In what decade did the Discover Card first emerge as a reward-based card?

The Discover Card first emerged as a reward-based card in the 1980s, particularly known for its innovative cash back rewards program that was introduced in 1986. This was a significant advancement in the credit card industry, as it provided consumers with incentives for using the card, thereby changing the way people engaged with credit.

The 1980s were a time of increased competition in the credit card market, and the introduction of reward systems was a strategic move to attract customers. Discover's cash back program allowed cardholders to earn a percentage of their purchases back, which encouraged more spending and loyalty.

While other credit cards existed prior to the 1980s, they typically did not offer rewards in the same capacity, making Discover a pioneer in this area. The introduction of this card set the stage for the numerous rewards programs that became common with other credit cards in the following decades. Therefore, the emergence of the Discover Card as a reward-based card is rightly attributed to the 1980s, marking a significant moment in credit card history.