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How Does the Discover Student Credit Card Work?

7 min read

Last Updated: November 1, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

If you’re over the age of 18, have a source of income, and are enrolled in a college or university, you may be eligible for a Discover® student credit card.
Student credit cards typically have benefits like cash back rewards or access to helpful features.
Using a student credit card may help you build a credit history.

Student credit cards can help you improve your financial literacy while earning rewards geared towards students. You have to be a student to get a student credit card, but otherwise, the card is very similar to a regular credit card.

If you’re exploring using a credit card for the first time, you may have some questions about student credit cards.

Student credit card FAQ

Young credit card customers often wonder about the benefits of a student credit card. The answers below may help you make one of your first major financial choices as an adult.

Credit card issuers can send pre-screened credit card offers to consumers aged 21 or older. If you get a letter saying you’re pre-approved for a credit card, the card issuer has done a basic credit check and found that you meet certain criteria.

“Pre-approved” means the issuer might be likely to approve your application for the card. You’ll still need to submit an application and meet income and other requirements if you want the card.

You may also receive other types of offers inviting you to apply for student credit cards.

You can apply for a student credit card online if you’re a college student and at least 18 years old. You cannot apply for offers over the telephone unless you are 21 or older. You will need to have some form of income to demonstrate that you could make monthly payments covering your transactions.

If you’re creditworthy on your own, issuers may not require a co-applicant. Discover doesn’t take co-applicants (sometimes known as co-signers) on credit card applications.

Your payment is due on the due date indicated on your statement, which is generally the same day every month. If you’re still unsure when to pay, call the customer service number on your card or log in to your online account to see when your next payment is due.

After you begin making purchases with your student credit card, you’ll receive a monthly statement with your total balance. If you pay the balance in full by the due date on your statement each month, you won’t have to pay any interest charges. Read your card’s terms and conditions to find out if and when you need to pay to avoid interest.

If you pay less than the full balance, your card issuer will charge you interest. The amount you pay depends on the balance you carry and your interest rate. If you don’t pay the minimum payment due, you also face the possibility of late fees and/or penalty interest rates.

After college, you may want to apply for a car loan or an apartment lease. Both often require a check on your credit history, in which the lender assesses your creditworthiness and repayment risk.

One of the common factors in credit scores is the length of time you’ve had lines of credit. Responsibly using a student credit card while in school can help you establish a credit history. That can help open these doors for you later.

No, you don’t need to charge and pay off big purchases to establish credit. You can establish a credit history by making small purchases and then paying them off on time each month.

You’re all set to activate your new card. You can do so by calling the phone number on the back of the card. You may also consider setting up the online account portal offered by your issuer. Online banking may let you more frequently monitor your account, make payments, and set up alerts.

If you’re a college student with a Discover it^® Student Chrome card, there’s no sign-up to earn 2% Cashback Bonus^® at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.¹

Another option is the Discover it^® Student card, which lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, you earn unlimited 1% cash back on all your other purchases – automatically.

Want to know if you’re likely to qualify for a credit card offer? Seeing if you’re pre-approved is fast, easy and won’t impact your credit score.²

See if You’re Pre-Approved

Study abroad and credit cards: Best practices

Studying abroad may be one of the greatest experiences you can have while in college. Meeting new people, learning about new cultures, and taking in the sights and sounds of your temporary home are all part of the adventure. One way to help ensure your trip abroad is as hassle-free as possible: a credit card. Consider these four reasons why you should use a credit card while studying abroad.

Credit can be cheaper than debit

Debit cards can come with hefty foreign transaction fees and international ATM fees. Cash can get lost and be difficult to change into local currency. Using a credit card abroad may save you some money if your credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. If you can make a purchase on a card instead of having to find cash, that may be the most cost-effective solution.

You’re covered in the event of fraud

If you’re carrying cash and your wallet is stolen or lost, bid your money farewell. However, many cards have fraud monitoring that may help detect fraudulent transactions. With Discover cards, you’re never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card account.³

You build credit history even while abroad

Building credit history is one of the main advantages of carrying a credit card. Using cash doesn’t build your credit. If you charge sensibly and pay your bills on time, you’ll be building your credit history for life after college.

Did you know?

The Discover student credit card helps you build your credit history with responsible use.⁴ Compare student credit cards to find the one most suited for your spending needs.

Learn More

Call before you go

Before your study abroad trip begins, you should contact your debit and credit card issuers to inform them of where and when you’ll be traveling. This prevents your accounts from being frozen when your cards are used overseas. If your bank doesn’t know that you’ll be out of the country, they may put a hold on your account because the purchases look suspicious.

Ensure account access

Make a note of the accounts you have and relevant telephone contact information. Note that the international number may be different than the U.S.-based number. Make sure that you have online access to all of your accounts and make note of all of your payment due dates.

It may help to set email or text reminders of your payment due dates. If you get text reminders, find out if your mobile phone provider will charge you for receiving texts in the country you’ll be in.

Alternatively, you can configure your accounts to automatically make payments. This is also a good practice for making payments on time which helps you build your credit history.

By learning the best ways to exchange currency and make purchases in another country, you can help get the most from your study abroad trip—and focus on all the adventures you’re having—without stressing about your money.

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