Discover it® Cash Back Card
vs. Citi Double Cash® Card

Both the Discover it® Cash Back Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card offer compelling cash back rewards and no annual fee, making them top contenders for savvy spenders. The Citi Double Cash Card edges ahead with its straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases, appealing for its simplicity and value.

But the Discover it Cash Back Card is a strong choice if you can maximize its 5% cash back in rotating categories and benefit from its 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. While both cards are excellent, the Citi Double Cash's consistent reward rate across all purchases makes it a versatile option for many.

You might prefer the Citi Double Cash if you value simplicity in your rewards program and want to earn a steady cash back rate on every purchase without worrying about bonus categories. Its longer balance transfer offer can also be advantageous if you're planning to transfer and pay down existing debt over time.

You might prefer the Discover it Cash Back if you're adept at maximizing rewards in rotating categories and can plan your spending accordingly. The introductory APR on purchases can provide a cushion for new purchases, and the first-year cash back match can significantly boost your rewards if you use the card frequently.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features will clarify which card aligns with your financial habits. Use this section to contrast the Discover it Cash Back's rotating categories against the Citi Double Cash's flat-rate rewards, among other differences, to pinpoint the card that best fits your spending patterns.

The Citi Double Cash stands out for its simplicity, offering a flat 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you buy and another 1% as you pay. This straightforward approach can be particularly appealing if you value ease over maximizing rewards in specific categories.

By contrast, the Discover it Cash Back card offers a more dynamic rewards structure, with 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly purchases in categories that change every three months, then 1%. While this requires more effort to track and activate, it can yield greater rewards in those categories. For example, if the rotating categories align with your high-spend areas, you could earn more than with the Citi Double Cash during those periods.

But outside of these categories, the Citi Double Cash provides a better return on general purchases. Additionally, the Citi Double Cash is currently offering a limited-time 5% cash back on travel booked through its portal, adding a temporary perk for travelers.

The Discover it Cash Back requires you to activate the bonus categories each quarter to earn the 5% cash back. These categories can include spending at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and even online shopping platforms like Amazon. It's important for cardholders to stay informed about the current categories and activate them to take full advantage of the potential rewards.

The table of bonus categories helps you visually compare the rewards programs.

Both cards offer flexible redemption options. The Citi Double Cash allows for cash back redemption via direct deposit, statement credit, or check, maintaining a 1:1 value for simplicity. Additionally, points can be used for a variety of rewards, though the value may differ based on the redemption method.

On the other hand, the Discover it Cash Back provides an array of redemption choices, including gift cards and donations, with the added convenience of redeeming any amount at any time. It's worth noting that if the Discover account is closed or inactive for 18 months, rewards are automatically redeemed, ensuring you don't lose out on earned cash back.

MoneyGeek reviews credit cards like the Discover it Cash Back and the Citi Double Cash using a tailored scoring system for various use cases. For instance, the Discover it Cash Back scores highest for balance transfers, while the Citi Double Cash excels in cash back rewards. The scoring considers factors such as introductory offers, regular APR, issuer satisfaction, and penalties.

The most significant factors for balance transfer cards are the introductory purchase rate and regular APR, whereas cash back cards are heavily weighted by the effective reward rate.