The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a secured card, meaning it requires a refundable deposit as collateral. It’s considered a basic credit card, with no annual fee and access to tools that help users track and improve their credit. The card is accepted wherever Discover is, which includes millions of merchants in the U.S. and abroad.
Despite being a secured card, it comes with benefits similar to traditional cards, like cashback and fraud protection. This makes it appealing for users who want rewards without the burden of high fees or strict approval requirements.
Main features of Discover it® Secured Credit Card
This card operates on the Discover network and has no annual fee. Users earn 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter), plus 1% on other purchases. After seven months, Discover automatically reviews your account for a potential upgrade to an unsecured card.
Approval requirements
There is no minimum credit score required, making it ideal for those with bad or limited credit. However, you will need to provide a refundable security deposit of at least $200. Discover may also check your credit history with agencies like Experian or TransUnion, though many applicants are approved without perfect scores.
Benefits of Discover it® Secured Credit Card
One major perk is the cashback program. Users earn rewards on everyday spending, and at the end of the first year, Discover matches all the cashback earned—a unique benefit among secured cards. These features help users build credit while enjoying tangible financial returns.
Exclusive highlight
Unlike most secured cards, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers free access to your FICO® credit score and automatic reviews for graduation to an unsecured card. This, combined with Discover’s Cashback Match, sets it apart from many competitors in the secured credit card market.
Drawbacks and things to consider about the Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Although there’s no annual fee, the need for an upfront deposit might be a barrier for some. Additionally, it doesn’t include premium perks like travel insurance or airport lounge access, which are typically found in higher-tier cards.
Some users report limited merchant acceptance overseas, as Discover isn’t as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard internationally. Also, the cashback cap on bonus categories may feel restrictive for big spenders.
How to apply step-by-step
Applying is simple. Visit Discover’s official site, fill out your personal and financial information, and choose your deposit amount. After submitting, most applicants receive a decision within minutes. If approved, your card arrives in 7–10 business days, and your deposit is held as collateral.
Who is the Discover it® Secured Credit Card ideal for?
This card is perfect for students, newcomers to credit, or anyone looking to rebuild their financial history. It’s also a solid option for people who want to earn cashback while working on their credit score without paying an annual fee.
If you’re considering alternatives like the Capital One Platinum Secured or OpenSky® Secured, the Discover it® Secured stands out for its rewards program and potential graduation path. It’s a smart, user-friendly choice for financial progress.