Getting into your Discover account online
To sign into your Discover credit card account, go to discover.com and look for the "Log In" button in the top right corner of the page. Click it, then enter your username and password. If you have set up two-factor authentication (a security step that sends a code to your phone), you will need to enter that code as well.
If you do not yet have an online account, you will need to create one before you can sign in. You can set this up on the same login page by selecting "Enroll Now" or a similar option for new users. You will need your card number and some personal information to get your free guide.
Key Takeaways
- Visit discover.com and click "Log In" at the top right to access your account with your username and password.
- New cardholders can create an online account on the login page using their card number and personal details.
- Two-factor authentication adds a security layer by requiring a code sent to your phone each time you sign in from a new device.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it through your email address.
- The Discover mobile app offers the same sign-in process and lets you check your balance and make payments from your phone.
Creating a new online account if you are a first-time user
When you first get a Discover card, you do not automatically have an online account. You have to set one up yourself. On the Discover login page, look for a link that says "Enroll Now," "New User," or "Create Account" — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it will be near the login fields.
Click that link and have your card handy. You will enter your card number, the expiration date, and your CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). You will also provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Discover uses this information to verify you are the cardholder.
After you submit this information, Discover will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Open that email and follow the link to finish setting up your account. At that point, you will create a username and password that you will use for all future sign-ins.
What to do if you forget your password
On the Discover login page, click the "Forgot Password" link. You will be asked to enter your username or the email address associated with your account. Discover will send a password reset link to that email address.
Check your email (including your spam folder) for a message from Discover. The reset link usually works for a limited time — often 24 hours — so do not wait to use it. Click the link, create a new password, and you will be able to sign in right away.
If you do not receive the reset email, double-check that you entered the correct email address. If you still do not see it after 10 minutes, contact Discover's customer service by phone. The number is on the back of your card.
Setting up two-factor authentication for extra security
Two-factor authentication means Discover will ask for a second proof of identity when you sign in — usually a code sent to your phone. This protects your account if someone else learns your password.
To turn this on, sign into your account and look for "Security Settings," "Account Settings," or a similar menu option. The exact location varies, but it is usually in a settings or preferences area. Select the option to enable two-factor authentication and choose how you want to receive the code — by text message or through an authenticator app.
Once you set it up, every time you sign in from a new device or browser, Discover will text or app-notify you with a code. You enter that code on the login page to finish signing in. This step takes about 30 seconds but stops most unauthorized access.
Using the Discover mobile app to sign in
Discover also offers a mobile app for iPhone and Android. You can read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching for "Discover." The app uses the same username and password as the website, so if you already have an online account, you can sign in when ready.
The app shows your balance, recent transactions, and payment options in a format designed for a phone screen. Many people find it faster to check their balance or make a payment through the app than through the website, especially if they are on the go.
If you have two-factor authentication turned on, the app will ask for your security code the first time you sign in on that device. After that, you can usually stay signed in without re-entering it every time, though you can change this setting in the app's security options.
Troubleshooting common sign-in problems
If you see an error message saying your username or password is incorrect, first make sure Caps Lock is not on — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. If you are certain you typed it correctly, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it.
If your account is locked after several wrong password attempts, Discover will usually unlock it automatically after 15 to 30 minutes. You can also call customer service to unlock it faster. The number is on the back of your card.
If you see a message that your account does not exist, you may not have completed the enrollment process. Go back to the login page and select "Enroll Now" to create your account. Make sure you use the same email address you plan to sign in with.
If you are trying to sign in from a new device or location and Discover suspects fraud, you may be asked to verify your identity before you can proceed. This is a security measure. You will usually be asked to confirm recent transactions or answer security questions you set up when you created your account.
What you can do once you are signed in
Once you are in your account, you can view your current balance, recent charges, and available credit. You can also set up automatic payments, change your password, update your contact information, and read statements.
Most cardholders sign in to make a payment or check their balance before the due date. You can schedule a one-time payment or set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month. You can also view your credit limit and see how much of it you are using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Discover website safe to sign into?
Yes. Discover uses encryption to protect your information when you sign in. Look for a padlock icon in your browser's address bar — this means your connection is find. Never sign in through a link in an email or text message; always go directly to discover.com by typing it into your browser.
Can I sign in to my Discover account from any computer?
Yes, you can sign in from any device with internet access. However, if you sign in from a new device or location, Discover may ask you to verify your identity for security reasons. This is normal and takes just a few minutes.
What should I do if I think someone else signed into my account?
Change your password when ready using the "Forgot Password" link. Then call Discover's customer service number on the back of your card to report the suspicious activity. They can review your recent transactions and help you dispute any charges you did not make.
Do I need to sign in every time I want to check my balance?
No. Most browsers and the Discover app can remember your login so you stay signed in. However, for security reasons, you may be signed out automatically after a period of inactivity — usually 15 to 30 minutes. You can always sign back in quickly.
Can I use the same password for my Discover account and other websites?
It is not recommended. If another website is hacked and your password is stolen, someone could use that same password to access your Discover account. Create a unique, strong password for Discover that you do not use anywhere else.