Discover it Student vs Capital One Journey: Which Is Better in 2026?
The verdict
On typical spending the Capital One Savor Student nets $358 a year after fees, $70 more than the Discover it® Student Cash Back at $288. The Capital One Savor Student stays ahead at every spending level we model.
Who earns more, by the numbers
| Spending level | Discover it® Student Cash Back | Capital One Savor Student | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light spender ($1,200/mo) | $144/yr | $178/yr | Capital One Savor Student |
| Typical spender ($2,400/mo) | $288/yr | $358/yr | Capital One Savor Student |
| Heavy spender ($4,500/mo) | $540/yr | $670/yr | Capital One Savor Student |
Net of annual fees, typical category mix at baseline point values. The same card wins at every spending level here.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Discover
3.8/5
Annual Fee:$0
APR:17.24%-26.24% variable
Welcome Bonus: Cashback Match: Discover matches all cash back earned in your first year. Plus $20 Good Grades Reward.
Rewards: 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500/quarter), 1% on everything else
Capital One Savor Student
Capital One
3.9/5
Annual Fee:$0
APR:19.49%-29.49% variable
Welcome Bonus: $100 cash bonus after spending $300 on purchases in the first 3 months (limited-time offer)
Rewards: 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment, 5% on hotels and rental cars via C1 Travel, 3% on dining, entertainment, grocery, and streaming, 1% on everything else
EARNS MORE ON TYPICAL SPEND
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 Discover it® Student Cash Back or the Capital One Savor Student?▼
On typical spending the Capital One Savor Student nets $358 a year after fees, $70 more than the Discover it® Student Cash Back at $288. The Capital One Savor Student stays ahead at every spending level we model.
Which has the better welcome bonus?▼
The Capital One Savor Student, at 100 dollars (~$100) as of 2026-07-29. Bonuses change often — each card's page carries the date we last recorded it.