Why the Discover it® Chrome Could Be the Best Starter Card for 2025
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Getting your first credit card can feel overwhelming. Do you go for big sign-up bonuses, or keep it simple? Do you worry about annual fees, or focus on rewards? The Discover it® Chrome cuts through all of that noise. It's straightforward, affordable, and beginner-friendly.
I've spent years digging into credit card fine print, and most starter cards are either too stingy on rewards or too packed with fees to be worth it. The Discover it® Chrome is different.
Rewards that are easy to understand
With the Discover it® Chrome card, you don't need to track rotating categories or worry about complicated earning structures. Instead, you get:
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
And the best part for beginners is that Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
So if you earn $150 in rewards during that first year, Discover will automatically turn it into $300 at the end of the first year with no hoops to jump through.
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Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 6 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
Rewards 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically
1% - 2% Cashback
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer 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.
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
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The main draw of this Discover card is the balance transfer offer, which is one of the best we've come across. Unlike many balance transfer cards, it combines that with cash back rewards. But the cash back program doesn't measure up to what other cards offer.
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- Welcome bonus offer
- Gas and restaurants rewards
- 0% intro APR
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Low cash back rates
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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.
- 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 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
No-cost perks that make life easier
One of the biggest traps new cardholders fall into is picking a rewards card with a high annual fee that eats away at their earnings. The Discover it® Chrome has a $0 annual fee and even skips foreign transaction fees, which is rare for an entry-level card.
Your cash back is flexible, too. You can redeem it for a statement credit, direct deposit, or even use it toward Amazon or PayPal purchases.
A smart way to build credit
Beyond rewards, this card also helps you grow your credit profile responsibly. Discover reports to all three major credit bureaus, and you'll get free access to your FICO® Score. That makes it easier to track your progress and position yourself for premium cards down the road.
If you're worried about approval odds, Discover also lets you check for pre-approval without impacting your credit score. So what are you waiting for? Visit our full review and apply for the Discover it® Chrome today.
What to watch out for
This card isn't perfect. The 2% categories are capped at $1,000 in combined spending per quarter, so big spenders might max them out quickly. And if you're looking for luxury perks like airport lounge access or travel credits, you won't find them here.
But if you're just starting your credit journey, those trade-offs probably won't matter.
Why it's the best starter card for 2025
The Discover it® Chrome keeps things simple while still delivering real value. You get meaningful rewards on gas and dining, a $0 annual fee, and the chance to double all your cash back in year one.
That's why, for someone new to credit cards, the Discover it® Chrome might just be the best way to start strong in 2025.
Our Research Expert
Jake FitzGerald is a full-time Editorial Strategist and Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, leading content production and distribution while also writing about credit cards, bank accounts, and other financial products. He has more than a decade of experience editing and shaping financial content to give readers clear, trustworthy money advice. His work focuses on delivering practical insights that empower people to make smarter financial decisions. Off the clock, he’s a fan of college football tailgates and still loyal to his favorite putter -- despite what his short game suggests.