If you’re a student heading off to college, you’ll want a card that will help you manage your expenses. The Discover it® Student chrome or the Discover it® Student Cash Back are both excellent options.

These cards offer rewards and benefits that can help you save money and build your credit history.

While both cards have very similar features, there are some key differences that might appeal to different crowds.

In this comparison, we’ll tell you all you need to know about these Discover student cards so you can decide which one matches your lifestyle better. 

So keep reading to learn which card is the best fit for you, the Discover it® Student chrome or the Discover it® Student Cash Back.

If you’re a college student looking to save some money on things like food and transit, the Discover it® Student chrome is definitely worth your attention.

The card charges no annual fee, and it’s a great companion if you’re spending some time abroad because it also charges no foreign transactions. 

To make things easy for you on your credit building journey, Discover accepts applicants with a fair score and a limited credit history.

Responsible use and on-time payments will give you the ability to build a solid score over time as the bank reports all payments to the credit reporting agencies.

This is a credit card that will also provide some interesting rewards. For starters, Discover has a current intro offer that matches the cash back you’ve earned dollar-for-dollar at your account’s anniversary. 

Not only that, but you’ll also get 2% back on restaurants and gas stations up to $1,000 each quarter. Every other purchase earns you a flat 1% rate automatically.

You’ll also be able to enjoy a 0% annual percentage rate period of six months for big ticket purchases.

After that period, the standard variable APR kicks in according to your creditworthiness and can be anywhere between 15.99% and 24.99%.

The Discover it® Student chrome also allows balance transfers at a 10.99% annual percentage rate. After that promotional period comes to an end, the APR also varies between 15.99% and 24.99%.

Before signing-up for this card, it’s important that you learn its highlights and lowlights.

We’ll list them below so you can safely choose between the Discover it® Student chrome or the Discover it® Student Cash Back.

Between the two Discover for students alternatives, the Discover it® Student Cash Back definitely has the better rewards rate. However, there’s a catch – and it’s not its $1,500 spending caps.

You’ll earn 5% back on special bonus categories each quarter, but you’ll need to activate them. And they might not align with your spending habits either.

The card also offers the dollar-for-dollar match on all earned rewards as a welcome bonus on your account’s anniversary. Aside from the 5% categories, you also get a 1% flat rate return.

As a student, you won’t have to worry about paying annual or foreign transaction fees either, as the Discover it® Student Cash Back doesn’t charge them. 

Students with a fair score and limited credit history are welcome to apply, although you might get the card even if you have no score at all (provided you meet the other requirements).

There’s an introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for 6 months on purchases. You can also do balance transfers at 10.99% for six months with a 3% fee per transaction.

After both introductory periods come to an end, the standard variable APR is between 15.99% and 24.99% (same as the Chrome alternative).

Carrying a balance is ill-advised because it will hurt the score you’re building, plus accrue interest. 

To help you decide between the Discover it® Student chrome or the Discover it® Student Cash Back, keep reading to learn the latter’s list of perks and drawbacks.

So which credit card is right for you? The Discover it® Student chrome or the Discover it® Student Cash Back? Let’s break it down.

If you’re looking for a simple card with no annual fee, then the Discover it® Student chrome is the way to go.

You’ll earn 2% cash back on up to maximum in combined gas and restaurant purchases each quarter. Then,a 1% flat rate on everything else. 

If you’re looking for a card that gives you more cash back, then the Discover it® Student Cash Back is the better choice.

You’ll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in categories that rotate each quarter like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and more.

Plus, there’s also a 1% cash back return on everything else. This card also charges no annual fees. So why not get rewarded for your everyday spending?

But if you need a third option, check out the link below for our full review on the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. There’s no annual fee and a great rewards rate on every purchase!