Discover
Discover Bank · Riverwoods, IL · Founded 1985
Discover — no-annual-fee cards, U.S.-based support, and cash-back rewards.
About Discover
Discover is both a credit card issuer and a payment network. It offers a focused lineup of cash back and travel cards, along with student and secured options, and is known for U.S.-based customer service and no annual fee on nearly every card in its lineup.
Strengths
- No annual fee across nearly the entire consumer lineup
- U.S.-based customer service
- Free FICO Score access to cardholders
Lineup notes
Because Discover operates its own network, some international merchants — particularly outside North America — do not accept Discover. Travelers who visit regions with limited Discover acceptance should carry a backup card on the Visa or Mastercard network.
Featured Discover cards
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Discover accepted internationally?
Discover has expanded international acceptance through network alliances, but coverage remains less universal than Visa or Mastercard, particularly outside North America. Carrying a backup card on another network is recommended for international travel.
Does Discover pull soft or hard credit inquiries?
Discover's pre-approval tool uses a soft inquiry with no impact on your credit score. A formal application results in a hard inquiry, which typically causes a small, temporary dip in your score.