Discover it Card: Double Cash Back for a Year For New and Existing Cardmembers

Beginning June 1, 2015, Discover is rolling out a new promotion for Discover it cardmembers. Reports from multiple customer service reps have been conflicting, but most are saying that cardmembers will be able to earn double cash back for 12 billing cycles once they have enrolled, with enrollment being open in June and July. The double cash back will certainly apply to all of your 1% purchases, but there is debate over whether 5% category purchases will also be doubled. At the minimum, though, this would turn your Discover it card into a 2% cash back card temporarily. The double cash back also should supposedly apply to Discover Deals cash back. (Updated June 1: see below)

Update June 1: Discover has now identified this double cash back promo as a new feature on the card. The language states:

Double First Year Cash Back: After the first 12 consecutive billing periods that your new account is open, we will double all the cash back rewards you’ve earned and apply them to your account in the next billing cycle. You’ve earned rewards when they have posted to your account by the end of the 12th consecutive billing period. You will not receive Double Cash Back if your account is closed or no longer in the cash back reward program as of the award date. This promotional offer may not be offered in the future.

Some additional points:

• While you can enroll in this promotion beginning June 1, 2015, you will not start earning double cash back until the end of your billing cycle this month.
• You will receive the doubled bonus cashback in the 13th month
• The double cash back does apply to both Discover Deals (formerly ShopDiscover) and the 5% bonus categories, though the 5% is only applicable for the first $1,500 in spending per quarter as usual. Once you’ve reached that limit, the standard cash back applies.
• This is a limited-time offer. New cardmembers must apply for their card by July 31.

Existing cardholders can have this promo added to their account by calling 1-800-347-2683 or by contacting Discover through online chat.