Head to head

Discover it Chrome vs. Discover it Student Cash Back

On the criteria below, Discover it Student Cash Back wins 1 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Discover it Chrome

Discover

Discover it Student Cash Back

Discover

At a glance

Discover it Student Cash Back wins 1 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Discover it Student Cash Back leads on earning ceiling, while Discover it Chrome only ties the rest.

Who wins what

0 vs 1 (2 tie)
  • First-year math Tie

    Both cards land within $25 of each other after the annual fee.

  • Annual fee Tie

    Same annual fee.

  • Earning ceiling Discover it Student Cash Back

    Discover it Student Cash Back earns more on its best category (5× vs 2×).

By the numbers

Annual fee
Free
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
First-year net
+$0
+$0
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Gas, Dining
Rotating Quarterly
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
No
No
Elite status
No
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
None
Reward currency
Discover Cashback
Discover Cashback

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.