The Citi Simplicity® Card and the Discover it® Cash Back Card have long introductory APR periods and no annual fees. For balance transfers, choose the Citi Simplicity for its longer 0% introductory APR. It also has no late fees or penalty rates. For rewards, pick the Discover it Cash Back for 5% cash back on rotating categories.
Citi Simplicity® Card
vs. Discover it® Cash Back Card
Updated: December 1, 2024
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Citi Simplicity® Card
Discover it® Cash Back Card
On Issuer's Site
On Issuer's Site
Which Card Is Better for You?
You might prefer the Citi Simplicity if you want a longer introductory APR to manage debt. It offers 0% APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months. It has no late fees or penalty rates.
You might prefer the Discover it Cash Back if you value rewards. Upon card activation, it gives 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter and 1% on other purchases. It also offers 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. The first-year cashback match can boost your rewards.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features
Compare APRs, fees and credit requirements to find the best card. If avoiding fees is a priority, Citi Simplicity's $0 late fee may be appealing. Discover it Cash Back's rewards might be more attractive if you're a frequent spender in rotating categories.
Regular APR: Discover it Cash Back
The Discover it Cash Back has a lower APR range, starting at 18.24%, compared to Citi Simplicity's 19.24%.
Annual Fee: Tie
The Citi Simplicity and the Discover it Cash Back have no annual fee, which helps save on yearly costs.
Introductory 0% APRs: Tie
The Citi Simplicity offers a 21-month 0% APR on balance transfers, longer than Discover it Cash Back's 15 months. However, the Discover it Cash Back provides a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, compared to Citi Simplicity's 12 months.
Rewards: Discover it Cash Back
The Discover it Cash Back offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter upon activation and 1% on all other purchases. The Citi Simplicity doesn't offer rewards.
Welcome Offers: Discover it Cash Back
The Discover it Cash Back matches all cash back earned at the end of the first 12 months, which the Citi Simplicity doesn't provide.
Recommended Credit Score: Tie
Both cards require a good to excellent credit score of 670–850.
Penalties and Fees: Tie
The Citi Simplicity has no late fees, while the Discover it Cash Back charges up to $41 starting from the second late payment. The Citi Simplicity charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, whereas the Discover it Cash Back doesn't. Both cards initially charge a 3% balance transfer fee, but Discover it Cash Back's may increase to 5% for future transfers.
Issuer Satisfaction: Discover it Cash Back
Customers report higher satisfaction with the Discover it Cash Back’s issuer, rating it 4.5 compared to Citi’s 4.1.
Other Features and Perks: Tie
The Citi Simplicity features the Citi Quick Lock for enhanced security, while the Discover it Cash Back helps minimize online personal data exposure.
Methodology
MoneyGeek reviews credit cards based on various use cases, like balance transfers and cash back, to provide tailored advice. Key factors influencing our scoring system include introductory APRs, regular APRs and effective reward rates.
FAQ: Citi Simplicity vs. Discover it Cash Back
How do the rewards differ between the cards?
The Citi Simplicity doesn't offer rewards, while the Discover it Cash Back gives 5% cash back on rotating categories.
Which card offers a longer 0% intro APR period on balance transfers?
The Citi Simplicity is one of the best 0% APR credit cards, with a 21-month intro offer on balance transfers, compared to Discover it Cash Back’s 15 months.
Do either cards have an annual fee?
Both cards have no annual fee.
Does the Citi Simplicity charge late fees?
The Citi Simplicity doesn't charge late fees.
What is the cash back match feature of the Discover it Cash Back?
The Discover it Cash Back matches all cash back earned in the first year.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.