Apply for a Credit Card Online from Discover (2024)

How to apply for a credit card online

Look for top features and benefits
Choose the best credit card for you
See if you're pre-approved

When you consider credit card offers, it's important to know whether you want a card with no annual fee, a balance transfer offer, cash rewards or travel rewards, a 0% introductory APR, enhanced security programs, or other benefits.

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Once you know the card features that matter to you, you can review the benefits of each credit card online and pick one most likely to approve someone with your credit score.

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You might already be preapproved for a credit card that has everything you want-Discover makes it possible to find out before you submit a credit card application, and checking won't hurt your credit.

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Credit Card FAQs

Find information on Discover cards, how to apply for a credit card online, and more.

A credit card is a revolving loan that you can use to make purchases. Each month you’ll receive a statement telling you how much of the loan you have used and have to pay back. If you pay the statement balance in full by the due date each month, you will not be charged interest on purchases. Otherwise your APR will apply to your unpaid credit card balance and you’ll have interest charges in your next statement. When you apply for a credit card, the credit card issuer will pull your credit report – which could result in a hard inquiry – as one of the factors they use to decide whether to approve your application. Credit cards often provide rewards on purchases, which is usually a percentage of the amount you spent with the card. A credit card comparison shows you different rewards and benefits and can help you find the credit card that’s best for you.

If you’re thinking about how to get a credit card, check your credit score to figure out your likely credit card eligibility. Then, a credit card comparison can help you choose the one that’s best for you. It’s always good to check if you’re pre-approved for a card before you apply. Checking if you’re pre-approved won’t harm your credit, but applying for credit cards may impact your credit score. Check to see if you‘re pre-approved.

It’s always good to check if you’re pre-approved to see your likely offers before you apply for a card. While checking if you’repre-approvedwon’t hurt your credit, each full application for a credit card may impact your credit score.

There are many reasons to get a credit card: you may decide to apply for a credit card for the rewards, APR (including intro rates) or sign-up offers. Or you might want to build your credit history. Some credit cards like Discover provide $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee, which means you’re never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your DiscoverCard.⁵ Also, credit cards often provide extra benefits, like providing helpful alerts on your spending and more.

Discover credit cards are available on the Discover it^®platform, a set of common benefits we’re committed to providing to every customer. However, the rewards and some extra benefits vary from product to product to be sure we can give different customers what they need.

Discover it^®Cash Back: earn rewards at different places

Discover it^®Miles: great for vacations or staycations

Discover it^® Chrome Gas & Restaurants: earn rewards on road trips

Discover it^® Secured Credit Card: build your credit history

Discover it^®Student Cash Back: students earn rewards at different places

Discover it^®Chrome for Students: students earn rewards at gas stations and restaurants

NHL^®Discover it^®: put your favorite team on your card

You can apply for Discover credit cards at Discover.com or by calling 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683). Select from cash back credit cards or travel credit cards. We also have Discover student cards. All our credit cards earn Discover rewards on every purchase. You’ll need to be 18 or older to apply for a card.If you're not yet 21, you will have to apply online. Discover Secured credit card applicants must also apply online.

Different credit cards require a different credit rating for approval. Some cards are only for people with excellent credit or good credit. Other cards are great if you have fair credit or are building or rebuilding credit. The credit card company will run a credit check as part of its decision to approve your application. It’s a good idea to check your credit score or get a copy of your credit report before applying for a new card.

Discover card credit score requirements vary by product. In general, the standard Discover it^® Card is for people with established credit. But the Discover Secured credit card is built for people looking to build or rebuild their credit with responsible use.³ No matter what, cardmembers earn Discover Card rewards on every purchase.

Your credit limit is the maximum amount of the revolving line of credit on your card—or the total amount you can use on your card for purchases, balance transfers, etc. When you apply for a credit card, the bank or credit card company uses a variety of information to decide what credit limit they can offer. As you show responsible credit use, credit card issuers may increase your credit card limit.

You may receive credit card offers in the mail, by email or online. Compare your offers by rewards, sign-up bonus, benefits, APR (including introductory rates), fees and credit limits. Look for rewards programs that fit the way you spend: if you know you will use the card for groceries, gas, dining or travel, you may be able to find a card that helps you earn more. And look for a sign-up bonus that doesn’t have a minimum spending amount required to get your extra rewards.

Credit card companies consider a number of factors in their decision to approve your application, including your credit history and your ability to repay. So they may consider your credit score, income and more. One of the simplest helpful credit habits is to make at leastthe minimum payment for all of your bills on time every month.

Cash Back Credit Cards:Discover it^®Cash Back, Gas & Restaurant Card, NHL^®Discover it^®

Travel Credit Card:Discover it^®Miles

Student Credit Cards:Discover it Student^®Cash Back, Student Chrome Card

Secured Credit Card:Discover it^®Secured credit card

Cash Back Credit Cards

Intro purchase APR is x%for xmonths from date of account opening then the standard purchase APR applies. Intro Balance Transfer APR is x% for x months from date of first transfer, for transfers under this offer that post to your account by then the standard purchase APR applies. Standard purchase APR: x% variable to x% variable, based on your creditworthiness. Cash APR: x% variable. Variable APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Minimum interest charge: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $.50. Cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. Balance transfer fee: x% Intro fee on balances transferred by and up to x% fee for future balance transfers will apply. Annual Fee: None. Rates as of . We will apply payments at our discretion, including in a manner most favorable or convenient for us. Each billing period, we will generally apply amounts you pay that exceed the Minimum Payment Due to balances with higher APRs before balances with lower APRs as of the date we credit your payment.

Travel Credit Card

Intro purchase APR is x% for xmonths from date of account opening then the standard purchase APR applies. Intro Balance Transfer APR is x% for xmonths from date of first transfer, for transfers under this offer that post to your account by then the standard purchase APR applies. Standard purchase APR: x%variable to x%variable, based on your creditworthiness. Cash APR: x%variable. Variable APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Minimum interest charge: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $.50. Cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. Balance transfer fee: x%Intro fee on balances transferred by and up to x%fee for future balance transfers will apply. Annual Fee: None. Rates as of . We will apply payments at our discretion, including in a manner most favorable or convenient for us. Each billing period, we will generally apply amounts you pay that exceed the Minimum Payment Due to balances with higher APRs before balances with lower APRs as of the date we credit your payment.

Student Credit Cards

Intro purchase APRisx%forx monthsfrom date of account opening then the standard purchase APR applies.Intro Balance Transfer APRisx%forx monthsfrom date of first transfer, for transfers under this offer that post to your account bythen the standard purchase APR applies.Standard purchase APR: x% - x%variable, based on your creditworthiness.Cash APR: x%variable. Variable APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Minimum interest charge: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $.50.Cash advance fee:Either$10or5%of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.Balance transfer fee: x%Intro fee on balances transferred byand up tox%fee for future balance transfers will apply.Annual Fee: None. Rates as of. We will apply payments at our discretion, including in a manner most favorable or convenient for us. Each billing period, we will generally apply amounts you pay that exceed the Minimum Payment Due to balances with higher APRs before balances with lower APRs as of the date we credit your payment.

Secured Credit Card

x% standard variable purchase APR.Intro Balance Transfer APRisx%forxmonthsfrom date of first transfer, for transfers under this offer that post to your account bythen the standard purchase APR applies.Cash APR: x%variable. Variable APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Minimum interest charge: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than$.50.Cash advance fee:Either$10or5%of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.Balance transfer fee: x%Intro fee on balances transferred byand up tox%fee for future balance transfers will apply.Annual Fee: None. Rates as of. We will apply payments at our discretion, including in a manner most favorable or convenient for us. Each billing period, we will generally apply amounts you pay that exceed the Minimum Payment Due to balances with higher APRs before balances with lower APRs as of the date we credit your payment.

Cashback Match:We'll match all the cash back rewards you've earned on your credit card from the day your new account is approved through your first 12 consecutive billing periods or 365 days, whichever is longer, and add it to your rewards account within two billing periods. You've earned cash back rewards only when they're processed, which may be after the transaction date. We will not match: rewards that are processed after your match period ends; statement credits; rewards transfers from Discover checking or other deposit accounts; or rewards for accounts that are closed. This promotional offer may not be available in the future and is exclusively for new cardmembers. No purchase minimums.
Discover Match^®:We'll match all the Miles rewards you've earned on your credit card from the day your new account is approved through your first 12 consecutive billing periods or 365 days, whichever is longer, and add it to your rewards account within two billing periods. You've earned Miles rewards only when they're processed, which may be after the transaction date. We will not match: rewards that are processed after your match period ends; statement credits; rewards transfers from Discover checking or other deposit accounts; or rewards for accounts that are closed. This promotional offer may not be available in the future and is exclusively for new cardmembers. No purchase minimums.
2% Cash Back at gas and restaurants:You earn a full 2%Cashback Bonus^® on your first $1000 in combined purchases at Gas Stations (stand-alone), and Restaurants each calendar quarter.Calendar quarters begin January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Purchases at Gas Stations and Restaurants over the quarterly cap, and all other purchases, earn 1% cash back. Gas Station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station, and some public electric vehicle charging stations. Gas Stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible. Restaurant purchases include those made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and restaurant delivery services. Purchases must be made with merchants in the U.S. To qualify for 2%, the purchase transaction date must be before or on the last day of the offer or promotion. For online purchases, the transaction date from the merchant may be the date when the item ships. Rewards are added to your account within two billing periods. Even if a purchase appears to fit in a 2% category, the merchant may not have a merchant category code (MCC) in that category. Merchants and payment processors are assigned an MCC based on their typical products and services. Discover Card does not assign MCCs to merchants. Certain third-party payment accounts and digital wallet transactions may not earn 2% if the technology does not provide sufficient transaction details or a qualifying MCC. Learn more atDiscover.com/digitalwallets.SeeCashback Bonus Program Terms and Conditionsformore information.
Build credit with responsible use: Discover reports your credit history to the three major credit bureaus so it can help build/rebuild your credit if used responsibly. Late payments, delinquencies or other derogatory activity with your credit card accounts and loans mayadversely impact your ability to build/rebuild credit.
Minimum Security Deposit:If approved, you must make a minimum security deposit of $200 (or more, in increments of $100 up to $2,500), which will equal your requested credit limit. Discover will determine your maximum credit limit by your income and ability to pay.
$0 Fraud Liability:An “unauthorized purchase” is a purchase where you have not given access to your card information to another person or a merchant for one-time or repeated charges. Please use reasonable care to protect your card and do not share it with employees, relatives, or friends. Learn more atDiscover.com/fraudFAQ.
About product reviews: We calculate the average product rating based on ratings that customers submit. We exclude some reviews from being displayed for reasons such as the customer included profanity, reviewed the wrong product, submitted inappropriate or irrelevant content, or revealed personally identifying information. Reviews are not filtered, edited, or deleted simply because they are negative or are lower rated. If a review is excluded, the associated rating is not calculated in the average product rating.
There is no hard inquiry to your credit report to check if you’re pre-approved. If you’re pre-approved, and you move forward with submitting an application for the credit card, it will result in a hard inquiry which may impact your credit score. Receiving a pre-approval offer does not guarantee approval. Applicants applying without a social security number are not eligible to receive pre-approval offers. Card applicants cannot be pre-approved for the NHL Discover Card.

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As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information on various topics, including credit cards and the application process. I can provide you with detailed information and answer any questions you may have. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article you provided.

Applying for a Credit Card Online

To apply for a credit card online, you typically need to follow these steps:

Research and Compare: Look for credit cards that offer features and benefits that align with your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as annual fees, balance transfer offers, cash rewards, travel rewards, 0% introductory APR, enhanced security programs, and other benefits.
Check Pre-Approval: Some credit card issuers offer pre-approval checks, which allow you to see if you're likely to be approved for a particular credit card without impacting your credit score.
Credit Card Application: Once you've chosen a credit card, you can proceed with the online application process. Fill out the required information, including personal details, income, and employment information.
Credit Check: The credit card issuer will typically pull your credit report to assess your creditworthiness. This may result in a hard inquiry, which can temporarily impact your credit score.
Approval Decision: The credit card issuer will evaluate your application based on various factors, including your credit history, income, and ability to repay. If approved, you will receive your credit card in the mail.

Credit Card Features and Benefits

Credit cards offer various features and benefits, which may include:

Rewards Programs: Many credit cards provide rewards on purchases, typically in the form of cash back, travel points, or miles. These rewards are often a percentage of the amount spent with the card.
Introductory APR: Some credit cards offer a 0% introductory APR for a certain period, allowing you to make purchases or transfer balances without accruing interest.
Enhanced Security Programs: Certain credit cards provide additional security measures, such as fraud protection and alerts for suspicious activity.
No Annual Fee: Some credit cards do not charge an annual fee for card ownership.
Balance Transfer Offers: Certain credit cards allow you to transfer balances from other credit cards at a lower interest rate or with no interest for a specific period.
Additional Benefits: Credit cards may offer additional perks, such as extended warranties, purchase protection, travel insurance, and concierge services.

Credit Card Eligibility and Credit Score

When applying for a credit card, your credit score plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility. Credit card companies consider various factors, including your credit history, income, and ability to repay. Different credit cards have different credit rating requirements for approval.

Credit Score Check: Before applying for a credit card, it's a good idea to check your credit score to understand your likely eligibility. You can obtain a copy of your credit report to review your credit history.
Pre-Approval: Some credit card issuers offer pre-approval checks, allowing you to see if you're likely to be approved for a particular credit card without impacting your credit score.
Building Credit: If you have a limited credit history or are looking to rebuild your credit, certain credit cards, such as secured credit cards, can help you establish or improve your credit history.
Credit Limit: The credit limit is the maximum amount of credit available on your card. Credit card issuers determine your credit limit based on factors such as your income, credit history, and ability to pay. Responsible credit use may lead to credit limit increases over time.

Discover Credit Cards

The article specifically mentions Discover credit cards. Discover offers a range of credit cards with different features and benefits. Some of the Discover credit card options include:

Discover it® Cash Back: Earn rewards at different places.
Discover it® Miles: Great for vacations or staycations.
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants: Earn rewards on road trips.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Build your credit history.
Discover it® Student Cash Back: Students earn rewards at different places.
Discover it® Chrome for Students: Students earn rewards at gas stations and restaurants.
NHL® Discover it®: Put your favorite NHL team on your card.

You can apply for Discover credit cards online at Discover.com or by calling 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683). Discover offers cash back credit cards, travel credit cards, and student credit cards. The specific rewards and benefits may vary depending on the product.

Please note that the information provided above is based on general knowledge about credit cards and the concepts mentioned in the article. For specific details and the most up-to-date information, it's always best to refer to the official website of the credit card issuer or contact their customer service directly.