Discover Cards Become Capital One Cards on July 27. Here’s What to Expect | Credit Cards
Key Takeaways
- Beginning July 27, many Discover credit card accounts will be migrated to Capital One’s systems, though the Discover brand will remain largely unchanged.
- Existing perks such as Discover’s 5% rotating categories and Cashback Match are not changing or disappearing.
- Discover cardholders will gain access to Capital One benefits, including up to 15% cash back or 15 miles per dollar via Capital One Offers, and 5% cash back or 5 miles on travel and entertainment purchases.
Beginning July 27, many Discover credit card accounts will be migrated over to Capital One’s platforms and systems. But Discover cardholders shouldn’t expect too many changes since Capital One is keeping the Discover brand and simply folding Discover products into Capital One’s existing systems.
Here’s everything Discover cardholders need to know.
What Discover Cardholders Can Expect
“The change for customers is primarily around how and where customers service their Discover credit card,” says a Capital One spokesperson.
Capital One will contact Discover cardholders with instructions on how to sign in and manage their account on Capital One’s website or app.
“Not all customers are migrating at the same time,” the Capital One spokesperson says. “This is occurring in waves and will continue through 2027. We are providing customers with comprehensive information and reminders in advance of any changes for each impacted account, and are committed to making this transition as seamless as possible.”
This is going to be the biggest disruption to Discover cardholders, as other perks and benefits remain largely untouched.
Here’s what’s staying the same:
- Discover It card names
- Discover’s 5% rotating categories
- Discover Cashback Match
- No annual fees
- Your current APR and credit limit
- Your rewards balance
Your payment due date will also likely stay the same, but Capital One will contact you via letter or email if it does change.
While Discover benefits are largely remaining unchanged, Discover cardholders will now have access to Capital One benefits such as:
- Up to 15% cash back or 15 miles per dollar when shopping through Capital One Offers
- 5% cash back or 5 miles on hotels, rental cars and more booked through Capital One Travel
- 5% cash back or 5 miles on tickets and events booked through Capital One Entertainment
What Discover Cardholders Should Do Next
Since the goal of the transition is to be as seamless as possible, Discover cardholders aren’t expected to do much heavy lifting. All you need to do is:
- Keep an eye on your inbox. Capital One will reach out to Discover cardholders in waves beginning July 27 about next steps and any changes to their accounts.
- Download the Capital One app. Once you’re sent instructions on how to manage your account with Capital One, download the app. Doing this will also get you access to CreditWise, Capital One’s credit monitoring tool.
- Acquaint yourself with your new benefits. Review your credit card agreement and account for any minor changes that could be applicable to you. For example, some rewards redemption options will change.
For now, just keep using your Discover credit card as normal until told otherwise by Capital One.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You’ll keep the same Discover card and rewards. The only difference is Capital One will reach out to you (if it hasn’t already) to walk you through how to manage your account using the Capital One website and app.
New redemption options available with Capital One are:
- Discover miles cardholders will now be able to apply for gift card redemptions.
- Discover cash back cardholders will be able to redeem rewards to cover recent purchases.
- Rewards can still be redeemed for gift cards with at least 5% added value, but there’s a new minimum redemption amount of $25.
- You can still redeem via automatic statement credit redemption, but you must enroll at the Capital One website.
Some redemption options that will no longer be available:
- You will not be able to apply rewards to your minimum payment – just to your account balance.
- You cannot use Pay with Rewards with Apple Pay.
No, primary cardholders may keep using their card even after their account moves to Capital One.
However, authorized users and joint account holders will receive a new card and card number,. The primary cardholder will get the new card in the mail.
