Discover it® Secured Cash Back
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back has no annual fee, accepts a refundable deposit of $49, $99, or $200 for a credit line of at least $200, earns 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories when activated plus 1% elsewhere, and matches all first-year cash back. We checked these terms on Discover's own secured card page on October 15, 2026. A regular APR was not clearly shown on that marketing page, so we do not state one.
Is the Discover it® Secured Cash Back worth it?
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back pairs credit building with cash-back rewards. We checked Discover’s own secured card page on October 15, 2026: no annual fee, a refundable deposit of $49, $99, or $200 (based on creditworthiness) for a credit line of at least $200, 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories when you activate (with a quarterly maximum) plus 1% on other purchases, and an unlimited first-year Cashback Match.
Discover also describes earning the deposit back and upgrading to the unsecured Discover it Cash Back with a positive track record. A regular purchase APR was not clearly listed on the marketing page we loaded, so we do not invent one. Confirm rates and fees on Discover’s site before you apply. This is not financial advice.
How does a rewards credit card work?
A rewards credit card earns a percentage back on what you spend, which the issuer credits as cash back, points, or miles. You pay no interest if you clear the statement balance each month; carry a balance and the variable APR applies. The card reports your payment history to the credit bureaus.
What are the pros and cons of the Discover it® Secured Cash Back?
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back stands out for $0 annual fee, though categories must be activated each quarter.
- $0 annual fee
- Refundable deposit as low as $49 for a $200 starting line
- 5% rotating categories plus first-year Cashback Match
- Path to upgrade to Discover it Cash Back
- Categories must be activated each quarter
- Regular APR not clearly shown on the marketing page we checked
- Requires a refundable security deposit
Who should get the Discover it® Secured Cash Back?
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back is best for people who want rewards while building credit.
- People who want rewards while building credit
- New cardmembers who want first-year Cashback Match
- Applicants who can start with a deposit as low as $49
How does the Discover it® Secured Cash Back compare?
Among the 7 secured credit cards we track, the Discover it® Secured Cash Back ranks #2 with a Money 8020 score of 94/100.
| Product | Score | Tier | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum Secured | 96 | Essential | Capital One |
| Discover it® Secured Cash Back | 94 | Essential | Discover |
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards | 93 | Essential | Capital One |
| DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card | 82 | Strong | Digital Federal Credit Union |
| Secured Chime® Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card | 82 | Strong | The Bancorp Bank, N.A. |
See all secured credit cards, ranked →
Common mistakes to avoid with a rewards credit card
- Carrying a balance. Interest at the regular APR quickly erases any rewards.
- Chasing a sign-up bonus with spending you cannot pay off in full.
- Missing the intro-APR deadline and getting hit with the full variable rate.
- Overlooking an annual fee that outweighs the rewards for your spending.
Key takeaways
- Discover it® Secured Cash Back earns a Money 8020 score of 94/100, ranking #2 of 7 secured credit cards.
- $0 annual fee
- Best for people who want rewards while building credit.
- Rates, fees and terms fetched from Discover’s own pages.
Frequently asked questions about the Discover it® Secured Cash Back
How much is the Discover it Secured deposit?
Per Discover on October 15, 2026, the refundable deposit is $49, $99, or $200 based on creditworthiness, and unlocks a credit line of at least $200. The card has no annual fee. Confirm current details on Discover's site. This is not financial advice.
Does Discover it Secured have Cashback Match?
Yes. Per Discover on October 15, 2026, it matches all the cash back new cardmembers earn at the end of the first year, with no limit stated on the page we checked. Terms can change.
Will applying for the Discover it® Secured Cash Back hurt my credit score?
Applying triggers a hard inquiry, which can dip your score a few points temporarily. Used responsibly, by paying on time and keeping balances low, the card builds your credit over time.
Do the rewards on the Discover it® Secured Cash Back expire?
On most cards, rewards do not expire while the account is open and in good standing, though terms vary. Redeem regularly and check the issuer's rewards policy.
Sources
We fetched these figures from the provider, last checked October 15, 2026. Primary sources: