Discover Logo
star star star star star_half

7.6

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: March 17th, 2024

Discover Financial began offering the Discover Card in 1985 and introduced its cash rewards credit card in 1986. Today, Discover is the third-largest credit card brand in the United States and has over 61 million cardholders.

Continue reading for a complete review of this company, as well as Discover card reviews from real customers.

Top Ranked Companies

thumb_up

The Good

  • Competitive Cash Back Rewards
  • No Annual Fees
  • No Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Free Credit Score Monitoring
  • Fraud Safeguards
  • Introductory APR
  • Positive Customer Reviews

Competitive Cash Back Rewards

Discover offers a number of rewards options on a variety of cards:

  • The Chrome Student Card offers students cash back each school year if their GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next five years. At the end of the first year, Discover adds up all the cash back earned on the student card and matches it.
  • The Cash Back Credit Card gives a percentage of cash back in the selected quarterly category.
  • The Travel Credit Card offers an automatic match of all the miles earned at the end of your first year with no blackout dates. Miles can be redeemed for travel credits or cash.
  • The Gas & Restaurants Credit Card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants.
  • The NHL Credit Card offers 5% cashback on everyday purchases at different locations each quarter.
  • The Discover Business Credit Card offers 1.5% cash back on every dollar spent on all purchases and your rewards never expire.
  • The Discover Secured Credit Card is unique in that it offers cash back rewards - 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

At the end of your first year as a cardholder, Discover adds up all the rewards you earned and matches it.

No Annual Fees

There are no annual fees associated with any of Discover's credit cards, which can save cardholders hundreds of dollars each year.

No Foreign Transaction Fee

Discover does not charge a foreign transaction fee, which is a nice benefit for frequent travelers.

Free Credit Score Monitoring

Discover offers FICO credit score monitoring for free, and you don't even have to be a Discover cardmember to use this service, and checking will never impact your credit. Through this service you can see a breakdown of your FICO score and the five categories that affect it — payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix. In addition, you can take an in-depth look into your payment history and credit mix.

Fraud Safeguards

Discover offers several fraud safeguards, including purchase monitoring and the ability for customers to freeze and unfreeze their card in the event that it is lost or stolen.

Note: Many other card issuers offer the ability to freeze and unfreeze your card if necessary.

Introductory APR 

Most of Discover's credit cards offer an introductory APR of 0 percent for the first 14 months.

Positive Customer Reviews

The majority of Discover reviews are positive, awarding the credit card company 4 or 5 stars. These positive reviews most frequently highlight the following:

  • Generous cash back rewards
  • Convenient mobile app
  • Great option for first-time credit borrowers and those who are looking to build credit

Negative reviews are limited, but of these reviews, customers mention that interest rates are high and that cards are not accepted everywhere.

Visit Site

thumb_down

The Bad

  • Late Payment Penalties
  • Limited International Card Acceptance
  • Minimal Cardholder Benefits
  • Limited Co-branded Cards

Late Payment Penalties 

For the first late payment, Discover does not charge a late payment fee. However, cardholders can expect to be charged a fee for every late payment after the first.

Limited International Card Acceptance 

Discover cards are accepted at 99 percent of locations that take credit cards across the United States, and the Discover Global Network offers acceptance in 200 countries and territories across the world.

The Discover network continues to grow, but compared to Visa and Mastercard credit cards, which are accepted almost anywhere internationally, Discover credit card acceptance is limited. Thus, if you travel frequently, Discover may not be the best card option for you.

Minimal Cardholder Benefits 

After the first year of being a Discover cardmember, there are minimal cardholder benefits available, especially in comparison to other card issuer rewards cards.
For example, Discover will match all cash back earned in your first year of being a cardholder, but only in the first year.

Limited Co-branded Cards

Discover only has one co-branded card available: the NHL credit card. Other large credit card companies, such as Capital One or American Express, offer many co-branded card options.

Co-branded credit cards offer greater access to rewards at more locations and on a wider range of purchases. Instead of having one retail card providing rewards at specific limited locations, co-branded cards combine retail benefits with the ability to gain points, miles, and rewards on more than just retail purchases.

gavel

The Bottom Line

Discover Financial offers several attractive features, including no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, competitive APRs, and a number of rewards programs. You can even benefit from cash back rewards with a Discover secured card, a unique offering in the industry. This is a great option for individuals who would like to build or rebuild their credit, while also reaping some rewards.

If you are a frequent international traveler, Discover may not be the best choice for your credit needs. While a Discover card will likely be accepted at a majority of locations in the United States, international acceptance is still very limited, especially in comparison to Visa or Mastercard credit cards.

The majority of Discover card reviews are positive. Many customers highlight the card issuer's cash back rewards, but some mention that interest rates are higher than you might find elsewhere. However, many customers mention that their first credit card was through Discover, suggesting that it is a good option for first-time credit card users.

View Best Credit Card Companies

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info

4.7

star star star star star_half

877 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

71%

4 grade

19%

3 grade

5%

2 grade

3%

1 grade

3%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_half

Quality

star star star star star_half

Service

star star star star star_half

Trustworthiness

star star star star star_half
cancel

Filter by:

arrow_drop_down

Sort by:

arrow_drop_down
info
check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Delaney Rose Fisher Tucson, AZ

I love my Discover student card! I had such a good intro deal, and they have since increased my credit line for good payment practices. The only issue is that it is sometimes not accepted for payment.

4 days ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star_border star_border star_border

Ted Clark

I made a minimum payment. Between the time I initiated payment, 1 week prior to being due, they changed the minimum amount by 10 dollars. I made a payment of 7 dollars over the minimum , which resulted in being 12 dollars under the "new" minimum. Charged me 30 dollars late fee, and stopped my ability to use the card. Called me several times during the day when I was working and not able to answer the call. Called that evening to find out what was the problem. Was told that my failure to pay was the result.

1 day ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Peg Bellard Fort Smith, AR

Discover has been my credit card since 1996. Discover is the only credit card I use. I’ll have to admit that for years, after I began using Discover, I had to keep a Visa or Mastercard because at first, many businesses didn’t accept Discover. But now, it is rare to try to use my Discover and it not be accepted and in those very rare cases, I don’t do business with that company. My account has been breached several times over the years and Discover has never failed to back me up and not hold me responsible for charges I did not make. Several times I’ve been scammed with poor products I ordered and received but was unable to contact the company who sold them. Discover has, again, backed me up and gotten refunds for me. Discover offers a low $99 annual I. D. Theft Protection which to me is invaluable. I have spoken many, many times with Discover customer service and to my total satisfaction, I’ve spoken strictly with clear English speaking reps. And this too is invaluable to me. A great perk is the 5 percent cash back throughout the year on specific types of purchases. I have been singing praises of Discover to family and friends for years and will continue to do so.

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Rikki Racela Englewood, NJ

I use the DiscoverIt credit card and they have rotating categories which I get 5% cashback, which is excellent. Also, I had been a victim of fraud where my starbucks app got hacked into and charges were being made onto my Discover card. they handled it well, refunding my money.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Milrose Nacpil Chula Vista, CA

I been a Discover Credit card customer for almost 20 years! If you ever need to call and talk to a customer service person, they're always prompt. Needless to say I’m very satisfied with their service. I also have a savings account through discover, their APY is amazing! One of the best among other banks.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Edward Gulley Tulsa, OK

I love my Discover card. Love The cash back feature Where you earn money for using services? And you’re never responsible for fraudulent charges This happened with me and they took care of it. They have a lot of great features.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Misha

I have been a discover member for many years, and have zero complaints. Their customer service is A++, and attention to detail shows in every facet of the ways they have designed their products with their customers in mind. It is a pleasure doing business with Discover and it is an honor to finally get to write them a good review.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Otim Jordan Kampala, 102

It was formerly good offering cash back and points after transaction but recently received an email stating that my Discover credit card had been closed. This was surprising since I always paid on time and recently paid off my balance. When I called to inquire, they stated that they do credit checks every year and found that my debt had increased, I had several delinquent accounts and a few new accounts that I had opened but good enough we solved it and my account was unlocked.

2 months ago Edited January 15, 2024

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Anonymous Rome, PA

Discover has been my main credit card since 1989. I have had MasterCard and Visa also over the last 42 years, but Discover card deserves my 10 star rating. Whenever I have had any issues with a purchase and the company I had made a purchase from would not or could not resolve the issue, Discover Card ALWAYS listens to my purchase issue, and then guides me through the steps I need to make to begin a complaint. Discover Card has ALWAYS investigated my purchase issue and has ALWAYS resolved the issue. I have received the monetary amount en total for the purchase or return of an item I purchased. There customer service representatives are professional, courteous and are dedicated to assisting their customers.

6 years ago

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Anonymous Rome, PA

Discover has been my main credit card since 1989. I have had MasterCard and Visa also over the last 42 years, but Discover card deserves my 10 star rating. Whenever I have had any issues with a purchase and the company I had made a purchase from would not or could not resolve the issue, Discover Card ALWAYS listens to my purchase issue, and then guides me through the steps I need to make to begin a complaint. Discover Card has ALWAYS investigated my purchase issue and has ALWAYS resolved the issue. I have received the monetary amount en total for the purchase or return of an item I purchased. There customer service representatives are professional, courteous and are dedicated to assisting their customers.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Charles Norton Zanesville, OH

Love the US based customer service. Very flexible credit card company. I am also a customer of their new checking and savings account as well. I just wish they were accepted at more venders.

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Candice S Milan, TN

Discover card has great customer service and their app is easy to navigate. Balance transfers and limit increase requests are a snap. I also take full advantage of the fico credit score updates.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Melisa M San Antonio, TX

I used Discover pre paid credit card to build my credit. Within a year m credit line jumped from 200 to 4500. Which, I received my prepaid amount back after just three months. The reason I gave four stars is because I have Discover checking and they take too long to deposit or transfer money between linked accounts.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Elam George Winter Park, FL

I’ve been using my Discover credit card for eight months now and I get 5% off local Purchases and I really enjoy their service the network connection is amazing and I love it I will always recommend it because it always satisfies my need

1 month ago Edited February 1, 2024

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Devin Regensburger

I've been a Discover card customer for over 15 years. Their customer service is top-notch, and I've been really happy with my card. I got it as a college student and never looked back. I love that when you call in you will always speak with an actual human. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of those automated routers running you in circles rather than connecting you with a customer service rep. You don't get that when you have to call into Discover. Their service is top-tier.

3 months ago

star star star star star

Deborah Dyer Hendersonville, TN

I’ve had many different credit cards in my 70 years. however, You always want to get the one that will have the best benefits for you. I feel with the Discover it card I’ve had for 4 years that I got just that. I enjoy in using the Discover card that I get money back based on the purchases I make and m6 card matches that amount. It’s nice to have perks along with a card. There is NO annual fee as a lot of Credit card companies are going back to which I am not going to pay.. I like the fact I earn 5% cash back on purchases like from Amazon , restaurants, gas, and other stores. Discover cash back is perfect for my needs. I liked the fact that for the first 15 months it was 0% APR on my purchases. ☺️

8 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Scott Smith

Discover really helped me out when I needed assistance. Great company and a wonderful card.

5 days ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Jubril Rasheed Ashburn, VA

Discover is as being helpful being a customer and still be reworded for that is cool every time is the best to be a customer to them because it’s cash back match

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Arooj Naeem

Discover has been my credit card of choice for its cashback rewards and exceptional customer service. The user-friendly mobile app and the variety of benefits make Discover a reliable and rewarding credit card.

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Edward Keenan Secaucus, NJ

Ive been a Discover cardholder for over 2o years. Their cashback program and seasonal programs ALWAYS give the very best returns with super helpful customer service agents at the ready!

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

John Myers Myrtle Beach, SC

I have both credit card and personal loan accounts with Discover. They have been good. My credit availability has been consistent. In the personal loans department they have walked me through all the probabilities good and bad with the debt consolidation loans.

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Nieceyshark Beaumont, CA

I have been a customer for several years. But my recent experience has been great. The not only monitor the card transactions, but they verify if a charge was lagitament. They are fast to protect my card and keep my credit safe.

3 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

raquel winter Charleston, SC

They gave me a second chance after getting over a hardship time.

3 days ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Peter Quilen

I wouldn’t consider discover a subprime credit card company. They have a multitude of financial instruments that are great and normally helping you build your credit on the second tier level as these are not a sub prime credit card company in my opinion, and by many others would agree, so they’ve been good to me and they’re branded with other big companies which are an added convenience.

5 months ago

star star star star star_border

Amani Patel Harrisonburg, VA

A good credit card, especially in terms of cash back. Customer service has been very good, but bonus rewards could use more flexibility.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Tori Freeman Huntsville, TX

I’ve bounced around with several credit card services but Discover has made a lifelong cardholder out of me! Their customer service is outstanding. I’ve been lucky to never have any fraudulent charges but they are quick to contact me about any large purchases I’ve made that they deem suspicious, and I love knowing that should I ever receive a fraudulent charge they would be quick to respond. Plus, it’s hard to beat their cash back program on top of no annual fee. I have recommended Discover to multiple friends and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a company who truly values and serves their customers.

8 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Liam steiner Cedar Knolls, NJ

Discover credit cards are faster in processing electronic payments to pay for my bills online and I made a dispute on undelivered purchase and refund was quick compared to other similar products.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Verna Lathrop Chicago, IL

I have had a discover card for years and found it to be one of the best. Your customer service is wonderful and always willing to help if any problem would come up. I would recommend this card to anyone.

3 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Janery Astacio-Marrero

Discover is overall the best service I have received as a credit card user overall. There is nothing I don't like from the features in the app, the way the information is organized, the notifications, the rewards program!

3 months ago

star star star star star

Robert Horn II Pahrump, NV

The Discover credit card was my first credit card and I have had it for over forty years now. The card is accepted at most all places. I have only had to dispute a charge once in all those years and the customer service took care of the problem immediately.

7 months ago

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Diane Lawson Far Rockaway, NY

They worked with me all the time to keep my bill paid on time they have low interest rates and they gave me credit when no other company would give me a chance when I called I got a representative very easy and quick

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Jayashree Tatavarti Brisbane, QLD

I have been with them for more than a decade. They have great customer service and amazing customer protection. They have international service without extra fees. I travel often and easy to use abroad. Their cash back option is beneficial to earn back from spending. Many other benefits on the card are useful while car rental etc.

4 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Michelle Thomas Anaheim, CA

I deeply appreciate my Discover card and the offer they extended to me. They are great at customer service. They are helpful and kind when situations are not at their best. They really are a quality company to have credit with.

4 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Kelsey T.L. Lansing, MI

Discover offers a really great credit card. Their rewards are impressive, customer service is excellent, and their cashback program is unmatched. I've been a happy Discover cardholder for years, and I can't recommend them highly enough.

4 months ago

star star star star star

Karla Harris Markham, IL

Great customer service, always willing to help the customer in resolving any issues.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

TC B Florissant, CO

My new favorite credit card! Love Love Love Discover! Fantastic customer service, and love that they offer the student card to get started with! This was my son's first credit card out of high school, and 10 years later he has a fantastic credit history due to this company, and now I have the card as a grad school student! I also like the cute designs you can pick from!

7 months ago Edited August 11, 2023

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Golf Addict Hyattsville, MD

Discover is a great credit card for anyone who is looking to own a credit card. I love the fact that their customer service is USA based and you can always get a representative 24/7. They have a great point system which you can use as statement credits. Discover is great especially when you have to file a dispute. Discover's process is fair and they hold merchants accountable when there is wrong doing. One of the best credit cards on the market

7 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Linda Tomball, TX

I have been with Discover since 1999! Discover is the ONLY card I trust to keep my account safe. They have caught several charges when my ID was stolen and I never had to do anything about it. Discover took care of getting my money back at no cost to me. I tell people all the time that Discover is all you need. I have a credit card plus a checking and savings account with Discover. I am always treated with respect and all reps are very willing to help with any problem. Discover knows how to give customer service!

8 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Sherran Nutson Atlanta, GA

I am/have been a Discover Card customer for over 15 plus years. Like Amex, Discover is at the top of the credit card game. I love that they provide insurance and covered protections for any event, shopping, etc., when I use the Discover card. Discover provides me with excellent financial tools and services that help me increase my funding. I really love when Discover Card matches reward points dollar for dollar and provide other money making incentives.

8 months ago Edited July 17, 2023

star star star star star

Jessica Lynn Heady Mantua, NJ

Discover is my first credit card I’ve had, so I can’t compare it to other credit cards. That being said, I absolutely love Discover! I am on the Discover Student plan and it’s honestly the best; getting cash back whenever I use my card for gas or restaurants is amazing. Being a college student, food and gas is where all my money goes to anyway, so why not just get cash back for it!? I’ve very little trouble with them, but when I have had trouble Customer Service was super nice and helped me with everything. They even answer on Twitter, which is a HUGE plus for me. Lastly, their app is so easy to use and understand. It’s easy to see every purchase you’ve made and it’s easy to pay your bill right in the app! 10/10 highly recommend.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Catrina L. Smith

I really like Discover for several reasons. Firstly, the interest rate is low whereas I can see my debt decreasing, and this gives me a sense of comfort knowing that my debt is diminishing. Secondly, because of this, I have a low monthly payment which allows me to make higher monthly payments over the requirement to pay off my debt. Thirdly, I have several options to pay my bill without being forced to talk to an automatic system; I prefer to pay over the phone because that is more suitable for me. Additionally, Discover does not have a convenience fee when I pay by phone, and I am grateful for that. I am allowed to speak to a person which makes me feel as if I am priority and important. Fourthly, the customer service representatives are professional, attentive, and patient, and lastly, when I went through a financial hardship, Discover was understanding and was patient and kind towards me. These are all the reasons why I will continue to use Discover and why I will recommend anyone to choose Discover. I was at peace when I obtained my credit card with this company because a family member referred me, and she expressed to me how much she loves Discover. My family member has very high standards, and for Discover to meet those standards, it says a lot. I have been a Discover credit card holder since the spring of 2014, and I look forward to continue being a proud, happy, and satisfied customer. I would love to do a commercial advertising its products and services.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Kristen Goode Madison, AL

I have credit cards with six different institutions, and Discover has the absolute best customer service. The automated system gets my information and gets me to a representative quickly, and I don’t have to click through 40 different menus. I’ve also never had to wait more than thirty seconds for someone to answer. The representatives are always incredibly helpful and nice, and we have great conversations while still handling the business I need to in a timely manner. To be honest, I enjoy calling Discover customer service, and I dread all other customer service calls (ex- the cable box in my bedroom hasn’t worked in two months. I just don’t have the desire to deal with the cable company's customer service). Bottom line: Over the past 5 years I’ve realized that Discover card’s customer service is even better than the TV commercials say it is.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

John Morganton, NC

Awesome card. Called them once and got excellent service. Spoke to 2 different people and they were great.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Dawn Grover

Discover gives me points back, which I like. We are pretty responsible with our credit cards so that's a nice feature. Otherwise it's a pretty typical credit card company.

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Trevor McIntosh Patchogue, NY

Helpful to have and so far reliable to use . Their incentive program increases it value of use to me and helps me in how I use this credit card

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Dennis Fraher Palmetto, FL

Within the boundaries of the US Discover card offers me the best opportunity to earn cash back rewards. Their card is accepted at over 98% of retailers I have dealt with.

3 months ago

star star star star star

Clemmie & Mandy Johnson San Jose, CA

I love my Discover Card. I’ve been a customer for over 20 years!!! They have great benefits and constantly make changes to improve their services and the benefits they offer customers.

6 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

Peter Land O' Lakes, FL

Having one of their credit cards was a decent experience. Many merchants and vendors do not accept them. Average service and very high fees for the product. I did not cancel my account because that could affect my credit rating but I just stopped using it and requested that no fees or to be applied and if so, then I would cancel it. Eventually I did.

8 months ago

star star star star star_border

Amanda George IL

I had a discover credit card about 4 years ago and paid it off, they are really good at helping you monitor your spending, the app is wonderful to have, and they have an awesome customer service department where you can actually speak to a person instead of a robotic phone system.

8 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Enrique

I have Discover card for more than 10 years,very convenient and it's accepted mostly every where. It is just like other cards but with different types of Benefits well it is like a bank card,you could make transfer at a low interest rate etc. Try it

4 months ago