Cash back card from Discover.
Discover it Cash Back
Discover ·
- Annual fee
- $0
- Purchase APR
- 18.74% to 28.74%
- Intro 0% APR
- 15 months
- Rewards
- 5% in rotating quarterly categories (up to the quarterly maximum, activation required) and 1% on all other purchases
People who will track quarterly bonus categories and want a first-year cash back match
- 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories when you activate
- Unlimited Cashback Match of all the cash back you earn in the first year
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Only 1% on other purchases
- Bonus categories change every quarter and need activation
Our verdict
Discover it Cash Back scores 3.7 out of 5 (73.3 of 100 points) in our method, which ranks it #4 of 8 verified credit cards we compare. Best for: people who will track quarterly bonus categories and want a first-year cash back match.
Key terms
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 18.74% to 28.74% |
| Intro 0% APR | 15 months |
| Rewards | 5% in rotating quarterly categories (up to the quarterly maximum, activation required) and 1% on all other purchases |
| Terms verified | 11/03/2026 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories when you activate
- Unlimited Cashback Match of all the cash back you earn in the first year
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Cons
- Only 1% on other purchases
- Bonus categories change every quarter and need activation
Who it is for
- A good fit: People who will track quarterly bonus categories and want a first-year cash back match.
- Look at other options if any of these is a dealbreaker: only 1% on other purchases; bonus categories change every quarter and need activation.
How it compares
| Card | Annual fee | Purchase APR | Rewards | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Active Cash Card | $0 | 18.74% to 28.74% | Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases | 4.2 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card | $0 | 18.74% to 28.74% | Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase | 4.0 |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | $0 | 18.49% to 27.99% | Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases | 4.0 |
| Discover it Cash Back | $0 | 18.74% to 28.74% | 5% in rotating quarterly categories (up to the quarterly maximum, activation required) and 1% on all other purchases | 3.7 |
| American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card | $0 | 19.74% to 28.74% | 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 a year, then 1%), 1% on other eligible purchases | 3.7 |
| Chase Freedom Flex | $0 | 18.49% to 27.99% | 5% in quarterly bonus categories and 1% on all other purchases | 3.6 |
| Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card | $0 | 17.74% to 27.74% | 3% in a category you choose, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, 1% on all other purchases | 3.6 |
| Citi Double Cash Card | $0 | 18.49% to 28.74% | 2% cash back: 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay | 3.1 |
See it in our full comparison: Cash Back Credit Cards: Compared.
How we scored it
The score uses only the card’s published terms. Whether a provider pays us, or whether we have any agreement with it, plays no part. Read the full method.
| Part | Weight | This card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards | 30 | 33 / 100 |
| Fees | 25 | 100 / 100 |
| APR | 20 | 100 / 100 |
| Welcome offer | 5 | not scored |
| Service | 10 | not scored |
| Credit requirement | 10 | not scored |
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual fee on the Discover it Cash Back?
The annual fee is $0, according to Discover (verified 11/03/2026).
What is the APR on the Discover it Cash Back?
The purchase APR is 18.74% to 28.74%, as stated by Discover. Card APRs are variable and depend on your creditworthiness.
How do rewards work on the Discover it Cash Back?
5% in rotating quarterly categories (up to the quarterly maximum, activation required) and 1% on all other purchases. Check the issuer's terms for caps, categories and how to redeem.
Sources
- Discover product page, read 11/03/2026
Terms change; confirm them on the provider’s site. Not financial advice.