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Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students vs Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Which Earns More?

Melvyn Kim
Founder & Editor · Published July 29, 2026
B.A. Economics

The verdict

On typical spending the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students nets $432 a year after fees, $86 more than the Discover it® Secured Credit Card at $346. The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students stays ahead at every spending level we model.

Who earns more, by the numbers

Spending levelBank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for StudentsDiscover it® Secured Credit CardWinner
Light spender ($1,200/mo)$216/yr$173/yrBank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students
Typical spender ($2,400/mo)$432/yr$346/yrBank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students
Heavy spender ($4,500/mo)$810/yr$648/yrBank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students

Net of annual fees, typical category mix at baseline point values. The same card wins at every spending level here.

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students

Bank Of America

3.4/5
Annual Fee:$0
APR:19.24%-29.24% variable
Welcome Bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after $1,000 in purchases in 90 days
Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
EARNS MORE ON TYPICAL SPEND

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Discover

3.5/5
Annual Fee:$0
APR:28.24% variable
Welcome Bonus: Cashback Match: Discover matches all cash back earned in your first year
Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter), 1% on everything else

The tables above are computed from each card's typed rewards rates and current
fees, on the same spending profiles used across the site. Editorial context to
follow.

FAQ

Which is better, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students or the Discover it® Secured Credit Card?
On typical spending the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students nets $432 a year after fees, $86 more than the Discover it® Secured Credit Card at $346. The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students stays ahead at every spending level we model.