Discover Card Benefits

Discover sets itself apart in a crowded market by offering straightforward credit card perks that are easy to get a handle on. While some competitors might throw in slightly higher cashback rates or broader international acceptance, Discover makes up for it with a 99% acceptance rate among US merchants and no annual fees across any of its cards. This simplicity allows customers to enjoy a hassle-free experience without needing to sift through complicated terms or conditions, making Discover a go-to option for those looking for clarity and ease.

Are Discover it Cards really worth it? Check out this article to learn more about all the benefits of Discover cards.

Cashback

Discover it Cash Back Card offers the best Discover Card advantages, including an active bonus and cashback reward system. So, you’ll get 5% back in rotating quarterly categories on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter (with activation required) and 1% back on everything else.

Moreover, the first year of membership in the Discover program doubles your bonuses, which means that the number of points on the corresponding account will be matched and credited after the end of the grace period in the 12th financial month .

Categories of Spending That Earn Cashback

Discover Card perks cover a range of the following spending categories:

• Grocery stores;
• Petrol stations;
• Restaurants;
• Pharmacies;
• Amazon;
• Some popular U.S. networks and services.

Note: additional promotional offers come up from time to time, which can help you rack up even more benefits.

Rotating Categories and How They Work

As mentioned, Discover credit card benefits include rotating bonus categories. That is, each quarter, you have the chance to get up to $1,500 per quarter to your balance with a 5% rate for expenses in the current bonus category.

If you’re already getting cashback on a specific group of products, this item may be automatically switched to a different category next quarter.

How to Maximize Cashback Earnings

We recommend using your Discover credit card to purchase products and services predominantly in those categories where the highest bonuses are offered. This way, you can earn the most profit from owning this payment instrument.

No Fee for Use

Discover credit card advantages are also reinforced by the absence of an annual fee. That’s right, $0 fee when using any cards from Discover, including:

• Discover it Secured;
• Discover it Cash Back;
• Discover it Student Cash Back;
• Discover it Miles;
• Discover it Chrome.

This is a rare find, and you won’t get similar offers from other banks, as most payment providers are trying to monetize their bonus programs.

No Annual Fee

If you’ve checked out offers from Amex, Chase, or other major banks, you’ll know that most of their cards come with mandatory annual fees, which might not always be worth the bonuses offered.

With Discover, it’s a different story. While some may say the earning potential isn’t huge, there are no extra fees, and you’ll earn at least 1% cash back on every purchase.

Affordable APR

Discover Card benefits, namely a 0% APR, are effective for the first six months of signing up for the bank’s customer card. At the same time, the cardholder is exempt from fees and taxes on transfers between their own cards up to 18 months from the date of receipt of the payment instrument (different conditions apply to different cards). After this period, standard rates and fees apply.

The 0% interest rate is a big deal: you only need to pay off the principal amount of the loan without overpaying in interest or fees for transfers, as in the case of transfers between accounts.

Cashback Match

One of the perks of Discover Card is the possibility of doubling bonuses. It works as follows:

• You accumulate bonus points, for example, by taking advantage of offers with 5% cashback.
• After the first year of participation in the Discover Cashback Match program, the bonuses are automatically recalculated.
• For example, if you’ve earned $200 during this time, Discover will give you an extra $200.

The offer applies to new customers for their first year of using the card, so make sure to take advantage of it.

Security Above All

The benefits of a Discover card include a strong protection system against fraud, theft, and other risks. This applies to all cardholders, but it’s particularly robust in the Discover it Secured solution. Here’s what you get:

Zero Liability Protection

If your card gets lost or stolen, you are not responsible for unauthorized transactions. For example, if criminals steal your card and take out credit to your account, withdraw money, and vanish, you can alert the bank of the lost card. The bank will block any further transactions and prevent changes to your profile, including any impact on your credit score.

Freeze It Feature to Temporarily Block Your Card

If you misplace your card and aren't sure if someone might use it, you can temporarily block it, for example, by using a mobile application, your online account, or by visiting a branch. Once you find the card, you can unlock it just as easily.

Monitoring and Alerts for Suspicious Activity

The banking system keeps track of all your card transactions and alerts you if it spots anything out of the ordinary. For example, if there is an attempt to transfer funds to a third-party account or authorize an ATM, you’ll be notified. This feature is customizable and works for both active and blocked cards.

Support Service

Last but not least, among Discover Credit Card perks is its customer service system. Available 24/7, they’re always ready to help resolve any problems and questions. The bank also connects you to its own mobile application, which offers powerful features to cover most of your card-related needs.

If you need assistance, please visit the official website or call 1-800-290-9885.