Discover it® Cash Back Card
vs. USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card

Both the Discover it Cash Back Card and the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card offer enticing cash back rewards without an annual fee, capturing the attention of savvy spenders. In the head-to-head matchup, the Discover it Cash Back Card edges ahead, particularly for its 5% cash back in rotating categories and its generous first-year cash back match.

However, the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus card offers up to 5% cash back on gas and military base purchases, and it should not be overlooked, especially by those who frequent these locations.

You might prefer the Discover it Cash Back if you enjoy maximizing cash back by adapting to rotating categories and can benefit from the card's introductory APR offer on purchases. This card is especially advantageous in the first year with the cash back match, effectively doubling your rewards.

You might prefer the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express if you frequently spend on gas and groceries, particularly at military bases, and prefer consistent rewards without the need to track rotating categories.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features will clarify which card aligns with your financial habits. For instance, if you spend frequently on gas, the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus may be advantageous, whereas the Discover it Cash Back could benefit those who maximize rotating category rewards.

Both Discover it Cash Back and USAA Cashback Rewards Plus offer cash back rewards, but they cater to different spending patterns. Discover it Cash Back rewards those who can maximize the 5% rotating categories, which change quarterly and require activation.

The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus offers 5% cash back on gas and military base purchases, making it a standout for military families or those with high fuel expenses. While both cards offer 1% cash back on general purchases, the Discover it Cash Back may provide more potential cash back for adaptable spenders willing to track and activate bonus categories.

However, the USAA card's consistent rewards on gas and groceries can be more straightforward and beneficial for those with predictable spending in these areas.

For a visual comparison of the rewards categories, please refer to the table that follows.

Moving from earning to using your rewards, both cards offer cash back that doesn't expire, ensuring long-term value. The Discover it Cash Back provides a variety of redemption options, from statement credits to direct deposits, with the flexibility to redeem rewards at any time and in any amount. In contrast, the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus allows redemptions in increments of $1, but it's less clear about the methods of redemption, which may affect the card's utility depending on your preferences.

MoneyGeek's ranking process assigns multiple scores to each card for various use cases, such as balance transfers and cash back. The Discover it Cash Back and USAA Cashback Rewards Plus cards are evaluated based on the scenarios where they perform best.

The important factors in these scores include the introductory purchase rate and the regular APR for balance transfers, and the effective reward rate for cash back.