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Read moreDiscover it® Cash Back review: 5% categories and a first-year match
How Discover it Cash Back's rotating 5% categories and Cashback Match work, what the card costs and whether it's a better fit than a flat-rate card.
The Credit Time is independent. We may earn a commission when you apply through our links, but it doesn't change our analysis. Rates and terms come from the issuer and can change.
Our verdict
Rates and fees
- Regular APR: 17.49% to 26.49% variable, depending on your credit
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- A balance transfer fee applies
- No annual fee
- Read the official terms from Discover
Extra features
- Issued by Capital One under the Discover name
- Free CreditWise alerts and dark web monitoring for your SSN
- Freeze your card from the app
- Instant virtual card for eligible applicants
Pros and cons
Pros
5% back on quarterly categories, up to the cap
All first-year cash back matched, no limit
Lowest starting regular APR in our list
15 months at 0% intro APR
Cons
Categories must be activated every quarter
Only 1% outside the bonus categories
Quarterly cap on 5% earnings
Full review
Each quarter, Discover picks everyday categories that earn 5% back, up to a quarterly maximum, once you activate them. Everything else earns 1%.
After your first year, Discover matches every dollar of cash back you earned, automatically and with no ceiling. The card also includes 15 months of 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
» SEE ALSO: Visit the official Discover page
At a glance
Network: Discover
Earn rate: 5% rotating categories, 1% on the rest
Welcome offer: Cashback Match after year one
Intro APR: 0% for 15 months
Annual fee: $0
Side-by-side comparison
Discover it® Cash Back
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®Rates and terms taken from each issuer's official site on 09/23/2026. Regular APRs are variable.
Should you apply?
Discover it is a smart pick if you'll activate the categories and want to double your cash back in year one.
If tracking categories sounds like a chore, a flat-rate card will be simpler.
Would rather not track categories? Wells Fargo Active Cash earns a flat 2% on every purchase.
Apply now