The Discover it® Miles credit card is a versatile option designed for travelers who value flexibility in how they earn and redeem rewards. With no annual fee and a straightforward earning structure, cardholders accumulate 1.5x miles on every dollar spent, regardless of the category. At the end of the first year, Discover matches all the miles you’ve earned, effectively doubling your rewards. This means a new cardholder earning 35,000 miles in the first year would have that matched to 70,000 miles—a $700 value.

Miles earned with the card are incredibly flexible. They can be redeemed as a statement credit for travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and even dining. Alternatively, cardholders can convert their miles into cash or use them during checkout at Amazon.com or PayPal.

Qualification requirements

To qualify for the Discover it® Miles card, applicants generally need a credit score classified as good to excellent, typically defined as a FICO score of 670 or higher. However, a credit score alone isn’t the only factor considered during the application process. Discover evaluates several financial indicators to determine eligibility.

A steady and verifiable income is essential, as it demonstrates the applicant’s ability to manage credit responsibly. Additionally, a low debt-to-income ratio, which compares monthly debt payments to income, is favorable as it signals a manageable level of financial obligations.

A positive credit history, reflecting responsible use of credit accounts, on-time payments, and minimal delinquencies, further enhances the chances of approval. The application process is user-friendly, with Discover offering a prequalification tool that allows prospective applicants to check their likelihood of approval without impacting their credit score. This makes it easier to explore the benefits of the card risk-free.

Benefits

The Discover it® Miles card offers several compelling benefits:

• Unlimited Earning Potential: Earn 1.5x miles on every dollar spent, with no caps or categories to manage.
• First-Year Match: Discover doubles all the miles earned in the first year, providing an excellent introductory bonus.
• Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem miles for travel purchases, as cash back, or at checkout on Amazon.com and PayPal.
• No Fees: With no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or penalty APR, the card ensures that your rewards remain intact.
• Security Features: Cardholders receive free access to their FICO® Score and online privacy protection services.

Pros

The Discover it® Miles card stands out for its simplicity and flexibility. Here’s a summary of its advantages:

• Straightforward Rewards: No categories to track or limits on miles earned.
• Generous First-Year Match: Effectively doubles your first-year rewards.
• No Fees: Enjoy rewards without worrying about annual fees or foreign transaction fees.
• Flexible Redemptions: Use miles for travel or cash without losing value.
• Wide Acceptance: Accepted at 99% of U.S. locations that accept credit cards.

Cons

While the Discover it® Miles card is strong overall, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Limited Travel Perks: Lacks luxury travel benefits like airport lounge access or travel insurance.
• No Introductory Bonus: Unlike many travel cards, there’s no upfront sign-up bonus.
• Foreign Acceptance: While accepted in many places, Discover is not as widely accepted internationally as Visa or Mastercard.
• APR: The card’s APR range may not be the most competitive for those carrying a balance.

How to apply

Applying for the Discover it® Miles card is simple and can be done online:

1. Visit the Discover website and navigate to the Discover it® Miles application page.
2. Fill out the application form with your personal and financial details.
3. Use the prequalification tool to check eligibility without a hard credit inquiry.
4. Submit the application and wait for an approval decision, often provided within minutes.

Is the card worth it after all?

The Discover it® Miles card stands out as an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize flexibility and simplicity in their rewards program. Its lack of an annual fee ensures that all the rewards earned go directly into the cardholder’s pocket, enhancing its overall value.

The first-year mile-for-mile match is particularly attractive, effectively doubling rewards earned during the initial year without requiring additional spending thresholds or bonus categories. This straightforward earning structure makes it ideal for casual travelers who wish to accumulate rewards effortlessly through everyday purchases and redeem them in versatile ways, such as for travel-related expenses, statement credits, or even cash.

That said, the card may not be the best fit for frequent flyers or international travelers seeking luxury travel benefits. The absence of features like airport lounge access, travel insurance, or concierge services might lead such users to consider alternative cards tailored to premium travel experiences. Additionally, Discover’s limited acceptance in some countries could be a drawback for globetrotters.

Conclusion

The Discover it® Miles card stands out for its impressive flexibility, user-friendly rewards program, and the complete absence of fees, including no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Its straightforward earning potential—1.5x miles on every dollar spent—ensures simplicity for cardholders who prefer hassle-free rewards without the need to track bonus categories.

Additionally, the unique first-year mile-for-mile match doubles the rewards earned in the first 12 months, making it one of the most competitive offers in its category. While it may lack the premium travel perks—such as lounge access, travel insurance, or concierge services—often associated with high-end travel cards, its value lies in its broad appeal and accessibility.

For casual travelers, occasional adventurers, or those looking to earn rewards on everyday spending, this card delivers substantial benefits. Whether you’re saving for a big vacation or simply seeking a reliable way to earn rewards, the Discover it® Miles card is a strong contender that fits a variety of needs.