Discover it Cash Back Review (2025): Benefits, Rewards & Value
A no-annual-fee card with rotating 5% categories and a unique first-year cashback match bonus.
Discover it Cash Back Guide
A no-annual-fee card with rotating 5% categories and a unique first-year cashback match bonus.
ANNUAL FEE
$0
WELCOME BONUS
Cashback Match - all cash back earned in first year will be matched
POINTS VALUE
1¢ per point
TRANSFER PARTNERS
0
In This Guide:
Transfer Partners
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|
Annual Credits & Benefits
Is the Discover it Cash Back Worth It?
Ideal For:
- Strategic spenders who maximize rotating 5% categories
- First-time cash back card users who benefit from the first-year match
- Those who prefer cash back over travel rewards
- People who don't want to pay an annual fee
- Consumers with good but not excellent credit
Not Ideal For:
- Those who prefer a consistent reward rate without activating categories
- Individuals with very high spending beyond the quarterly caps
- International travelers (despite no foreign transaction fees, Discover has limited acceptance abroad)
- People seeking premium travel benefits or protections
Value Calculation Example
With no annual fee, this card provides pure positive value through:
- Welcome bonus worth approximately $0
- Ongoing rewards with 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 per quarter), 1% on all other purchases
- 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories
- Cashback Match™ in your first year
With no annual fee to offset, all these benefits provide positive value from day one.
How to Earn Points
5% Rotating Categories (up to $1,500)
Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly, up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter (activation required).
Typical 5% Categories
Common quarterly categories include grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, Amazon.com, Target, Walmart, PayPal, and wholesale clubs.
1% on Everything Else
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases, including spending above $1,500 in the quarterly bonus categories.
First Year Cashback Match
Discover automatically matches all the cash back you earn during your first year, effectively doubling your rewards (10% in bonus categories).
Sweet Spot Redemptions
| Route/Redemption | Points Required | Transfer Partner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statement Credits | Direct redemption | Cash back | Apply cash back as a statement credit to your account with no minimum redemption amount. |
| Direct Deposit | Direct redemption | Bank account | Cash out rewards via direct deposit to any bank account with no minimum redemption amount. |
| Gift Cards | Direct redemption | Discover Rewards | Redeem for partner gift cards, often with a bonus ($20 cash back for a $25 gift card, for example). |
| Amazon.com Checkout | Direct redemption | Amazon | Use cash back to pay for purchases at checkout on Amazon.com with no minimum redemption amount. |
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Pro Insider Tips
Set Calendar Reminders
Set quarterly reminders to activate the new 5% categories as soon as they're available to avoid missing out on bonus rewards.
Pre-Purchase Gift Cards
When a store where you regularly shop is featured as a 5% category, consider buying gift cards there to use later, extending the 5% reward beyond the quarter.
Stack with Discover Deals
Stack your cash back with additional offers from Discover Deals when shopping online at partner retailers.
Maximize First Year Spending
Since all cash back is doubled in your first year, try to put as much spending on the card as possible during that time, especially in 5% categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Cashback Match work?
After your first 12 consecutive billing periods that your account is open, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you earned during that time. There's no limit to how much Discover will match. For example, if you earned $300 in cash back in your first year, Discover will award you an additional $300 for a total of $600 in cash back. This match is awarded as a one-time credit to your account.
Do I need to activate the 5% bonus categories?
Yes, you must activate the 5% bonus categories each quarter to earn the bonus rate. Activation becomes available about a month before the quarter begins and continues through the end of the quarter. If you activate mid-quarter, you'll still earn 5% back on eligible purchases from the beginning of the quarter, but it's best to activate early to avoid forgetting.
What are the typical 5% categories?
Discover typically rotates through categories like grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, Amazon.com, Target, Walmart, home improvement stores, wholesale clubs, and digital wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay. The categories change quarterly and are usually announced several months in advance on Discover's website.
Can I redeem cash back for gift cards at a better rate?
Yes, Discover often offers an increased value when you redeem your cash back for gift cards from partner merchants. For example, you might be able to redeem $20 in cash back for a $25 gift card, effectively giving you a 25% bonus on your redemption. Available partners and bonuses may vary over time.
Ready to Apply?
The Discover it Cash Back offers outstanding cash back rewards that make it a valuable addition to your wallet. A no-annual-fee card with rotating 5% categories and a unique first-year cashback match bonus.