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Discover it^® Chrome vs. Discover it^® Cash Back [2025]: We Prefer More Cash Back

We recommend the Discover it Cash Back for many people due to its higher cash back rates, but the Discover it Chrome is a great, lower-maintenance option.

By Ben Walker, CEPF, CFEI®

Edited by Yahia Barakah, CEPF

Updated Oct. 15, 2025

4.2

4.7

Our view

Discover offers two cash back cards: Discover it^® Chrome (Rates and fees) and Discover it^® Cash Back (Rates and fees). Both pack a punch in their own right, but they have many shared benefits. The primary difference between them is their cashback rates.

With the Discover it Chrome, you can 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. But with the Discover it Cash Back, 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.

We like the Discover it^® Cash Back for its higher rate. It offers more cashback potential than the Discover it^® Chrome, but only if you spend in the bonus categories.

If you prefer a simple card that doesn't require quarterly activation of elevated cashback categories, the Discover it Chrome would be a better fit. Explore the differences between the Discover it Chrome versus the Discover it Cash Back to see which one makes the most sense for you.

We like the Discover it^® Cash Back for its higher rate. It offers more cashback potential than the Discover it^® Chrome, but only if you spend in the bonus categories.

Discover it Chrome vs. Discover it Cash Back comparison

	Discover it^® Chrome 4.2 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 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.
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	Statement credits Deposits to eligible checking or savings accounts Gift cards Charitable donations Pay with Cashback Bonus at select merchants (Amazon and PayPal)	Statement credits Deposits to eligible checking or savings accounts Gift cards Charitable donations Pay with Cashback Bonus at select merchants (Amazon and PayPal)
Intro APR	0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases (then 17.99% - 26.99% Variable) 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers (then 17.99% - 26.99% Variable)	0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 17.99% - 26.99% Variable) 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 17.99% - 26.99% Variable)
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.

Keep in mind

When assessing your eligibility for credit, banks and credit card companies usually take into account a range of factors in addition to your credit score.

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.

Earn Easy Cash Back on Gas & Restaurants

Discover it^® Chrome

4.2