Discover it Chrome vs. Discover it Cash Back comparison
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Card type | Cash back | Cash back |
Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
Welcome offer | Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. |
Earning rate | Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. | 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 |
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Intro APR |
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Foreign transaction fee | 0% | 0% |
Credit needed | Excellent, Good | Excellent, Good |
Visit Discover | Visit Discover |
When you should choose Discover it Chrome
You should choose the Discover it Chrome over the Discover it Cash Back if:
- You want to earn cash back without lots of planning.
- You want a long intro APR offer on balance transfers.
- Your everyday spending aligns with its bonus categories.
- You prefer a credit card with a simple rewards rate.
Learn more in our Discover it Chrome review
You want to earn cash back without lots of planning
The Discover it Chrome has a $0 annual fee, and you could earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Its bonus categories are likely to be useful for many people because they align with how a lot of us often spend naturally, which means you won't have to do much planning to make the most of your rewards. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
However, there is a quarterly spending cap to keep in mind for the highest earn rates, and this probably shouldn't be your only cash back card for that reason.
You want a long intro APR offer on balance transfers
You can take advantage of these introductory APR offers with the Discover it Chrome:
- Intro APR on purchases: 0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases (then 17.99% - 26.99% Variable)
- Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers (then 17.99% - 26.99% Variable)
As you can see, its balance transfer offer is better, which is why we'd recommend the Discover it Chrome over the Discover it Cash Back specifically for this.
When you should choose Discover it Cash Back
In the following cases, we'd recommend the Discover it Cash Back instead:
- You want to earn as much cash back as possible.
- You want long intro APR offers (for new purchases and balance transfers)
- You want high earning potential with rotating bonus categories.
- You don't mind activating the bonus categories every quarter.
Learn more in our Discover it Cash Back review
You want to earn as much cash back as possible
The Discover it Cash Back also has a $0 annual fee, and you can 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. If you want a high earning potential with rotating bonus categories, this could be the right cash back card for you. And like the Discover it Chrome, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
To be a good fit for this card, you have to be comfortable with activating the bonus categories every quarter. You should also understand that a rotating category card's categories won't always align with your everyday expenses, and have a backup plan (in other words, another rewards credit card) if this happens.
Keep a pulse on Discover's 5% cashback calendar so you always know when to spend with this card, and when to choose another.
You want long intro APR offers (for new purchases and balance transfers)
The Discover it Cash Back provides these two introductory APR offers:
- Intro APR on purchases: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 17.99% - 26.99% Variable)
- Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 17.99% - 26.99% Variable)
This intro APR period is longer for purchases than the Discover it Chrome, and it's still decent for balance transfers. If you know you want the option to avoid interest for a set period of time after opening a card, and you might want that to apply to new purchases, choose the Discover it Cash Back.
What the Discover it Chrome and Discover it Cash Back have in common
- No foreign transaction fees: You don't have to pay foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases with either card. We like that many Discover credit cards provide this benefit.
- Redemption options: Both cards provide the same rewards program redemption options, including using your rewards for statement credits, bank deposits, gift cards, and certain online purchases.
- Discover card network: Both cards are issued by Discover and use the Discover network to process card transactions. Overall, Discover is a well-established financial institution that provides multiple products and services. Learn more in our Discover review.
- Creditworthiness: Both cards are best for people with good to excellent credit, which means a FICO score of 670 or higher.
FAQs
Is Discover it Cash Back or Discover it Chrome better?
Both cards share several benefits and perks, but we recommend the Discover it Cash Back because we like its high earning potential. You can 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.
Does Discover cash back ever go away?
The cash back you earn using a Discover credit card never expires. If your account is closed or you haven't used it in 18 months, Discover will send you a check with your rewards balance or credit the balance to your account.
Is Discover it Cash Back good for beginners?
The Discover it Cash Back can be a great credit card to have in your wallet because it has a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. This card is best for people with good to excellent credit scores, which equates to a 670 or higher FICO score.
Any cash back you earn with the card can be redeemed through your online account for statement credits, bank deposits, or gift cards. You can also use cash back with certain online retailers, such as PayPal and Amazon.
Bottom line
We recommend the Discover it Cash Back over the Discover it Chrome because it can provide a higher earning potential. But if you would rather not deal with rotating categories that require quarterly activation, consider the Discover it Chrome.
For more of our top recommendations, compare credit cards and find the right credit card offer for you. For more options from the same credit card issuer, check out Discover cash back credit cards.