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Saturday, January 5, 2013 - 6:49 AM

New Discover It Card Offers Better Cash Back Features

From CardGuys.com
In a bold move, Discover has gotten rid of its other credit card offerings and replaced them with the Discover It card.
[...]
In the past, in order to get the full 1% cash back on non-category purchases, you had to spend $3,000 annually. Until you reached that threshold, you only received 0.25% cash back. This was a major drawback with the old Discover. The new Discover It credit card remedies that problem to provide you with the full 1% cash back on your non-category purchases.

Read more

The end of the tiered cash back system is nice, but it's still not close to the best cash back credit card.
11
KenBDGKenBDG5,143 posts since
Nov 29, 2009
Rep Points: 116,986
1. Monday, January 7, 2013 - 3:19 PM
Thanks for the notice.  Apparently, they're going to convert existing Discover More to "It" and reissue cards automatically. I almost got rid of Discover when they went tiered, but my long history with them (for FICO) made me hold off. 

They experimented with a lot of promotions last year. Besides 5% quarterly categories, they offered random limited time 2% (e.g., designated days or paying certain automatic bills til 12/2012), tho' none of which applied against the 3k threshold.  During Xmas ShopDiscover links offered the best cashback (10% on some major stores like Home Depot, etc. v. 5-6% avg from other rebate links). However, it's not easy to confirm the promotions were accurately applied. And if you found an error, you'd have to monitor weeks later to verify the adjustment was made in case the CSR didn't handle it properly.

They finally added product protection and extended warranty end of last year, which used to be mainly an Amex feature. But Chase Freedom and such eventually offered that, too.  It sounds like Discover is lining up to be more like the Chase Freedom type cards, which is a standard 1% with 5% quarterly categories.

The original Discover was simple and paid the best cashback, as it was their signature. Hope this is a better step back to what made them appealing in the first place.

 
7
ekatekat72 posts since
Jan 22, 2010
Rep Points: 220
2. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 5:40 AM
Im going to post here because the system does not appear to be letting me post anywhere else. I tried to start my own topic but it just rejects me.

I just logged onto my discovercard account and read about a "Cashback checking".

 

My first question was what is the rate, if any. So I called discoverbank customer service (an 800# it directed me to) and the rep has NEVER heard about the promo.

 

Said call back at 7am central.

 

But she is with discoverbank and has NEVER heard about it.

Even if there is no interest, It would make sense to open an account just for billpay, check & debit card cashback.

 

Didnt get to ask if there was a minimum transaction amount because at 10 cents each, I could see people abusing it for extra cashback.

 

 

 

More rewards just makes more sense.[/H2] You’re already enjoying Cashback Bonus with your Discover card–now you can earn even more.

It’s easy – with Discover Cashback CheckingSM you’ll earn:

  • 10¢ debit card purchase
  • 10¢ online bill pay
  • 10¢ check written

Cashback Bonus[/H3]
  • Cashback Checking is an exclusive online offer available to Discover cardmembers
  • Cashback Bonus is added monthly to your Discover Cashback Bonus Balance
  • Same great redemption options–gift cards, merchandise, cash and more

Free Features[/H3]
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    Find an ATM
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See how Cashback Checking compares to your bank.[/H2]  DiscoverChaseCitibankBank of AmericaWells FargoCashback CheckingTotal CheckingCiti CheckingeBankingValue CheckingMonthly Fee (No Requirements) Free ATMs (In Network) ATM Fee (Out of Network) ATM Owner Fee May Apply Replacement Debit Card Expedited Delivery for your Replacment Debit Card Online Bill Pay Official Bank Check Check Reorder Paper Copy of Check or Deposit Item Return Deposit (per item) Stop Payment (per request) Inbound / Outbound Money Transfer Incoming Wire Outgoing Wire Insufficient Funds (NSF) Maximum NSF fees per day
FREE $12 $20 $8.95 $7 / $9
23,000+ 18,500+ 29,000+ 13,000+ 12,000+
FREE $2 $2 $2 $2.50
FREE FREE FREE $5 FREE
FREE $5 $15 $20 $20
FREE FREE FREE FREE $3 per month
FREE $8 $10 Varies $10
FREE $17.95 $25.95 - $29.95 $11.89 Varies
FREE FREE $5 $3 $2.00 / $3.50
$15 $12 $10 $12 / $15 $12
$15 $30 $30 $30 $31
FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE
FREE $15 $10 $12 $15
$30 $25 - $45 $25 - $40 $25 - $45 $25 - $45
$30 $34 $34 $35 $35
$1 3 4 4 4
Competitor Fees as of 9/12/12. Fees obtained from company account agreements, fee schedules, online chat and calls to customer service centers. Open Now

See Checking Account Guide for more information

Bank on your terms.[/H2] Cut loose from bank branches and manage your account your way.

Everyday banking has never been easier.[/H3] Discover MobileCheck balances, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks right from a mobile device.Online Security GuaranteeProtection from fraudulent, unauthorized online charges. Plus, our online bill pay service guarantees payments are made by the “Deliver By” date or we pay the late fees.FDIC InsuredDeposits are FDIC insured up to the maximum allowed by law and are backed by the solid strength of Discover.24/7 Customer ServiceOnline or by phone, our U.S.-based banking specialists are available to help. It’s not a statement—it’s a promise.

So many ways to make deposits.[/H3] Mobile Check DepositsSnap a photo of your check and instantly make a deposit into your account using our Mobile app. See HowDirect DepositSet-up recurring electronic deposits for your paychecks and other regular monthly income.Fast & Free ACH Money TransfersTransfer money between bank accounts online or with our Mobile app.Postage Pre-Paid Deposit EnvelopesMail your check deposits to us in free postage-paid envelopes.

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wherever you go.[/H3] Free ATM UseWe never charge you to use an ATM, and with over 23,000 surcharge-free MoneyPass ATMs nationwide, free cash withdrawals have never been easier.Free Debit CardUse your Discover debit card to make in-store purchases anywhere you see the Discover logo.Cash Back With PurchaseUse your debit card to get additional cash back when you make a purchase.

Pay anyone, anytime.[/H3] Mobile and Online Bill PayEnjoy the convenience of mobile and online bill pay, just add a payee and set up a payment in a few simple steps.Free ChecksFree standard checks–every order–not just your first.Official ChecksFree official bank checks. Plus, if you need it sooner, we can get it to you quickly through express mail–also free of charge. Open Now

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Find an ATM wherever you are.[/H3] Find an ATMFind an ATM Free withdrawals at:
  • MoneyPass
Accepted anywhere you see:
  • Discover®
  • Diners Club International®
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Frequently Asked Questions[/H2]

What is the Discover Bank routing number?[/H3] The Discover Bank routing number is 031100649.

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What fees are associated with my Cashback Checking Account?[/H3] There is no monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirements for a Cashback Checking account.
Fee Schedule for Discover Cashback Checking Accounts
ATM Fee FREE
Foreign Transaction Fee FREE
Inbound Money Transfer FREE
Outbound Money Transfer FREE
Incoming Wire (Domestic or International) FREE
Outbound Wire (Domestic or International) $30
Official Bank Check (per check) FREE
Copy of Check or Deposit Item FREE
Check Reorder FREE
Debit Replacement Card FREE
Deposited Returned Item (per item) $15
Stop Payment (per request) $15
Priority Mail FREE
Non-sufficient Funds (NSF) Fee $30*
Maximum Number of Insufficient Funds Fees per Day 1
Foreign Check Processing Fee At Cost
* The fee is $15 for residents of West Virginia.  
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What is the minimum deposit amount to open my account?[/H3] The minimum initial deposit is $25.

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Am I required to maintain a minimum balance?[/H3] No, you are not required to maintain a minimum balance.

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How do I fund my account or make deposits?[/H3] You may deposit funds into your account multiple ways:
  • Online transfer from an eligible external bank account to your Cashback Checking account
  • Set up Direct Deposit
  • Mobile Check Deposit from your Android or iPhone
  • Mail a check that is addressed to Discover Bank with your account number enclosed to:
Discover Bank
PO Box 30417
Salt Lake City, UT 84130

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How can I access and manage my account?[/H3] Log in to the Account Center at DiscoverBank.com to access and manage your account online or use our Mobile Banking application that is available for Android smart phones or tablets, iPhones or iPads.

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Is the Cashback Checking account FDIC insured?[/H3] Yes, funds on deposit at Discover Bank are FDIC insured to the maximum allowed by law. For more information, visit our FDIC information page.

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What should I do if I forget my User ID or Password?[/H3] If you forget your User ID or password then click here to get your User ID and password reset. If you are still unable to log in, call us at 1-800-347-7000.

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When will I receive my statements?[/H3] Statements will be available monthly at the Account Center. You will receive an email when your statement is available for viewing. You may print your statement from the Account Center. Paper statements will not be mailed for a Cashback Checking Account.

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Are my statements available online?[/H3] Yes, your statements are only available online on the Account Center at DiscoverBank.com. Visit the 'View Statements' tab to view your statements.

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When can I access deposited funds[/H3]
  • ACH deposits are available within three (3) business days after the funds are received.
  • Check deposits will be available within two (2) business days after the funds are posted to your account, in most cases. Longer holds may apply for deposits greater than $25,000.
  • Deposits of Treasury Checks or checks drawn on other Discover accounts will be available the next business day.
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How can I withdraw money?[/H3]
  • Use your debit card, free of any charges or fees, at any one of 23,000+ MoneyPass ATM locations (if you are charged a fee erroneously we will reimburse you for the charge)
    • Use online and mobile ATM Locators to find an ATM near you - Click Here
  • Use your debit card at any one of 380,000 ATMs nation wide
    • Discover will never charge you a fee to use an ATM, however, the financial institutions that own the ATM may have a surcharge
  • Use your debit card to pay for purchases wherever Discover Card is accepted
  • Choose cash back at participating retailers at the time of your purchase
  • Log in to the Account Center at DiscoverBank.com to conduct an online transfer to an external bank account
  • You may pay yourself utilizing Online Bill Pay
  • You may pay yourself utilizing Mobile Bill Pay
  • Wire Transfer (fees may apply)
  • Official Bank Check
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What are my online transfer limits?[/H3]
  • Incoming limit is $100,000 per 30 day rolling period
  • Outgoing limit is $100,000 per 30 day rolling period
We may change your transfer limits at any time. Any decrease will be subject to notice, to the extent required by law.

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How do I activate my debit card?[/H3] You can activate your card from your home telephone by calling 1-877-347-4055.

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How do I change my Personal Identification Number (PIN) for my debit card?[/H3] Your initial 4-digit PIN will be mailed to you separately from your debit card. Once you receive your PIN, you can change it by using our automated system at 1-800-347-7000.

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How can I locate an ATM near me?[/H3] Use our ATM Locator or our Mobile Banking application to find the nearest ATM.

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Is there a fee for using my debit card at an ATM?[/H3] Discover will never charge you a fee for using your debit card at an ATM. MoneyPass ATMs are completely free of charge as are all Pulse ATMs. However, other financial institutions may apply a surcharge if you utilize their ATMs.

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What happens if I am charged an ATM fee by one that should be free?[/H3] If you are at a participating MoneyPass ATM and it indicates you are being charged a fee, accept the fee and proceed with your transaction. Then notify Discover Bank by sending a message through the secure message center or calling us at and we will reimburse your account for the amount you were charged.

Please have the following information available:
  • Date and time of the transaction
  • ATM Location
  • Last four digits of your debit card
  • Amount of the fee you were charged
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Is there a daily limit to the amount of money I can withdraw from an ATM with my debit card?[/H3] Yes. The ATM withdrawal limit is $510 per day. Non-Discover ATMs may have additional fees and limits.

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Does my Cashback Checking account have the option to enroll in overdraft protection?[/H3] No, as of this time, we do not offer overdraft protection.

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How do I earn Cashback rewards with my Cashback Checking account?[/H3] You may earn Cashback bonus in the following ways:
  • $0.10 every time you use your Discover Debit Card
  • $0.10 for every bill you pay using the online bill payment feature per payee per month
  • $0.10 every time you write a check from your Cashback Checking account per payee per month
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Can I combine the Cashback bonus I earn from Cashback Checking account with my Cashback balance from my Discover credit card?[/H3] Yes, your Cashback Bonus rewards from your Discover Card and your Cashback Checking account will accumulate and be tracked as one balance. Your balance will be maintained and viewable in the Account Center just as it is with your Discover credit card.

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Where can I see the Cashback bonus I earned from my checking account?[/H3] You may view and track your Cashback bonus activity in the same place you always have in your account center. Your debit activity will simply be added to the Cashback bonus that you have earned with your Discover Credit Card.

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How can I redeem my Cashback Bonus?[/H3] If you are registered for the Account Center you can browse all of your redemption options and redeem your Cashback Bonus online.

Not registered for the Account Center? Register Now.

Note: If you do not wish to register for the Account Center, please call 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683) to redeem your Cashback Bonus.

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What are my redemption options?[/H3] You may redeem Cashback Bonus for Partner gift cards, merchandise, Discover gift cards or charitable donations starting at $20.

You may redeem Cashback Bonus for cash in the form of a direct deposit to your bank account or a credit to your Discover card account in $50 increments, starting at $50. You may select more than one redemption method so long as each redemption is in one of the above amounts.

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Who are the participating Cashback Bonus Partners?[/H3] You can turn your Cashback Bonus into bigger rewards every time you redeem for gift cards or instant eCertificates from over 200 brand-name Partners. Log in to view a list of our Partners. Not registered for the Account Center? Register Now.

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Will my Cashback Bonus ever expire?[/H3] Rewards have no expiration date; however, if your account is closed for any reason or inactive for 18 consecutive months or if you fail to make any Minimum Payment Due for two consecutive billing periods, any Cashback Bonus in your Cashback Bonus account will be forfeited.

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If my Discover Card is lost or stolen, will my Cashback Bonus be transferred to my new account?[/H3] Yes, we automatically transfer your Cashback Bonus to your new Discover Card account.

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4
RJMRJM57 posts since
Jan 21, 2011
Rep Points: 313
3. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 8:20 AM
RJM, thank you for posting about the new Cashback Checking account. 

As I learned when I called a few minutes ago and spoke with one agent after another, the reason Discover CS did not know about the account is that it is being offered by Discover Bank. 

And here's the kicker:  Discover Credit Card jumped the gun and put the announcement of the account on its site a little too soon.  A Discover Bank (800 347 7000) rep told me the account is not currently available and will not be available for another 3 months.  They have been inundated with calls about this, so they have alerted Discover credit card division.

Personally I think it's a way to get free publicity and build up product awareness  :)
5
pearlbrownpearlbrown1,003 posts since
Nov 2, 2010
Rep Points: 3,853
4. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 8:21 AM
After talking to a total of 5 people, 2 with Discover & 3 with Discoverbank, I FINALLY found someone who had an inkling of what I was talking about.

 

Apparently the ad showed up too soon. The account is coming but is a few months away. There will be no beta testing or anything. It will launch for everyone at the same time. (But they dont know exactly when, but she was positive it wont be days or a week or two) Her best guess was a few months but said I could call them after a month or so and they might know more.

Apparently it wont pay interest but still sounds like a good deal for an everyday checking account.

The key is to not keep too much money sitting in the account earning no (or little) interest.

The cashback will be separate from ones discovercard meaning, you need $25.00 worth to redeem anything. And assuming 15 transactions (total) per month, you're looking at 17 months before you can get your first cashback from it.
2
RJMRJM57 posts since
Jan 21, 2011
Rep Points: 313
5. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 8:29 AM
ekat, what do you mean "for fico" ?  Ive had a discovercard for years and I dont recall having fico. And, just today I switched over to DiscoverIT. But the non-tiered doesnt start until 2/10, with my next billing cycle.

 

Thanks for the notice.  Apparently, they're going to convert existing Discover More to "It" and reissue cards automatically. I almost got rid of Discover when they went tiered, but my long history with them (for FICO) made me hold off. 

They experimented with a lot of promotions last year. Besides 5% quarterly categories, they offered random limited time 2% (e.g., designated days or paying certain automatic bills til 12/2012), tho' none of which applied against the 3k threshold.  During Xmas ShopDiscover links offered the best cashback (10% on some major stores like Home Depot, etc. v. 5-6% avg from other rebate links). However, it's not easy to confirm the promotions were accurately applied. And if you found an error, you'd have to monitor weeks later to verify the adjustment was made in case the CSR didn't handle it properly.

They finally added product protection and extended warranty end of last year, which used to be mainly an Amex feature. But Chase Freedom and such eventually offered that, too.  It sounds like Discover is lining up to be more like the Chase Freedom type cards, which is a standard 1% with 5% quarterly categories.

The original Discover was simple and paid the best cashback, as it was their signature. Hope this is a better step back to what made them appealing in the first place.

 

1
RJMRJM57 posts since
Jan 21, 2011
Rep Points: 313
6. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 8:31 AM
pearlbrown,

I didnt read your post until I AFTER i posted my 2nd post. But, earlier today, even 2 people with DISCOVERBANK didnt know anything about it.  And one of them quickly transfered me back to discover even though I knew I didnt need them.

So not everyone with discoverbank knows its coming.
1
RJMRJM57 posts since
Jan 21, 2011
Rep Points: 313
7. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 8:34 AM
Ekat, while talking with Discover this morning about the Cashback Checking account, also asked about the Discover It card. 

You are right that Discover will eventually convert people to the It card, but I converted both my cards on the phone immediately because there was a good reason to do so:  1% cashback on all purchases instead of the tiered program which awarded 1/4% on the first $3k in purchases.  

Other features of the new It card:  1st-time late payment forgiveness, APR etc does not automatically increase if you miss a payment or exceed your credit line, can pay your bill until midnight, have access to a dedicated service line. 

When you convert, your account number is unchanged.  You still participate in the 5% cashback bonus opportunities (signup continues to be required).  You do get your choice of a new card design, and the card is FedExed to you.  The conversion is effective the first day of your current account billing cycle.   There is no fee for converting and no new credit report is run, as it is a conversion.

Hope this helps~
3
pearlbrownpearlbrown1,003 posts since
Nov 2, 2010
Rep Points: 3,853
8. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 8:41 AM
RJM, I interpreted ekat's comment as follows:  He was unhappy when Discover went to a tiered cashback system, but he didn't want to close his Discover account because he had had the card for a long time, and length of credit history contributes to one's credit score. 
3
pearlbrownpearlbrown1,003 posts since
Nov 2, 2010
Rep Points: 3,853
9. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 8:50 AM
RJM, I interpreted ekat's comment as follows:  He was unhappy when Discover went to a tiered cashback system, but he didn't want to close his Discover account because he had had the card for a long time, and length of credit history contributes to one's credit score. 


I was thinking discover was providing him with a fico score or something. But, Ive NEVER used my discover for everyday purchases except in the 5% category because of the tierd thing. You're probably right. Ive never considered closing it, I just rarely used it for a number of years at all. And then I started paying more attention to the quaterly categories.

I still wont use it for much 1% spending but occasionally I will. Now that Im not penalized for $3000. (and I dont spend $3000 a year ever)

 

None of the other benefits really help me as Im never late but the first time forgiveness is cool. She said they were listening to customers and it appears so. Although Id rather have 1.5% everyday cashback and no forgiveness ! LOL
2
RJMRJM57 posts since
Jan 21, 2011
Rep Points: 313
10. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 9:07 AM
I posted this on slickdeals but so far, Im not getting ANY love at all !

 

Upcoming Cashback Checking from Discoverbank - Slickdeals.net
1
RJMRJM57 posts since
Jan 21, 2011
Rep Points: 313
11. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 9:23 AM
 Although Id rather have 1.5% everyday cashback and no forgiveness ! LOL

 

RJM: If 1.5% is what you want, you might be interested in the Capital One Cash Rewards Mastercard (the green colored card which is heavily advertised on TV). While the everyday cashback is 1%, every "anniversary" you get a 50% bonus, so the card actually works out to a 1.5% cash back. One nice feature of Capital One cash back cards (not the ones that earn points) is that you can redeem your cash rewards at any time for any amount.
2
WilWil183 posts since
Feb 26, 2010
Rep Points: 931
12. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 9:42 AM
will, I dont really "want" 1.5%, its just my best everyday option.

And I USED to have a Capital One card way back when. They ****ED me out of $35 by pretending my payment was late. (It wasnt and they did it to lots of other people)

So i closed my account and have talked bad about them for the last 10+ years.

But, now Im back with them via ING. So I throw up a little everytime I think about it.

If this Discover works out and a local credit union with a 1.26% savings, I might just close the ING soon to be capone360.

But, frankly, I love the ease of use so maybe not. Depends on the discover website when it gets up & running.
1
RJMRJM57 posts since
Jan 21, 2011
Rep Points: 313
13. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 10:12 AM
RJM: I'm sorry, and a bit surprised, to hear of your negative experience with Capital One. All of my dealings with them have been pleasant, and I've had a high opinion of Capital One, and will continue to do business with them so long as that opinion remains unchanged. I used to have an ING Orange Savings account, but closed it shortly before being taken over by Capital One (at the time, there were other internet deposit accounts offering better interest rates than ING, and I had closed the ING account after more than a year of keeping a low balance in it).
1
WilWil183 posts since
Feb 26, 2010
Rep Points: 931
14. Monday, January 21, 2013 - 10:26 AM
Ive been with ING since 2001. Their rate was 5.25-6% when I opened it. I think.

The ease of use of the website has value to me.

But, I just found a credit union that I MAY be eligible to join that I think pays 1.26% on effectively their passbook savings.

And if thats the case, most of my money is leaving ING.

Its been my primary checking for a long time. But I will probably try Discover on for size when its cashback checking starts up. And I can use Ally for my checking if I want to. I have accounts there.

Im not EVER going back with cap one for a credit card after that $35 ****ing. Unless their reward is easily double what is available elsewhere.
1
RJMRJM57 posts since
Jan 21, 2011
Rep Points: 313
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