Discover Card: Credit Score Needed & 5 Best Cards (2024)

If you’re in the market for a new Discover card, credit score will be a crucial factor in determining which one you may qualify for. But the well-established issuer has a card for every credit score.

Finding the right credit card in the sea of options can be as difficult as finding a specific fish in the ocean, and without the fun Finding Nemo hijinks. In fact, with so many cards on the market seeming to offer the same rewards, it can feel more like finding Nemo — in a tank of clownfish.

At the end of the day, picking the best credit card from the group comes down to selecting an issuer with great customer service and helpful features that can actually help make your credit card experience an enjoyable one.

With awards for customer service three years running, the Discover it® line is an obvious choice for great credit cards. With their popular FICO credit score tracking feature and awesome rewards, there’s a Discover card perfect for just about anyone.

Requirements | Compare & Apply (5) | Other Options | Reconsideration

Your credit score is an important part of the credit card approval process. That said, advances in data collection and analysis are starting to have an impact on how companies determine credit risk. Your overall credit profile is becoming just as important as your numerical score.

Sources Suggest a Minimum 648 FICO Score

Most card companies don’t actually have a hard and fast minimum score for approval. That said, if you have a low credit score (below 620 FICO), you’ll likely need an issuer that deals specifically with subprime consumers.

For Discover it® cards, most reports indicate a FICO score between 680 and 720 should get you a good offer. One myFICO user reports being approved with a credit score of 648, suggesting Discover may have more flexible credit score requirements.

• Discover it® Cash Back
• Discover it® Balance Transfer (The Discover it® Balance Transfer is no longer available and the offer details may be outdated.)
• Discover it® Miles
• Discover it® Chrome
• Discover it® Student Chrome
• Discover it® Student Cash Back
• Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Of all the Discover cards, however, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is specifically designed as a credit-building card, making it an option for those with less-than-perfect credit. Keep in mind you’ll need to make a security deposit to be approved; your credit limit will be equal to the size of your deposit.

Good Overall Credit Profile

Perhaps because their credit score requirements are so flexible, Discover is known to look closely at your overall credit profile — not just your credit score. If you have a history of missed payments, have opened too many recent accounts, or carry too much of a balance on your cards, you could be rejected. Other credit red flags, such as recent bankruptcy discharges, may also be cause for rejection.

Positive History with Discover

If you already have a Discover card or have had one in the past, you should consider your relationship with Discover — because they will. If you haven’t been paying your bill on time, had a delinquent Discover account in the past, or have otherwise soured your relationship, you’ll likely be rejected for additional Discover cards.

The specific Discover card that’s right for you will depend on your specific needs, but they’ll all offer the same great benefits, like free FICO credit score tracking.

For Cash Back

The Discover it® Cash Back provides a generous cash back rate on quarterly rotating merchant categories that include restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, wholesale clubs, and more. Quarterly activation is needed, and purchases that earn the top rate are capped.

1. Discover it® Cash Back

at Discover Card'ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING

★★★★★

4.9

Discover it® Cash Back

4.9/5.0

About this rating

Our in-house credit card experts rate Cash Back offers based on:

• Cash back earning rates
• Annual and other fees
• Signup bonuses
• Regular and introductory APRs
• Reward redemption rates

We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.

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Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

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OVERALL RATING

4.9/5.0

Discover it® Cash Back

4.9/5.0

About this rating

Our in-house credit card experts rate Cash Back offers based on:

• Cash back earning rates
• Annual and other fees
• Signup bonuses
• Regular and introductory APRs
• Reward redemption rates

We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.

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Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

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• INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
• 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. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
• Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
• Discover could help you 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 with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
• Terms and conditions apply.

• See application, terms and details.

See Rates & Fees

Intro (Purchases)	Intro (Transfers)	Regular APR	Annual Fee	Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 months	0% Intro APR for 15 months	18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR Rates as of December 12, 2024.	$0	Excellent/Good

As an intro offer, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You can redeem cash back any amount, any time, and your rewards never expire. See the current Discover bonus rewards calendar for more details.

For Travel Rewards

For the avid traveler, or just the odd vacation-goer, miles can be a great way to make your journey more affordable. The Discover it® Miles card offers rewards in miles for every dollar spent and can be redeemed without worrying about brand-specific restrictions.

2. Discover it® Miles

at Discover Card'ssecure website

AIR MILES RATING

★★★★★

4.9

Discover it® Miles

4.9/5.0

About this rating

Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:

• Miles earnings rates
• Annual and other fees
• Signup bonuses and intro APRs
• Travel insurance protection
• Travel and other credits

We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.

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Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

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OVERALL RATING

4.8/5.0

Discover it® Miles

4.8/5.0

About this rating

Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:

• Miles earnings rates
• Annual and other fees
• Signup bonuses and intro APRs
• Travel insurance protection
• Travel and other credits

We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

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Our Review »

• UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 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
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.49% - 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
• Discover could help you 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 with the mobile app.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
• Terms and conditions apply.

• See application, terms and details.

See Rates & Fees

Intro (Purchases)	Intro (Transfers)	Regular APR	Annual Fee	Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 months	0% Intro APR for 15 months	18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR Rates as of December 12, 2024.	$0	Excellent/Good

While you can cover your airfare with miles, some airlines may require other fees, so be prepared to spend a little out of pocket to cover miscellaneous costs.

For Balance Transfers

It’s never a good idea to carry debt, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. To take the interest-rate sting out of carrying a credit card balance, the Discover it® Balance Transfer offers an introductory APR on balance transfers for a promotional period (transfer fee will apply).

Make sure to pay your balance before the end of your offer term to avoid paying interest.

For Everyday Use

For the everyday meals and tank fill-ups, the best card is the Discover it® Chrome, which comes with bonus cashback rewards for restaurants and gas station purchases.

4. Discover it® Chrome

at Discover Card'ssecure website

EXPERT'S RATING

★★★★★

4.8

Discover it® Chrome

4.8/5.0

About this rating

Our in-house credit card experts rate Discover® cards based on:

• Reward rates and redemptions
• Regular and promotional APRs
• Signup bonuses
• Fees
• Ease of approval

We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

Close

OVERALL RATING

4.8/5.0

Discover it® Chrome

4.8/5.0

About this rating

Our in-house credit card experts rate Discover® cards based on:

• Reward rates and redemptions
• Regular and promotional APRs
• Signup bonuses
• Fees
• Ease of approval

We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

Close

Our Review »

• INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
• Earn 2% cash back 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 purchases.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 18.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Discover could help you 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 with the mobile app.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

• See application, terms and details.

See Rates & Fees

Intro (Purchases)	Intro (Transfers)	Regular APR	Annual Fee	Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months	0% Intro APR for 18 months	18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR Rates as of December 12, 2024.	$0	Excellent/Good

Unlike the rotating categories, you don’t need to sign up to activate your bonus rewards for this card. Bonus rewards will have quarterly limits.

For Students

Getting started on the path to a good credit history should begin early. To start building good credit, try the Discover it® Student Chrome, which offers student-centric perks.

5. Discover it® Student Chrome

at Discover Card'ssecure website

BEST OVERALL RATING

★★★★★

4.0

Discover it® Student Chrome

4.0/5.0

About this rating

Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:

• Reward rates and redemptions
• Regular and promotional APRs
• Signup bonuses
• Annual and other fees
• Travel and other credits
• General approval rates
• Issuer reputation

We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

Close

OVERALL RATING

4.0/5.0

Discover it® Student Chrome

4.0/5.0

About this rating

Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:

• Reward rates and redemptions
• Regular and promotional APRs
• Signup bonuses
• Annual and other fees
• Travel and other credits
• General approval rates
• Issuer reputation

We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

Close

Our Review »

• INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
• Earn 2% cash back 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 purchases.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• No credit score required to apply.
• Discover could help you 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 with the mobile app.
• No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
• Terms and conditions apply.

• See application, terms and details.

See Rates & Fees

Intro (Purchases)	Intro (Transfers)	Regular APR	Annual Fee	Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months	10.99% Intro APR for 6 months	17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR Rates as of December 12, 2024.	$0	Fair/New to Credit

Using your student credit card responsibly is the key to building a positive credit history. Pay the balance in full and on time every month.

If you were rejected for a Discover credit card because of a low credit score or poor credit history, your best option is to take time to rebuild your credit before reapplying. The appropriate method for building your credit will depend on your particular circumstances, but here are a few general tips:

• Pay off existing debt balances to lower your utilization rate
• Avoid late fees or missed payments by automating bills
• Check your credit report regularly and remove errors

Rebuilding good credit can take time, so be patient. Your diligence will be rewarded with better spending limits and interest rates in the future.

In the event you are rejected due to inaccurate or erroneous information, you can try calling Discover and asking for a re-evaluation of your application. Use the number below to reach Discover customer service:

1-800-347-2683

Though not guaranteed to work, by any means, explaining your situation to a person who can look at your report firsthand may get you an approval. Remember to remain polite during the call, though, or you’ll likely be stuck fishing for another card.