If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.
Choosing Discover for your next credit card is a solid move, but which card should you go for? With perks like Unlimited Cashback Match or unlimited mile-for-mile match in the first year across all options, Discover has you covered when it comes to earning rewards. The best part? There’s not a single Discover card that charges an annual fee, so all the rewards you earn are pure profit.
Whether you’re after cash back, travel rewards, a balance transfer option, or a student-friendly card, Discover has something for you. Keep reading to find out which card is the best fit for your wallet.
Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
If you're short on time, here are two of our favorite Discover cards that are likely to fit your needs:
Best for balance transfers and cash back: Discover it® Chrome (see rates and fees)
Best for cash back potential: Discover it® Cash Back (see rates and fees)
Good/Excellent
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 6 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months
Regular APR
17.49% - 26.49% 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. 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.
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.
Looking for a card that helps you pay down debt while still earning rewards? The Discover it® Chrome (see rates and fees) is a standout choice. With a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, you get plenty of time to tackle existing credit card debt interest free. (The go-to 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR applies at the end of the intro period.)
Meanwhile, you'll still earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, with Unlimited Cashback Match in your first year and no annual fee, this card offers solid rewards while helping you get ahead financially.
Good/Excellent
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 15 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months
Regular APR
17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR
Rewards 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.
1% - 5% Cashback
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. 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.
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
We think this card has among the highest cash back potential for cards with no annual fee. The key is the Unlimited Cashback Match — Discover automatically matches all the cash back new cardholders have earned at the end of the first year. That cash back can seriously add up when you earn 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories each quarter (when you activate them, up to the quarterly maximum) and 1% on other purchases.
Read Full ReviewIf you love maximizing rewards and don't mind a little hands-on management, the Discover it® Cash Back (see rates and fees) is a top contender. This card offers an impressive 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.
Here's the potential: If you max out the $1,500 quarterly spending cap the rotating categories you activate, that's $300 in cash back per year. And with Discover's Cashback Match, your earnings doubles your rewards in the first year -- You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Even outside the bonus categories, you'll keep earning rewards, making this a powerful choice for cash back enthusiasts.
Good/Excellent
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 15 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months
Regular APR
17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR
Rewards Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar of every purchase
1.5X miles
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer Unlimited mile-for-mile match for all new cardmembers. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a mile-for-mile match. You could turn 35,000 miles into 70,000 miles.
Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
A straightforward, no annual fee travel rewards card built for occasional travelers. The unlimited miles and welcome offer are standout perks.
If you're looking for a simple, no annual fee travel card, the Discover it® Miles (see rates and fees) is a solid choice. While it doesn't come with luxury perks like premium travel cards, it makes up for it with unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase -- no rotating categories, no spending caps, and no annual fee eating into your rewards.
This card is ideal for occasional travelers who want to earn credit card miles effortlessly without worrying about tracking bonus categories. Plus, with Discover's unlimited mile-for-mile match, all the miles you've earned at the end of your first year double automatically, making it even more rewarding.
Fair
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 6 months
Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months
Regular APR
16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR
Rewards 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.
1% - 5% 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. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Student credit cards are sometimes light on perks, but this Discover one might surprise you. You can earn 5% cash back on up to the quarterly maximum in rotating bonus categories, when you activate -- just opt in every quarter. And earning 1% back on other purchases plus an innovative Unlimited Cashback Match welcome bonus makes this one worth considering for college students.
Read Full ReviewThink of this card as the junior version of the Discover it® Cash Back (see rates and fees). It offers the same 5% cash back on different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, but is designed specifically for students with lower credit score ranges, and a shorter 0% intro APR period of 6 months for purchases. (After the intro period, the go-to rate of 16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR applies.) See rates and fees.
This card is a great fit for students who want to build credit while earning rewards and don't mind being vigilant about activating categories each quarter. Plus, with responsible use, it can serve as a stepping stone to graduate to the standard Discover it® Cash Back (see rates and fees) card in the future.
Fair
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 6 months
Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months
Regular APR
16.49% - 25.49% 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. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Has all the important perks for a student credit card. It's light on fees and doesn't charge an annual fee, plus it has a solid cash back program and a potentially big welcome bonus.
If activating bonus categories sounds like too much to keep up with, the Discover it® Student Chrome (see rates and fees) offers a straightforward way to earn rewards. Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% on all other purchases -- no rotating categories to track.
Think of it as the student-friendly version of the Discover it® Chrome (see rates and fees). It's a great option for students who want to build credit, earn steady rewards, and skip the annual fee -- all while keeping life (and finances) stress free.
At Motley Fool Money, every credit card we review is rated on a 5-star scale, scored to a tenth of a point. Our ratings weigh the features that matter most: rewards rates, 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.
We score cards within four primary categories:
Top-rated cards typically combine strong long-term value, attainable bonuses, low fees, and standout protections or perks.
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.
At Motley Fool Money, every credit card we review is rated on a 5-star scale, scored to a tenth of a point. Our ratings weigh the features that matter most: rewards rates, 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.
We score cards within four primary categories:
Top-rated cards typically combine strong long-term value, attainable bonuses, low fees, and standout protections or perks.
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.
Choosing the right Discover card depends on your unique spending habits, financial goals, and credit situation. Here's what to consider:
Many Discover cards have an intro APR offer for balance transfers or purchases for a limited time (afterwards the go-to variable rate applies), which can be valuable if you're looking to pay off debt or make a large purchase. Cards like the Discover it® Chrome (see rates and fees) are strong options if you're focused on saving on interest.
Most Discover cards are geared towards good to excellent credit. If you're a student and have limited credit history, an option like the Discover it® Student Chrome (see rates and fees) is designed with you in mind.
All Discover cards come with no annual fees, so you can maximize your rewards without worrying about extra charges.
By considering these factors, you'll find the Discover card that best aligns with your needs and financial goals.
No, Discover cards have no annual fees. This is one of the standout features that make Discover cards so appealing. You get to keep more of your earnings without worrying about an annual fee eating into your rewards.
With Discover's Unlimited Cashback Match, all the cash back you earn in your first year is automatically matched -- no limits required. It's as simple as that: more money back in your pocket, with no extra effort needed.
Motley Fool Stock Disclosures
Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Brendan Byrnes has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, PayPal, and Target. The Motley Fool recommends Capital One Financial and recommends the following options: short September 2026 $47.50 calls on PayPal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.