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If you’re considering getting a new credit card, let me share my experience with the Discover It card.
I used to be wary of credit cards, as my parents had instilled in me the idea that they could lead to financial trouble. Consequently, I stuck to my old cards to avoid dealing with multiple accounts, unaware of the benefits I was missing out on.
However, last year, I decided to try something different and applied for the Discover Cash Back Card. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I chose this card; perhaps it was the enticing statement credit offer: spend a certain amount within the first month and receive $100 in statement credit.
Depending on how you look at it, that was either a quick cashback bonus or a great starting point for me.
The approval process was generally straightforward, and I found numerous appealing benefits, some of which include:
. There is no annual fee.
. Cashback match for the first year.
. Rewards that never expire.
. 0% APR for 15 months.
. 5% cash back on the first $1500 spent quarterly.
These perks caught my attention, and there are additional features you might find useful:
. Free credit score monitoring.
. There are no foreign transaction fees.
. Ability to freeze your account instantly.
. Free alerts for suspicious activity involving your Social Security number.
Table of Contents
Credit Card Spending Strategies
Use Your Card for Everyday Purchases
When it comes to spending strategies with your credit card:
Use it for everyday purchases to earn cashback on your regular expenses like groceries, gas, and dining out with family.
Do not underestimate large purchases.
You don’t necessarily have to change your spending habits drastically to benefit from these rewards. Responsible credit card use can also help build your credit history and provide added security.
Monitor Offers and Promotions
Furthermore, keep an eye on offers and promotions. Discover It cardholders have the chance to activate new cashback categories every quarter, such as groceries, dining, travel, gas stations, or online purchases. For instance, in the first quarter, I earned $19.47 in 5% cashback and $48.06 in unlimited 1% cashback.
Overall, maximizing the benefits of your credit card, especially in the bonus categories, can significantly enhance your financial rewards and security.
With the upcoming pleasant weather, I’m eagerly anticipating this new quarter. With frequent gas station stops and a few home projects on the horizon, I’m excited about the cashback points I’ll be accumulating.
Automating Payments
It’s crucial to make paying your statements every month a routine. I recommend relying on the Discover card, maximizing those 1% and 5% cashback rewards only if you pay the statement in full each month. Otherwise, once the 0% introductory APR period ends after the 12th billing cycle, you could face an APR ranging from 12.24% to 23.24%. Getting hit with fees is not to your benefit; the interest would erode your cashback bonuses.
My Discover It Cashback Return
My first year with the card concluded in February. I exclusively used it as my primary card for one year, and my matching bonus amounted to $169.23 in cash back.
To benefit from the 5% cashback offer, it’s essential to activate it online first. If you haven’t activated the promotions, but they’ve started, you’ll receive an email notification. From the email, you can easily click on the “activate” button to ensure you’re enrolled in the promotion.
All the cashback rewards you earn are provided in actual cash. You have four options for redeeming them.
Bottom Line
This is a solid, uncomplicated card. After all, I have nothing negative to say about it.
Many advantages come with the Discover It Cash Back Card, such as large cashback rewards and a variety of redemption choices. Through smart use of its features, like turning on quarterly promotions and setting up automatic payments, cardholders can optimize their benefits and steer clear of pointless interest charges.
Are there any other credit cards you would recommend? I’m considering applying for the Chase Sapphire card soon.
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