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[TARGETED] Free $20: Discover's Secret Virtual Card Deal
December 12, 2024

The 10-minute setup that earns you $20 free cash from Discover (ending July 31st)
In an increasingly digital shopping landscape, credit card security has become a top priority. Discover is taking online shopping security to the next level with their virtual card number feature, and they’re sweetening the deal with a targeted, limited-time cash back offer.
Discover’s $20 Cashback Bonus Promotion
Discover is sending targeted emails (from discover@card-e.em.discover.com) to cardholders offering an easy $20 Cashback Bonus when using their virtual card number technology for online purchases.

How to Earn the $20 Cashback Bonus
The process is straightforward:
- Enroll your Discover Card as a virtual card number on Google Chrome

- Spend $200 or more using your virtual card number by July 31, 2025
- Receive $20 Cashback Bonus automatically added to your account
This promotion provides cardholders with a 10% return on the minimum spending requirement, making it one of the more generous card promotions currently available.
What Are Virtual Card Numbers?
Before diving deeper into the promo, let’s go into what virtual card numbers are and why they matter for your online shopping security.
A virtual card number is a temporary credit card number that links to your actual Discover credit card account. When shopping online, this technology allows you to use a unique card number different from your physical card, adding an extra layer of protection against potential data breaches and fraud.
Benefits of Using Virtual Card Numbers
- Enhanced security: Your actual card number is never shared with merchants
- Simplified checkout: Once set up, your virtual card number can be automatically selected at checkout
- No additional cost: This security feature is completely free for Discover cardholders
Quick setup: The enrollment process takes just a few minutes
How to Set Up Your Discover Virtual Card Number
Setting up your Discover virtual card number is a simple three-step process:
1. Save Your Discover Card to Your Google Account
The next time you checkout in your Chrome browser, save your Discover Card as a payment method in your Google Account.
2. Follow the Steps to Turn On Your Virtual Card Number
After saving your card, you should see the option to turn on a virtual card number for your Discover Card. You can also enable this feature in your Chrome payment settings or Google Wallet in your browser.
3. Shop With Your Virtual Card Number
When checking out on Chrome, make sure your virtual card number is selected as your payment method to qualify for this offer.
Where Can You Use Your Virtual Card Number?
Virtual card numbers can be created and used in:
- Google Chrome browser on desktop computers
- Google Chrome browser on mobile devices
- Android apps, where available
Note: tapping your mobile device in-store for Google Pay purchases is a different payment method and doesn’t qualify for this promotion.
Sweeten the Deal
If you get targeted for the promotion and make a purchase at one of 15,000 Kudos Boost merchants after activating Kudos Boost, you’ll earn even more rewards on your purchase. As a reminder, we give you 100% of the commissions we earn on eligible purchases!
Our Verdict: Easy $20 for Minimal Effort
This promotion is essentially free money for something many Discover cardholders would benefit from using anyway. According to Doctor of Credit, while the offer appears to be targeted, many cardholders are receiving it, though it’s unclear if it’s available to everyone.
The best part? You can potentially stack this offer with Discover’s quarterly 5% cashback categories. Currently, Discover is offering 5% back at Wholesale Clubs and Grocery Stores (upon enrollment and up to the quarterly maximum). By using your virtual card number for online grocery orders or wholesale club purchases, you could earn both the 5% category bonus and the $20 promotion bonus.
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User Experiences and Tips
Based on reported user experiences with this promotion:
- Amazon purchases work well: Several users have successfully used the virtual card number for Amazon purchases.
- Gift card purchases: Many are planning to use this for Amazon gift cards, effectively getting a 10% discount ($20 on $200).
- Multiple purchases: While not explicitly stated in the terms, the promotion appears to count multiple purchases that add up to $200+, not just a single $200 purchase.
- CVV limitations: Some users reported that the virtual card number doesn’t work with merchants that require a CVV code.
Wholesale clubs online: Some users had difficulty using virtual card numbers at certain wholesale club websites.
FAQ
Can I Make Multiple Purchases That Add Up to $200?
While the terms don’t explicitly address this, user reports suggest that multiple purchases totaling $200 or more should qualify for the promotion, not just a single $200 purchase.
Does This Work With Amazon?
Yes, multiple users have reported success using their Discover virtual card numbers for Amazon purchases.
Can I Stack This With Discover’s 5% Quarterly Categories?
Yes! Currently, Discover is offering 5% cashback at Wholesale Clubs and Grocery Stores (upon enrollment and up to the quarterly maximum). Using your virtual card number for online purchases in these categories should earn both rewards.
Will Gift Card Purchases Count?
Based on user reports, gift card purchases (like Amazon gift cards) should count toward the $200 spending requirement.
Why Isn’t My Virtual Card Number Working at Some Merchants?
Some merchants require a CVV code for purchases, which virtual card numbers don’t always provide. Additionally, certain merchants may not accept virtual card numbers or Discover cards in general.
Final Thoughts
This limited-time Discover promotion offers an easy $20 bonus for trying out a security feature that benefits you anyway. With virtual card numbers adding a significant layer of protection to your online shopping, this is essentially getting paid to upgrade your security.
Whether you use it for everyday purchases, stack it with the current 5% categories, or buy gift cards for future use, this promotion represents an excellent opportunity to maximize your Discover card benefits.
Check your email for this targeted offer, and if you’ve received it, don’t let this easy $20 cashback slip away before the July 31st deadline.

Double the Cash, Zero the Worry
Looking for consistent rewards without the hassle? The Citi Double Cash® Card rewards you twice: 1% when you buy, another 1% when you pay—for a total 2% cash back on every purchase with no categories to track. Plus, smart balance transfer options help you take control of existing debt. Simple, powerful, perfect for today's savvy spenders.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.