Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover it® Secured Credit Card: A no-annual-fee option for building or rebuilding credit with cashback rewards. Earn generous rewards, enjoy Discover’s Cashback Match (doubling first-year earnings), and benefit from strong security plus free FICO® score access—with the chance to graduate to an unsecured card.
By: Zienic
Cashback at Restaurants and Gas Stations
Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to the quarterly limit), and 1% on all other purchases.
No Annual Fee
No annual fee, making it affordable to maintain while building credit.
Automatic Review for Upgrade
Automatic review for unsecured card upgrade after consistent on-time payments.
Discover’s Cashback Match
Discover’s Cashback Match doubles all your first-year rewards automatically.
Why the Discover it® Secured Credit Card Stands Out
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is more than just an entry point into the world of credit—it’s a tool for financial progress. Designed for those with limited or damaged credit histories, this secured card requires a refundable security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. Despite being a secured card, it offers the same rewards potential as many unsecured cards, with 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and 1% back on all other spending. One of its most appealing features is Discover’s Cashback Match, which automatically doubles all cash back earned in your first year. That means if you earn $200 in rewards, you’ll actually get $400. Additionally, the card has no annual fee, so you won’t be paying extra just to keep it open. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card also supports long-term growth: your account is automatically reviewed starting at seven months to see if you qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured line of credit. Meanwhile, tools like free FICO® credit score tracking and account alerts help you stay on top of your progress. For those committed to improving their credit while earning rewards, this card offers both value and opportunity.
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What is the minimum security deposit for the Discover it® Secured Credit Card?
The minimum deposit is $200, which also serves as your initial credit limit.
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Does this card have an annual fee?
No, there’s no annual fee, making it cost-effective for credit building.
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How does Cashback Match work?
At the end of your first year, Discover automatically matches all the cash back you’ve earned, effectively doubling your rewards.
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Can I upgrade to an unsecured card?
Yes, Discover reviews your account starting at seven months to determine eligibility for an upgrade.
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Will using this card help my credit score?
Yes, responsible use—on-time payments and low credit utilization—can improve your credit score over time, as Discover reports to all three major credit bureaus.
How to Apply for the Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Applying for the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is straightforward and can be done entirely online. To start, visit Discover’s official website and locate the secured card application page. You’ll need to provide basic personal information such as your name, address, Social Security number, and employment details. Because it’s a secured card, you’ll also be required to submit a refundable security deposit—usually starting at $200—which determines your credit limit. This deposit can be made via a bank transfer or debit card. The approval process typically involves a credit check, but Discover is more flexible than many issuers when it comes to limited or poor credit history. Once approved, your card will be mailed to you within a couple of weeks, and you can start using it immediately after activation. The key to maximizing your benefits is responsible usage: make all payments on time, keep your credit utilization low, and take advantage of Discover’s rewards and Cashback Match. Discover will start reviewing your account for potential graduation to an unsecured line of credit after seven months. If you qualify, you’ll get your deposit back, and your card will convert to an unsecured version without losing your account history—a big win for your credit score.