- Intro offer:Cashback Match™
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:23.24% Variable
- Recommended credit score:(No Credit History)
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Build credit, even with limited credit history
- Automatic monthly account reviews after 7 months to determine if you qualify for a refunded deposit
- Earn rewards on your spending
- Requires security deposit (minimum $200)
- High APR
Additional Card Details
- Cashback Match first-year bonus: Discover will automatically match all the rewards you earn at the end of your first year
- Refundable security deposit between $200 and $2,500 required, which will act as your credit limit
- Automatic review your account after seven months to determine if you’re eligible to get your deposit back and upgraded to an unsecured card
Discover it® Secured Credit Card Full Review
Card Type
This secured credit card is a step above your average secured cards because it offers a rewards structure — most secured cards don’t. But like all secured cards, you’ll need to put down a refundable cash security deposit in order to open your card.
Annual Fee
The Discover it Secured Credit Card has no annual fee.
Welcome Offer
Instead of a traditional cash welcome bonus, Discover has a Cashback Match offer. At the end of your first year, you’ll double all the rewards you earn over that time period. For example, if you earn $100 in rewards throughout your first year, you’ll get an additional $100 matched at the end of the year.
Rewards
The Discover it Secured Credit Card offers 2% back on up to $1,000 in combined spending at gas stations and restaurants each quarter (then 1% back), and 1% back on everything else. Most secured credit cards do not have any sort of rewards structure, so this is a great option for getting even more value from your secured credit card while also building credit.
Fees
You’ll need a refundable security deposit between $200 and $2,500 to open this card, which will act as your credit limit. The variable APR is 23.24%, which is pretty high.
If you make a late payment, there’s no penalty APR, but you may take on a late payment fee up to $41.
How to Use Discover it Secured
Discover it Secured is a secured credit card, so you’ll need to submit your bank information and agree to a cash deposit of at least $200 (up to $2,500) with your application, which you’ll be charged upon approval.
Because this deposit acts as your credit limit, you should think about the amount you choose to deposit. One of the most influential factors in your credit score is credit utilization ratio, or the amount of credit you have available in relation to your credit limit. Experts recommend keeping your utilization 30% or less, which can be difficult with a low credit limit. If you start with a credit limit (and security deposit) of just $200, for example, a $100 balance on your monthly statement would report to the credit bureaus as 50% utilization on this card.
Over time, begin using your credit card for small purchases you can afford to pay off each month. You can maximize your cash back rewards by using your card at gas stations and restaurants to earn 2% back (at least until you reach the $1,000 quarterly cap, then 1% back).
Most importantly, pay your credit card bill in full by the due date without fail. This will help you build a positive payment history — the most influential factor in your credit score — and record of responsible credit use with the credit bureaus.
Pro Tip
While a cash deposit is required to open a new Discover it Secured credit card and serves as collateral for your line of credit, you’ll get it back in full when you’re eligible to upgrade to an unsecured card or cancel your account with a $0 balance in good standing.
Discover it Secured Card Card Compared to Other Cards
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Intro offer:Cashback Match™
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:23.24% Variable
- Recommended credit:(No Credit History)
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
- Intro offer:60,000 miles
- Annual fee:$99
- Regular APR:15.99%, 19.99% or 24.99% variable based on your creditworthiness
- Recommended credit:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
- Learn more At our partner’s secure site
Is Discover it Secured Right for You?
The Discover it Secured credit card is one of the best secured credit card options on the market today.
If you need to build credit, a secured credit card can be a valuable tool for improving your score. And with its added cash back rewards, flexible security deposit requirement, and ongoing opportunities to prove your creditworthiness, this card is one of the best options for building credit and establishing the good credit habits that will help you qualify for better credit cards or other financial products (like a mortgage or auto loan) later on.
EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE
As with all of our credit card reviews, our analysis is not influenced by any partnerships or advertising relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for the Discover it Secured Card?
Discover it Secured is designed for those looking to build credit, which means it’s possible to qualify with poor credit or little credit history. Just remember that you’ll have to put down a cash deposit as collateral, which will be equal to your new line of credit.
Does the Discover it Secured Card do a hard pull on your credit?
Yes, Discover will complete a hard credit check to determine your eligibility for the Discover it Secured credit card.
What is the annual fee on the Discover it Secured Card?
Discover it Secured does not charge an annual fee.
