What you need to open a Discover debit card account

To open a Discover debit card account, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid government-issued ID, and provide a Social Security number. Discover will also ask for your current address and a phone number where they can reach you. You do not need to have an existing bank account or credit history — Discover accepts customers new to banking.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you do it online. You can also call Discover at 1-800-347-2000 to open an account by phone, which takes roughly the same amount of time. Either way, you will get a temporary debit card number right away that you can use online or over the phone while you wait for your physical card to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Discover debit card account online, by phone, or by mail, and the process takes 10 to 15 minutes if you go online or call.
  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, current address, and phone number — no prior banking history required.
  • Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you get a temporary card number when ready to use right away.
  • There is no monthly fee for a Discover debit card account, and you can use your card at any ATM in the Discover network for free.
  • Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, transfer money from another bank, or deposit checks using the Discover mobile app.

Opening your account online

Go to discover.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. Click on it and select "Debit Card" as the account type. You will be asked to enter your first and last name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, and current home address. Discover will also ask you to create a username and password for your online account.

Next, you will choose a four-digit PIN (personal identification number) that you will use at ATMs and in stores when you need to enter a code. After you verify your email address by clicking a link Discover sends you, your account is open. Discover will show you a temporary 16-digit card number on your screen that you can write down or take a screenshot of — use this number to make purchases online or by phone right away.

Your physical debit card will be mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the Discover app before you can use it in stores or at ATMs.

Opening your account by phone

If you prefer to talk to someone, call Discover at 1-800-347-2000 and tell them you want to open a debit card account. A representative will walk you through the same questions asked online: your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and phone number. They will also help you set up your username, password, and PIN.

The phone representative can answer questions as you go, which some people find helpful if they are unsure about any step. Like the online process, you will get a temporary card number right away that you can use when ready, and your physical card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is open, you can start using your temporary card number to shop online or make phone purchases. You can also set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight into your Discover account — your employer will need your account number and routing number, which you can find in the Discover app or by logging into your online account.

If you have money in another bank account, you can transfer it to Discover using the app or website. Discover also lets you deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back with your phone through the mobile app — the money usually shows up in your account within one business day.

When your physical card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the app. After that, you can use it at any store, restaurant, or gas station that accepts Discover cards, and you can withdraw cash at any ATM in the Discover network at no charge.

Fees and account costs

Discover does not charge a monthly fee for a debit card account. There is no minimum balance you have to keep, and you will not be charged for using ATMs in the Discover network, which includes over 60,000 machines across the United States.

You may be charged a fee if you use an ATM outside the Discover network — the fee varies depending on which ATM you use, but Discover will show you the fee before you complete the withdrawal so you can decide whether to proceed. Some fees to be aware of: if you overdraw your account (spend more than you have), Discover charges an overdraft fee, though you can turn off overdraft protection in your account settings to prevent this.

Using your card at stores and online

Your Discover debit card works like any other debit card. In a store, you can insert it into the card reader, tap it if the reader has a contactless symbol, or swipe it — the cashier will tell you which method to use. You may be asked to enter your PIN or sign a receipt, depending on the amount and the store's system.

Online, you enter your card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back of the card, just as you would with any other debit card. Discover offers fraud protection, so if someone uses your card without permission, you can report it through the app or by calling 1-800-347-2000 and Discover will investigate.

What to do if you have problems

If your card does not arrive within 10 business days, log into your account online or call 1-800-347-2000 to check on it. If it was lost in the mail, Discover can send a replacement.

If you forget your PIN, you can reset it through the Discover app or by calling customer service. If you think someone has used your card without permission, call 1-800-347-2000 right away — Discover will cancel your card and send you a new one, and you will not be responsible for unauthorized charges if you report them promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit score or banking history to open a Discover debit card?

No. Discover does not check your credit score or require any prior banking history. You only need to be 18 or older, have a valid ID, and provide a Social Security number. This makes Discover a good option if you are new to banking or returning after a gap.

Can I use my Discover debit card everywhere?

You can use it anywhere that accepts Discover cards, which includes most stores, restaurants, and online retailers in the United States. Some smaller businesses or international merchants may not accept Discover, so it is helpful to have another payment method as a backup.

What is the difference between the temporary card number and my physical card?

The temporary number works when ready for online and phone purchases, but it is not tied to a physical card you can use in stores. Once your physical card arrives and you set up it, you can use it anywhere — the temporary number stays active too, so you can use whichever is more convenient.

How do I deposit money into my Discover account?

You can set up direct deposit from your employer, transfer money from another bank account, or deposit checks by taking a photo through the Discover app. You cannot deposit cash directly, but you can withdraw cash at any Discover ATM or ask a cashier for cash back when you use your card at a store.

What happens if I lose my debit card?

Call 1-800-347-2000 right away and Discover will cancel it and send you a replacement. Your account and money stay safe — you are not responsible for charges someone else makes after you report the card lost.