Discover it® Student Chrome
vs. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Both the Discover it® Secured Credit Card and Discover it® Secured Credit Card are designed for individuals starting their credit journey, offering cash back rewards and no annual fee. The Discover it Student Chrome edges ahead with its 0% introductory APR offer on purchases, making it particularly appealing for those who plan to carry a balance initially.

However, the Discover it Secured is still a strong contender with its automatic credit review after seven months, which could help users transition to an unsecured line of credit.

You might prefer the Discover it Student Chrome if you're a student new to credit looking for a card with no annual fee, an introductory 0% APR on purchases and a cash back match at the end of the first year. This card supports building credit while offering rewards on everyday purchases.

You might prefer the Discover it Secured if you have limited or bad credit and are seeking a card that can facilitate credit building. With a refundable security deposit, you can access a credit line and potentially transition to an unsecured card while earning cash back on gas and dining.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features clarifies which card aligns with your financial habits. For example, the Discover it Student Chrome's introductory offer might appeal to you if avoiding interest on purchases is a priority, while the Discover it Secured card's potential for a credit line increase could be more beneficial for long-term credit building.

When it comes to rewards, both the Discover it Student Chrome and Discover it Secured offer similar cash back rates, with 2% at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and an unlimited 1% back on all other purchases. However, the Discover it Student Chrome is better for students with its 0% introductory APR offer and no security deposit requirement, making it slightly more appealing for those in school looking to build credit and earn rewards. The Discover it Secured is still a solid choice for those needing a secured card to build credit.

The table below provides a detailed comparison of the bonus categories for both cards.

The Discover it Student Chrome provides various redemption options, from statement credits to gift cards. The Discover it Secured allows you to redeem cash back anytime, ensuring that rewards are always accessible. Both cards offer the convenience of cash back that doesn't expire.

MoneyGeek assesses credit cards like the Discover it Student Chrome and Discover it Secured based on their performance in various use cases, such as cash back rewards. For these cards, the cash back use case is where they score highest.

For cash back cards, the evaluation includes a comprehensive analysis of factors such as the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. Other considerations include annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction.