Discover it® Student Chrome
vs. Discover it® Student Cash Back

If you're a student looking for a rewarding credit card experience, you may be considering the Discover it Student Chrome and the Discover it Student Cash Back. Both cards offer attractive features for those with no credit history, such as a $0 annual fee and an introductory 0% APR on purchases for six months. The Discover it Student Cash Back is ideal if you maximize the 5% cash back in rotating categories, while the Discover it Student Chrome caters to consistent earners with 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants.

You might prefer the Discover it Student Chrome if: You value a higher effective reward rate for your spending. This card offers a competitive 2.7 effective reward rate. It is particularly beneficial if you frequently spend at gas stations and restaurants, where you can earn 2% cash back. Additionally, with no late fee on the first late payment and no penalty APR, it's forgiving for the occasional slip-up, boasting a penalty rating of 5. For those who plan to use their card regularly for eligible purchases, the card has an expected reward value of $341.

You might prefer the Discover it Student Cash Back if: You're enticed by the prospect of earning 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Although the effective reward rate is not specified, the rotating categories can be highly rewarding if your spending aligns with the featured categories. Consumers can benefit from no annual fee, a rating of 5 and an introductory offer of 0% for six months on purchases, making this card a cost-effective choice for students starting their credit journey.

Ideal for those with no credit history, the Discover it Student Chrome card offers a straightforward approach to earning rewards, with no annual fee and an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first six months. Students can benefit from earning 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, making it a practical choice for everyday expenses. Additionally, the card comes with an introductory offer that matches all cash back earned at the end of the first year, doubling the rewards for new cardmembers.

The Discover it Student Cash Back card is for students looking to earn rewards while building credit. This card has no annual fee and is accessible to those with no credit history. Ideal for the reward-savvy student, it offers a generous 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, the introductory offer is quite appealing: an unlimited Cashback Match for the first year, which could significantly boost your rewards.

The card also provides a 0% intro APR on purchases for six months, extending to 10.99% for balance transfers in the same period, making it a smart pick for students planning upcoming purchases or considering a balance transfer. With no penalty APR and a late fee waiver on the first late payment, the Discover it Student Cash Back card is forgiving for those new to managing credit.

Our breakdown will help compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features, helping you align your choice with your spending patterns and financial goals — whether you dine out frequently or commute and can benefit from the Student Chrome or your spending is varied and the Student Cash Back is more advantageous for you.