Are you looking for your first credit card? You might want to compare cards by their features. The Discover it® Student Cash Back and Discover it® Student Chrome are excellent options for student credit cards because they have no annual fee and a low intro APR. Although these student cards are similar, each offers different ways to earn rewards.
Discover it® Student Cash Back vs. Discover it® Student Chrome
5 min read
Last Updated: March 14, 2025
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
-
See a side-by-side comparison of the Discover it® Student Cash Back and Chrome cards.
-
Learn about different ways to earn rewards for using your card.
-
Determine which card is right for you.
- With the Discover it® Student Cash Back you can 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.
- With the Discover it® Student Chrome you can earn 2% Cashback Bonus® 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 purchases1 on both cards.
The ideal card for you will depend on your financial needs. You might want to maximize your benefits by comparing the rewards of each card—including key features like Cashback Match. As a new cardmember, you can get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, automatically. There is no limit to how much we’ll match.2
Compare Discover it® Student Chrome and Discover it® Student Cash Back credit cards
Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison chart to help you decide which Discover student card is the best fit for you. While most factors are the same, the big difference is the rewards rate. What’s important to you? Think about factors like annual fees, cash back rewards, and more as you search for the right card for your needs.
Discover it®
Student Cash Back
Discover it®
Student Chrome
Rewards RateEarn 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 - automatically.
Earn 2% Cashback Bonus® 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.1
Cashback MatchDiscover automatically matches the cash back you’ve earned
on your credit card at the end of your first year.2$0 Fraud LiabilityYou're never held responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card.3Referral BonusRefer a friend and get a $100 statement credit.
Eligibility requirements apply. See terms and conditions.4
What features do Discover it® Cards have for students?
There are similarities between the Discover Student Chrome and the Discover Student Cash Back cards. Here are a few examples of some perks and benefits that both student cards have to offer cardmembers:
- No credit score required to apply for Discover Student credit cards5
- Both cards have no annual fee
- Get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, automatically2 for both student Discover cards
- Both cards offer a 0% intro APR on purchases for your first 6 months
What is the difference between Discover it® Student Cash Back and Discover it® Student Chrome?
The primary differences between Student Cash Back and Chrome are the types of purchases they reward and the rates applied to those rewards. depending on how you use your card, one may offer better rewards for you.
- The Discover it® Student Cash Back card offers a high cash back rate on various spending categories. You need to activate every three months, and the categories rotate each quarter.
- The Discover it® Student Chrome card offers a lower cash back rate on gas and grocery purchases. The rate is automatic and consistent throughout the year.
Earn top-tier rewards and build a credit history6 with a Discover student credit card
![Discover it credit card]()
Who should get the Discover it® Student Chrome Card?
The Discover it® Student Chrome card is ideal for students who:
- Make frequent purchases at restaurants or gas stations
- Want the convenience of not tracking rotating rewards categories
- Have no credit history
- Want the ability to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers with Freeze it®7
Who should get the Discover it® Student Cash Back Card?
The Discover it® Student Cash Back card may be the right choice for you if:
- Your spending habits align with the bonus reward categories
- You want the flexibility to earn higher rewards with the rotating rewards categories that change every three months
- Have no credit history
- Want the ability to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers with Freeze it®7
The bottom line
Whichever card you choose will help build your credit with responsible use.6 With no annual fees and generous rewards, both Discover it® cards are ideal for students. It’s never too early to begin your credit-building journey, but the best card option for you depends on your personal spending habits.
Students: See if you’re Pre-approved
Next steps
See if you're pre-approved
Learn about Discover student credit cards
See rates, rewards and other info
You may also be interested in
Was this article helpful?
Was this article helpful?