Discover it Secured Credit Card

Discover it Secured Credit Card

 3.1/5 (108 reviews)

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Overall Rating3.1 out of 5
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About Discover it Secured Credit Card

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Discover It Secured cardholders have access to benefits that most secured credit cards don’t offer, like Social Security monitoring through Discover Identity Alerts and free monthly FICO credit score updates. Plus, Discover It Secured cards earn 1–2% cash rewards on purchases. Refundable security deposits range from $200–$2,500, and there’s no annual fee or minimum credit score required for approval.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Refundable deposit
  • Earn cash back
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Payment verification times vary
  • Deposit doesn’t earn interest

Bottom Line

Discover It Secured offers several benefits without an annual fee. Deposits don’t earn interest, but cardholders earn rewards on their purchases and get automatic credit reviews after 8 months.

Discover It Secured credit card review

Discover It Secured is one of the few secured credit cards that earn rewards. A minimum deposit of $200 is needed to be approved for a Discover It Secured card, but cardholders can deposit up to $2,500. Discover It Secured credit card activity is reported to all three major credit bureaus, and after eight months Discover will begin automatically reviewing your secured account to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured credit card.

Discover It Secured credit card benefits

Discover It Secured credit cards come with more benefits than most secured credit cards. Cardholders enjoy flexible payment options, free overnight card replacement and zero fraud liability protection.

  • Cashback rewards: Cardholders get 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on the first $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. All other purchases earn automatic and unlimited 1% cash back. Plus, Discover will match the cash back you’ve earned at the end of the first year. Cash back can be redeemed at any time for statement credits, through direct deposits or for gift cards at popular merchants and retailers.
  • Free credit updates: Discover It Secured cardholders can access their FICO credit scores (updated monthly) for free. Plus, Discover reports credit activity to all three major credit bureaus, so you can track how your credit score improves over time. 
  • Automatic credit review: Discover automatically reviews Discover It Secured accounts after eight months of to see if the cardholder can “graduate” to an unsecured Discover card. Issuer credit reviews consider you Discover It Secured activity as well as your credit management and utilization across other loans and lines of credit.

Discover It Secured credit card rates and fees

Many secured credit card issuers charge a yearly or monthly fee for cardholder benefits, but Discover It Secure doesn’t require an annual fee or charge foreign transaction fees. With the Discover It card, late payments will not affect your APR and Discover will waive your first late payment fee. Subsequent late payments and returned payments will cost up to $39 each. Another avoidable charge is the 5% ($10 minimum) cash advance fee to withdraw money from an ATM.

FeeAmount
Annual fee$0
Cash advance fee5% ($10 min.)
Foreign transaction fee0%
Late payment feeUp to $39 after first late payment
Returned payment feeUp to $39

How to apply for a Discover It Secured credit card

Discover It Secured credit cards are easy to apply for, but Remember, even with the initial security deposit, approvals are not guaranteed. Some applicants are declined based on income or debt factors, like a pending bankruptcy. Be aware that filing a Discover It Secured application will generate an inquiry on your credit report, which could negatively impact your score.

  1. Submit an application: You can fill out a Discover It Secured credit card application online. Applicants must provide their Social Security number, address, bank account and routing numbers. Discover It Secured credit card requirements state approved applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a U.S. bank account. Your income and creditworthiness will determine your maximum Discover It Secured credit limit. Those who have not established credit before can do so with their tax returns.
  2. Make your deposit: Part of the online application process is paying the minimum security deposit. Whatever amount you put down for your security deposit will be equal to your credit limit.
  3. Select your card design: Approved applicants can select from multiple Discover It Secured card designs (the card does not have the word “secured” on it). After your account is open for about a month, you can apply for a Discover Secured credit line increase.
  4. Receive your Discover It card: After you’re approved, Discover will send your secured card in the mail within 10 days.

Discover It Secured credit card FAQ

Can Discover It Secured credit card graduate?
Yes. After eight months, Discover will begin periodically reviewing your credit activity to determine if your credit profile has improved enough for you are ready to graduate to an unsecured credit card.
How can I apply to increases my Discover It Secured credit line?
To apply to increase your credit line, call Discover It Secured customer service after your account is open for at least 31 days. You will need to have your account information ready before you call.
Can I get my Discover It Secured deposit back?
There are two ways to get your Discover It Secured deposit back: If you close your account after paying your full balance or if Discover determines from your credit activity that you can qualify for an unsecured credit card.
Do Discover It Secured deposits earn interest?
No. Like most secured credit card accounts, Discover It Secured does not earn interest on the security deposit.

Is Discover It Secured credit card worth it?

If you’re serious about improving your credit profile through responsible use of a secured credit card, the Discover It secured card is a great option. Unlike other secured cards, this card lets you earn rewards plus it may be easier for you to graduate to an unsecured credit card after your credit profile improves.

Discover it Secured Credit Card Reviews

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Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
Verified Reviewer
Original review: May 14, 2023

I had a Discover card that I barely ever used. Had a $6,900 credit limit. I received a complimentary interest rate offer (I guess to encourage me to use the card), so consolidate a couple other small cards and transfer the balances to take advantage of THEIR reduced interest offer. After transferring the balances they decide (FOR NO REASON - NEVER BEEN LATE OR MISSED ANY PAYMENTS) to reduce my credit limit which cause me to incur over-the-limit fees. When I called to discuss my situation I got the runaround or got disconnected without ever getting any help or even addressing my unfair treatment let alone any sort of resolution then they slapped a judgment against me. Totally unfair and unethical treatment and experience.

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Verified Reviewer
Original review: May 10, 2023

I was on the phone for 1 hour and 10 minutes of MY time because when I signed up I was told they give you 5% cash back on Gasoline. The second agent I talked with who kept me on hold for 35 minutes that the agent I talked with in March gave me the wrong info. It is only March 1 to April 30. She told me she had me on hold getting someone to sign me up for those months.

The supv. got on the phone and said "All that was wrong and she will advise the higher-ups about the mistake." I said, "it won't make me feel better but will make you feel better." I wasted my time and should not have even gotten this card. What a total disgrace to get customers by giving them info they want to hear. I resent their thinking people are stupid. My credit is 780 so I didn't need this card and have not had this problem with any other company. YOU CANNOT LIE in business to get customers. I feel totally cheated. I had other cards that paid much more than their 1 percent. What a sham.

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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: April 14, 2023

    I have had my Discover card right at 6 months and I started off with a $300.00 secured amount. I made sure I read the fine print where it clearly states that you must pay your other bills on time as well as your credit card bill. My bills had to be paid so this was a true winner. I randomly check my credit cards just to make sure that everything is fine and tonight after 6 months, I see that my credit limit is now $1,800.00 instead of $300.00 I was so happy, I had to call and confirm, the rep congratulated me on my job well done and advised me to keep up the good work. I also was advised to look out for my $300.00 deposit that I paid to start the account. I am so grateful, all smiles here, big milestone in my eyes and I owe discover for giving me the chance. Thank you for always picking up the phone 24/7 and thanks for giving me an opportunity to be credit worthy. -Claude, Adel Ga.

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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 28, 2023

    I had a credit card with Discover 9 years. They claim they sent me a letter 2022 stating that They want my w 2 Because I make too much money so they claim that I sell **. But I never received the email when I called in 2023. They told me my card was closed Because I didn't Send the documents back. I asked them, "What documents?" They said, "Discover do not have any clients that does wrongdoing." I feel that's a strong allegation to make on someone. I've spoken With Nancy from the executive from Discover. So I stated to her what was told to me. She was so cold and say, "Well we sent you a letter." So I asked her to send me a copy, never received it. Discover is very racist.

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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 23, 2023

    I started dispute of 2 charges in November 2022. Merchant send me items were not as described on website and all of them were not the same from my order, all wrong items. I send pictures of all and appraisal from jewelry company. It was not gold and not a diamonds as seller had on his website. Discover Card solve the problem on Merchant side. Told me, I am not getting any money back, because I received order.

    Discover won't not listen me, would ask more documents and letter from merchant providing full refund. Well merchant is not existing anymore, no working email or an address I can return all this junk. Discover close my disputes and not refund any penny. So disappointed. Discover lost all my respect and service is horrible. Send me to find outside of Discover Card service to get help. Discover never care about client, who paid every month bill in full for 30 years. Very, very upset. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS CREDIT CARD EVER TO ANYONE.

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    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: Feb. 10, 2023

    I got one of their secured credit cards. I paid a $2000 deposit for the privilege. I used it for 2 whole months, used the entire credit line each month, paid the balance early, and was generally a model customer. Then, I get an email out of the blue saying they couldn’t verify my identity (though I’m quite sure I’m me, and no one else is) and the account was closed. No one notified me, tried to get the problem worked out, or even asked me a single question. They just closed my account. Now, it’s been 31 days, and they still have my $2000. They told me 6 days ago that my deposit would be “in my hand by the 9th.” I called them again today, and they told me “ohhh, well since you actually *used* the card, it will be 40 more days until you get your deposit back.” As if I would do anything other than actually used the card I went through so much trouble to get.

    So a multi-billion, possibly trillion dollar company keeps the $2000 dollar deposit if a regular working stuff that actually needs that money to pay bills. They don’t pay a cent of interest, but I’m sure they’re collecting it. Just imagine how much money they are making off of the deposits that they are keeping from their their ex clients for months in end. They didn’t hold up their end of their own contract agreement, they couldn’t be bothered to ask me a single question to verify my identity, and then they profit off of my hardship for 70 days. If you want to do business with a company like that, that’s your business. I will never have anything to do with them again.

    9 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Jan. 20, 2023

    I called this morning to receive a copy of my Cardmember Agreement via email since I was unable to find it on the website. After speaking with 3 representatives, I had to allow them to mail it to me. I'm extremely unhappy that in 2023 they are unable to send a simple document digitally or that it is not readily available to view on my online account. This does not make me feel comfortable as someone who has entered into an agreement with this company. The representative told me they cannot send the original agreement. The original agreement is the only one I signed up for! They can change the terms of the agreement and I would not know because they are not being transparent about this agreement. I will not enter into another agreement with Discover until they make the Cardmember Agreement readily available online for members.

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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Dec. 26, 2022

    Account was closed by consumer on October 19, 2022 with a zero balance with no pending activity of any kind. The account had previously been paid as agreed (for approx. Three years), prior to its closing. Customer has documents mailed to him from Discover verifying these facts. Additional charges placed on account were done so by Discover after its past customer’s closing of it. Any and all charges placed by Discover on consumer’s past, "Dead" account were done so unilaterally/illegally and in short, "Fraudulently" by Discover.*

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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Dec. 6, 2022

    Discover card sent me a letter threatening that they would cancel my credit car unless I chose to use it more, and when I did not submit to their tactic they cancelled my credit card which negatively impacted my credit score by 40 points. There were no negative reasons associated with cancelling my credit card such as delinquent payments as one example, but they refused to supply the credit reporting agencies with an explanation for their threatening tactics as a reason for this cancellation. Beware if you don't use your DISCOVER CARD regularly.

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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Nov. 12, 2022

    I have been with Discover card since 1990. They have turned into a greedy nasty company who does not care about customer service. They violate credit regulations and they seem to get away with it. If you report them to the credit protection agencies, they lie and refuse to correct their mistakes. I had a situation with Mr. Handyman that I was using to put up an awning over my outside entrance of my basement. The area needed to be covered because of water getting into the basement from storms. Mr. Handyman did a horrible job. They also never finished the project and never got the proper permits to start the job, and since they never finished the work, they never got a Certificate of Occupancy that was required by the town.

    Mr. Handyman had my credit card on file, and without authorization paid themselves for the unfinished project, and stole an extra $1500.00 dollars. When I found out that this crook stole money from my Discover card, I reported them to Discover. Discover said this is a billing dispute problem and they want nothing to do with it. I told discover that they committed fraud on my account. Discover told me that is what you get for giving your credit card information to a merchant.

    Not only won't Discover Card correct this crime, they are sending me to collection for not paying the $1500.00 stolen money by the merchant. I refuse to be held hostage by these thugs. Discover Card has a reputation of siding with merchants, because that is where they get their money from. Every time you use your credit card, the merchant pays them a fee. You as the cardholder are actually paying the fee in the price of the purchase, but Discover looks at it like the merchant is making them money, so they protect them instead of the cardholder. They are destroying my perfect credit. They destroyed 32 years of our relationship since 1990. they advertise that they are there to protect you as a consumer. Lies and more lies. It is all about the mighty dollar.

    If you want to be protected when making a purchase, I recommend using your Visa or Mastercard or American Express. They would never allow a merchant to get away with the kind of crime Mr. Handyman committed. You are better off closing your Discover card account to show them you won't accept being treated poorly as a customer.

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    Discover it Secured Credit Card Company Information

    Company Name:
    Discover it Secured Credit Card
    Website:
    www.discover.com