Discover it® Cash Back vs. Discover it® Chrome

Why you should trust CardRatings.com

At CardRatings.com we discuss the most up-to-date news and trends within the credit card space. Since we first pioneered the concept of online credit card reviews in 1998, our team of financial experts has provided comprehensive and unbiased credit card reviews for more than 175 cards, plus hundreds of additional resource articles to help educate everyday cardholders so they can feel more confident about their card choices. All our content is written and reviewed by industry experts. Though our content may occasionally contain references to products from our partners, we maintain strict editorial integrity and advertiser relationships and compensation never influences ratings, reviews or featured products. The difference between editorial content and advertising must always be clearly stated. Learn more.

There are many reasons to get a Discover credit card, like free security tools and $0 fraud liability, all topped off with generous reward structures. Both the CardName and CardName continue in that vein, offering attractive rewards to suit your everyday life. These are credit cards made for your everyday spending, offering cash back on your daily purchases without lofty minimums to meet or expensive fees to pay. 

But which card is better? We take a deep dive into the two, comparing important features like rewards, fees, and bonus offers. 

Discover has some of the best credit cards available today, but here is why the CardName and CardName card are two of our favorite cash back credit cards for your wallet.

Bonus offers

As cash back credit cards, both the CardName and CardName cards start off strong with a generous welcome offer. The welcome bonus is the same for both cards: unlimited dollar-for-dollar matching for all new cardmembers on all cash back earned during your first year. There is no limit, so you can earn as much as you can spend. When the year is over, it could not be easier to get your cash. Discover will automatically tally your cash back earned and match it. There is nothing to activate or redeem, saving you a headache. 

The two cards also share the same introductory APR offer. For the first 15 months of having either card, there is a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers. After the introductory period, regular RegAPR applies for the CardName card and RegAPR for the CardName card.

Ongoing rewards

Where the two cards differ is in their rewards system, with each taking a very different approach to cash-back earnings.  

The CardName card offers a higher cash-back rate, but it lacks consistency. It changes its rewards quarterly, allowing you to collect 5% cash back on different purchases throughout the year on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter when you activate. For example, the first three months of 2023 saw bonus cash back earned at grocery stores, drug stores, and streaming services, while July through September saw rewards for gas stations and digital wallets. For your holiday shopping, Discover thoughtfully features Amazon.com and Target from October through December 2023. You must activate your rewards, and there is a quarterly limit that applies, but this is an easy way to earn rewards in the areas where you spend the most. Plus, you still receive unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.  

The CardName card works much differently. It takes the guesswork out of the process by offering a flat 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 each quarter, with all other purchases receiving 1% cash back. With this structure, the card significantly limits your purchases by cutting out rewards for things like your streaming service subscription or Amazon order. However, there is something to be said for the fact that your rewards remain consistent throughout the year. They are automatic, too, so there is nothing to activate like with the CardName.

Redemption options

When it comes time to redeem your rewards, Discover makes it easy. With both cards, you have options. You can choose to deposit the cash into your bank account, you can apply it to your Discover card balance, or you can use it during checkout at Amazon.com or Paypal. You can also choose to donate to select charities.

Conclusion

When comparing the CardName card vs. CardName card, there are a lot of similarities, but where they each shine is in their rewards structures.

The CardName stands out for its 5% cash back rewards rate, but you have to be prepared for rotating categories that diversify your spending. If you tend to spend a lot on gas or dining, the CardName card might be the best card for you with its flat 2% cash-back rate on gas and restaurant purchases that keeps regular rewards coming your way. 

It is important to remember that this is not an all-or-nothing decision. These cards could both easily find a home in your wallet. Together, they can cover most – if not all – of your daily purchases across just two credit cards. With the rotating rewards structure of the CardName card, you can receive cash back on everything from your HBO service to your grocery bill. Meanwhile, the CardName card remains available for those regular gas and dining charges. Just watch out for those spending caps – Discover does not offer unlimited bonus cash back with either card.

CardName vs. CardName

For a full synopsis of each card, be sure to check out our CardName and CardName reviews.