Citi Double Cash^® Card vs. Discover it^® Cash Back [2024]: Simplified Rewards or Maximized Earnings?

Quick look: Citi Double Cash vs. Discover it Cash Back

If you’re looking for a cash back credit card, the Citi Double Cash Card and the Discover it Cash Back card stand out. Both offer enticing rewards, attractive welcome bonuses, and no annual fees, though they cater to different spending habits. Whether you’re looking for a straightforward, no-hassle card with the same rewards rate on every purchase or you prefer maximizing rewards with rotating bonus categories, each card has something valuable to offer.

Let’s look at how these cards stack up so you can decide which is best for you.

	Citi Double Cash® Card	Discover it® Cash Back
FinanceBuzz star rating	5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.7 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
FinanceBuzz valuation1 <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p>	Year 1: $950 Year 2: $750	Year 1: $1,070 Year 2: $535
Annual fee	$0	$0
Welcome bonus	Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back	Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Earning rate	2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25	Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redemption methods	You can redeem your ThankYou Points to get a statement credit, direct deposit, check, merchandise, or gift card as well as make charitable donations, shop through certain online merchants, and purchase travel.	You can redeem your cash back to get a bank deposit, statement credit, or gift card; make a charitable donation; or use it at the checkout with select online merchants.
Intro APR	0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers (then 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)) Balance transfer fee: 3% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum) within 4 months of account opening; then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) after the 4 month intro period ends	0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 18.49% - 27.49% Variable *Rates as of December 12, 2024) 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 18.49% - 27.49% Variable *Rates as of December 12, 2024) Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Other benefits	No category restrictions or earnings caps 24-hour fraud protection and fraud liability guarantee Access to Citi Entertainment	Fraud liability guarantee No penalty APR First late payment fee may be waived
Foreign transaction fees	3%	0%
Credit needed	Excellent, Good, Fair	Excellent, Good
	Read full review	Read full review

When you should pick the Citi Double Cash Card

You should choose the Citi Double Cash Card if:

• You want a simple cash back card that doesn’t require dealing with categories
• You need to transfer a balance from a high APR card
• You plan to use it to book travel through Citi’s portal

No categories required

Personally, I find credit cards that restrict higher cashback rewards to select categories a bit taxing. I would much rather have a card like the Citi Double Cash that rewards me for every purchase I make, regardless of whether the rewards are a little less than with a category-based card like the Discover it Cash Back.

With the Citi Double Cash Card, you’ll earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25. You can earn unlimited rewards, and they don’t expire as long as you keep your account open.

Balance transfer introductory offer

If you have an outstanding balance on another high-interest credit card, you may want to take advantage of the Citi Double Cash Card’s 0% APR introductory offer for 18 months, then (18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)). While it isn’t the longest 0% intro APR offer available — (Citi Simplicity^® Card offers 21 months at 0% intro APR on balance transfers (then 18.49% - 29.24% (Variable))) — it still gives you a decent amount of time to pay off your debt interest-free. This is also longer than the Discover it Cash Back’s 0% APR introductory period of 15 months on balance transfers (then 18.49% - 27.49% Variable *Rates as of December 12, 2024).

The Citi Double Cash Card has a balance transfer fee of 3% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum) within 4 months of account opening; then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) after the 4 month intro period ends.

When taking advantage of a 0% intro APR balance transfer offer, make sure your monthly payments are always on time since late payments can jeopardize the introductory APR. Also, remember that with any introductory APR offer, it’s important to pay off the whole balance if you can before the introductory period ends so you don’t pay interest on the remaining portion.

Travel booking through Citi Travel

The Citi Double Cash Card will give you 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.

Using Citi Travel is a great way to earn and redeem rewards, which are earned in the form of Citi ThankYou Points. Each $1 you earn in cash back equates to one ThankYou Point. But with this offer, you get five ThankYou Points for every $1 spent on accommodations, car rentals, and attractions. So, if you spend $200 on a hotel, you’ll earn 1,000 ThankYou Points.

However, while the Citi Double Cash Card is a good choice for booking travel and attractions, it isn’t the best option while traveling in a different country. This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, which can negate points earned on your purchases.

Learn more in our Citi Double Cash Card review.

Earn Cash Back Twice

Citi Double Cash^® Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Simple flat-rate cash back on all your purchases
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) APR
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No bonus categories to maximize earnings
• No introductory APR on purchases

Card Details

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

When you should go with the Discover it Cash Back

The Discover it Cash Back is your best choice if:

• You want to maximize how much you can earn on your purchases
• You like the idea of a Cashback Match®
• You often travel outside the U.S.

High cashback rewards

When it comes to the best cash back cards available, the Discover it Cash Back’s 5% earnings rate is one of the highest. Many other cash back cards offer rates of only 1% to 3%.

However, the catch with Discover it Cash Back’s 5% reward is that they’re only given on purchases in certain categories. The categories change quarterly, and you don’t have any control over them. For all other purchases, you’ll only earn 1% cash back.

Discover has a set Cashback Calendar that lays out the categories for which you will earn 5% cash back each quarter. Here are the categories for 2024.

• Restaurants and drug stores (January - March)
• Gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores, and public transit (April - June)
• Grocery stores and Walmart (July - September)
• Target and Amazon.com (October - December)

The 5% cashback rewards aren’t automatic, so you’ll need to activate the cashback bonus each quarter. Another catch is that the 5% cash back you can earn each quarter is capped at $1,500 in purchases, which equates to as much as $75 per quarter ($300 per year). After you reach the cap, the earnings drop to 1%.

The Discover it Cash Back card’s rewards don’t expire, so you can use them as long as your account remains open.

Impressive welcome offer

The Discover it Cash Back offers an impressive welcome offer that includes both an introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers and a Cashback Match.

You’ll receive a 0% intro APR on anything you buy with this card within the first 15 months after opening the account (then 18.49% - 27.49% Variable *Rates as of December 12, 2024). Balance transfers also have a 0% intro APR for 15 months (then 18.49% - 27.49% Variable *Rates as of December 12, 2024), which currently comes with a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*.

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

No foreign transaction fees

If you’re an avid traveler who often visits countries outside of the U.S., you’ll likely want to choose the Discover it Cash Back over the Citi Double Cash Card.

There are no foreign transaction fees with Discover, which can save you money during your travels. Like many other credit cards, the Citi Double Cash Card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, which could eat away the cashback rewards you may earn.

Just make sure that Discover credit cards are accepted in the country where you’re traveling. They don’t have the wide acceptance that Visa and Mastercard do.

Learn more in our Discover it Cash Back review.

Up To 5% Cash Back

Discover it^® Cash Back

4.7

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Discover it^® Cash Back

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• $0 annual fee
• Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
• Dark web monitoring and other privacy protection services

Drawbacks

• Requires you to activate the highest-earning category each quarter
• Not accepted as widely overseas as Visa or Mastercard

Card Details

• INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
• Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Which card can help you maximize your rewards?

The Citi Double Cash Card and the Discover it Cash Back are similar in many ways, and both have advantages and disadvantages. However, I think the Discover it Cash Back provides you with the best opportunity to maximize your rewards as long as you put some effort into following the bonus categories offered each quarter.

Although the categories change throughout the year, most of them are things we use on a regular basis, like restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores. Having Amazon and Target purchases as the bonus category from October through December 2024, for example, is a great way to earn extra cash back on your holiday shopping.

The Discover it Cash Back’s welcome offer of a Cashback Match in your first year is also hard to pass up.

You could maximize your rewards even more by having both cards. That way, you can use the Discover it Cash Back to earn elevated cash back in the bonus categories and then earn cash back with the Citi Double Cash Card on all your other purchases.

With both cards, you can maximize your earnings while traveling. Take advantage of Citi Double Cash’s elevated cashback offer when booking through Citi Travel, and then use the Discover it Cash Back abroad to save money on foreign transaction fees. However, have a backup card for foreign transactions because Discover isn’t as widely accepted outside the U.S.

FAQs

Bottom line

Choosing between the Citi Double Cash Card and Discover it Cash Back card depends on your spending habits and how you plan to use the card. 

If you prefer simplicity and consistent rewards on all your purchases without worrying about categories, the Citi Double Cash Card is a great option. On the other hand, the Discover it Cash Back is ideal for capitalizing on bonus rewards in rotating categories, especially since Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. It’s also a good choice for travelers because there are no foreign transaction fees.

But who says you have to choose one or the other? Having both cards can help you maximize your cashback rewards when you use the Discover it Cash Back for purchases in the quarterly bonus categories and the Citi Double Cash^® Card(Rates and fees) for booking hotels, car rentals, attractions, and all other purchases.

Earn Cash Back Twice

Citi Double Cash^® Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Simple flat-rate cash back on all your purchases
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) APR
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No bonus categories to maximize earnings
• No introductory APR on purchases

Card Details

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Up To 5% Cash Back

Discover it^® Cash Back

4.7

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Discover it^® Cash Back

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• $0 annual fee
• Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
• Dark web monitoring and other privacy protection services

Drawbacks

• Requires you to activate the highest-earning category each quarter
• Not accepted as widely overseas as Visa or Mastercard

Card Details

• INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
• Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
• Terms and conditions apply.