discover it® Miles. This card allows you to earn unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase, including groceries or gas. You can redeem your earned miles for cash or as a statement credit for travel purchases.

Discover it® Miles
Credit Card logo for Discover it® Miles
Rates & Fees
Rewards Summary
Earn unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase
APR
18.24% - 28.24% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

  • The Discover it® Miles is a cash back card in all but name, delivering consistent 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. Its first-year miles match and no-interest period for 15 months add value to the card. It’s great for beginner travelers looking for a simple rewards card, but it lacks bonus spending categories and premium travel perks.

  • PROS
    • Earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent
    • First-year miles match
    • Flexible rewards redemption
    • 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
    • No foreign transaction fees
    CONS
    • No bonus categories
    • No travel perks
    • Unlimited Bonus: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the miles you've earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 miles, you get 70,000 miles. There's no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards, just a miles-for-miles match.
    • Automatically earn unlimited 1.5X miles on every dollar of every purchase — with no annual fee.
    • Redeem miles to pay any part of your monthly bill, including your minimum payment. Turn miles into cash in any amount, any time. Or redeem them as a statement credit for travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more with no blackout dates. However you redeem, miles keep the same value. And miles never expire.
    • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then, 17.24%–28.24% standard variable purchase APR will apply.
    • Discover could reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It's free; activate it with the mobile app.
    • Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
    • Freeze your account on the mobile app or website in seconds to prevent new purchases, cash advances and balance transfers.
    • Get an alert if Discover finds your Social Security number on any of thousands of dark websites. Activate for free.


    Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Discover it® Secured to Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card

Once you’ve built up enough credit, you may consider upgrading your Discover it® Secured to Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card. You can earn 5% cash back on eligible purchases up to the quarterly maximum ($1,500) in rotating bonus categories you must activate each quarter. All other purchases will earn 1% cash back. You may even get a lower APR for purchases based on your creditworthiness.

Discover it® Cash Back Card
Credit Card logo for Discover it® Cash Back Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.0/ of 5
Rates & Fees
Rewards Summary
Earn 1%–5% cash back
APR
18.24%–28.24% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670–850 (good to excellent)

  • If you're a strategic spender who doesn't mind tracking category bonuses to get high rewards, the Discover it® Cash Back Card could work for you. It features 5% cash back on rotating categories and a generous 0% intro APR period.

  • PROS
    • Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories
    • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
    • Cash back match in the first year
    CONS
    • Bonus categories have a quarterly cap and require activation
    • Rotating bonus categories
    • Low regular cash back rate
    • $0 annual fee.
    • Discover automatically matches all cash back earned in the first year.
    • No minimum spending is required, and there's no cap on rewards for the cash back match.
    • Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories like groceries and gas each quarter upon activation.
    • All other purchases earn an unlimited 1% cash back.
    • Discover assists in minimizing online exposure of your personal data on certain sites, activated via the mobile app.
    • Every dollar in cash back you earn is a dollar you can use.
    • Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24%–28.24% after that.
    • Standard APR ranges from 18.24%–28.24% (variable).


    Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Other Upgrade Options
Discover Card
Upgrade Options

Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card

  • Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card
  • Discover it® Miles

Discover it® Chrome for Students

  • Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card
  • Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card

Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants

  • Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card
  • Discover it® Miles
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Although Discover doesn't have as many upgrade options as other banks, you can still squeeze additional rewards on your purchases by switching to a card that aligns with your spending habits.
— Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com

When Should You Downgrade Your Discover Credit Card?

If your circumstances or spending habits have changed, consider downgrading your card instead of closing your account. For instance, if your credit card has a hefty price tag, you might want to consider switching to a card with no annual fee.

In Discover’s case, most of its credit cards have a similar APR range and $0 annual fee, so downgrading may not make much difference if you’re trying to cut down on credit card expenses. Still, it may be a good idea if there is another Discover card that offers rewards that better match your spending habits. For example, you may prefer a consistent reward-earning rate on the categories you use the most over rotating categories each quarter.

Pros & Cons of Downgrading

Pros:

  • Rewards that better match your spending habits.
  • A simpler rewards program.
  • Your credit history won’t be impacted.
  • Your card provider won’t perform a hard credit inquiry.

Cons:

  • Downgrading your Discover credit card may not make a difference because all of its cards have a $0 annual fee.
  • Your rewards rate may decrease from 5% cash back to 2% cash back on eligible purchases.

Discover Downgrade Options

Before making the switch, evaluate these Discover downgrade options and determine whether a product change is worth it.

Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card to Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants

If you only use your card for gas and restaurant purchases, you may downgrade your Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card to Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants. It earns 2% cash back on gas and dining up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% on all other purchases. You also don’t need to activate quarterly bonuses.

Discover it® Chrome
Credit Card logo for Discover it® Chrome
MoneyGeek Rating
3.8/ of 5
Rates & Fees
Rewards Summary
Earn 1%–2% cash back
APR
18.24% - 28.24% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

  • We recommend the Discover it® Chrome to people who are looking for no-annual-fee cards that offer higher-than-usual cash back. This card offers 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations on up to a combined total of $1,000 in purchases each quarter. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. What also helps is Discover matches the cash back you earn during the first year. This card comes with an intro 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases and 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. As is the norm with Discover credit cards, this card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it perfect to use outside of the U.S.

  • PROS
    • No annual fees
    • Up to 2% cash back
    • Intro 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 16.99%–27.99%
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Free overnight card replacement
    CONS
    • 2% cash back up to a predetermined spending limit
    • Balance transfer fees
    • No annual or foreign transaction fees.
    • Earn 2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined spending on bonus categories each quarter.
    • Bonus categories include restaurants and gas stations.
    • Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • Discover matches the cash back you earn in the first year.
    • Redeem cash back as a statement credit or as a direct deposit into your savings or checking account.
    • You may also use your cash back to check out at Amazon.com, pay using PayPal, buy gift cards and make charitable donations.
    • 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases and 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 17.24%–28.24% variable after that.
    • 3% balance transfer fee until May 10, 2024, and 5% after that.
    • Balance transfers must post to your account by May 10, 2024, for the 0% APR offer to apply.
    • Overnight card replacement is free.
    • No penalty APR.


    Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card to Discover it® Chrome for Students

Switching your Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card to Discover it® Chrome for Students may make sense if you’re a student who mostly spends on gas and restaurants and want to automatically earn 2% cash back on those two categories on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.

Discover it® Student Chrome
Credit Card logo for Discover it® Student Chrome
MoneyGeek Rating
3.9/ of 5
Rates & Fees
Rewards Summary
Earn 1% – 2% cash back
APR
18.24% - 27.24% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
(No Credit History)

  • The Discover it® Student Chrome is a game changer for budget-conscious students. It rewards you generously for those weekend outings and gas fill-ups without the burden of an annual fee. You also get a solid introductory offer, and there are no credit score requirements. As an added perk, at the end of your first year, Discover steps in to match all the cash back you've earned. Stay mindful of the spending limits on bonus categories, and watch out for the potential APR uptick after the introductory period. All in all, it's a card that truly understands the student lifestyle.

  • PROS
    • No annual fee
    • 0% intro APR offer
    • No credit score requirement
    • High cash back for restaurant and gas
    • Get a dollar-for-dollar cash back match
    CONS
    • Bonus categories have spending caps
    • Potentially high APR
    • Unlimited Cash Back Match — Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year.
    • Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
    • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases — automatically.
    • No credit score is required to apply.
    • Reduces the exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people search sites that could sell your data. It's free; activate using the mobile app.
    • No annual fee. Build your credit with responsible use.
    • 0% intro APR on purchases for six months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24%–27.24% applies.


    Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Other Downgrade Options
Discover Card
Downgrade Options

Discover it® Miles
($0 annual fee)

  • Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants
    ($0 annual fee)
  • Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card
    ($0 annual fee)

NHL® Discover It® Credit Card
($0 annual fee)

  • Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants
    ($0 annual fee)

When to Cancel Your Discover Card

You may cancel your credit card if you feel like it no longer serves its purpose. But there are consequences to closing your account. These include:

  • Your credit utilization ratio will be affected: Closing your account can reduce the amount of credit available to you. This can impact your credit utilization ratio and lower your credit score.
  • Your credit history will take a hit: If you close your account, it may bring down your credit age and hurt your credit score.

As always, examine the effects of canceling your credit card before making a decision. In most cases, this should only be done as a last resort.

Alternatives to Canceling Your Credit Card

Canceling your credit card may make sense in some instances, such as if you’re having trouble using it responsibly. But if you are looking to make a change because your current card’s benefits aren’t serving you as well or because of a hefty annual fee, there are much better ways to handle an unwanted card. These include:

  • Negotiating a lower interest rate: If the reason for canceling your credit card is a high APR, it may be worth it to negotiate with your card issuer for a lower rate to keep your account open.
  • Downgrading your credit card: If you want a more affordable credit card, consider downgrading to a card with no annual fees.
  • Keeping the card but using it sparingly: You can keep your account open if it doesn’t have an annual fee. But make sure to make a small purchase every now and then so your issuer won’t close it due to inactivity.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether canceling a credit card is the right option. If you end up closing your account, you can always improve your credit score by opening a new card that better suits your needs. Doing this can boost your available credit and help keep your credit utilization ratio low.

Other Helpful Decision-Making Q&As

Before making any changes to your credit mix — even if it’s just switching to a different credit card with the same issuer — it’s important to understand all your options. We answered some of the most frequently asked questions about upgrading or downgrading your Discover credit card to help you make an informed decision.

How long does it take to receive a new card?

Once approved, you will usually receive your new Discover credit card within 7–10 business days. But you can get in touch with a customer service representative to get a more specific timeline based on Discover’s processing and shipping times.

What should be my credit score to upgrade my credit card?

Discover card credit score requirements vary from product to product. Most of Discover’s credit cards are for those with established credit. Note that an excellent credit score will improve your chances of approval, whether you’re applying for a new card or requesting a product change.

How do I know the status of my product change application?

The fastest way to know the status of your product change application is by calling Discover’s customer service hotline.

Does upgrading or downgrading a card hurt your credit score?

No, a product change won’t hurt your credit score unless your issuer performs a hard credit pull.

Does canceling a credit card hurt your credit score?

Canceling your credit card can raise your credit utilization ratio and bring down your credit age, both of which can negatively affect your credit score.

What happens after I upgrade or downgrade?

Upgrading or downgrading your credit card often gets you benefits that better reflect your spending habits. In most cases, your account number and earned rewards will stay the same but check with your issuer to be sure.

Next Steps

Upgrading or downgrading your Discover credit card may be a good idea if you prefer getting perks that are more aligned with your spending habits. But if you want to take advantage of welcome offers, you may be better off getting another credit card for your wallet.

Upgrading & Downgrading Credit Cards by Issuer

About Doug Milnes, CFA

Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.

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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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