Discover it Chrome vs. Citi Simplicity Credit Card Comparison

Name: Discover it® Chrome vs. Citi Simplicity® Card
Item: Discover it® Chrome vs. Citi Simplicity® Card
Author: Doug Milnes, CFA

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Both the Discover it® Chrome and the Citi Simplicity® Card offer enticing 0% introductory APR periods, making them strong contenders for anyone looking to transfer a balance or finance a purchase. The Citi Simplicity edges out with its longer intro APR period for balance transfers, making it a standout if you’re focused on debt management.

The Discover it Chrome offers cash back rewards and no foreign transaction fees, appealing if you value rewards and travel perks. While the Citi Simplicity is excellent for balance transfers, don't overlook Discover it Chrome if earning rewards on everyday spending is a priority.

Discover it® Chrome

Citi Simplicity® Card

MoneyGeek Rating

3.8/ of 5

Rates & Fees

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ of 5

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Regular APR
18.74% - 27.74% variable
18.74% - 29.49% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 6 months on purchases
0% for 12 months on purchases
Intro Offer
Cashback Match
No current offer
Rewards Summary
Earn 1%–2% cash back
-
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 18 months on balance transfers
0% for 21 months on balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee
5% of the amount of each transfer after intro fee
3 percent ($5 minimum) intro balance transfer fee for balance transfers completed within the first four months of account opening. After that, a 5 percent fee for each transfer (minimum $5) applies.
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Penalty APR
None
-
Not sure?
In the matchup of the Discover it Chrome vs. the Citi Simplicity, the Discover it Chrome is the better option for those who value cash back rewards, offering up to 2% on gas and dining.
But the Citi Simplicity excels with a longer 0% APR period for balance transfers, making it ideal for those looking to manage existing debt. Both cards have no annual fee, but the Discover it Chrome has a higher balance transfer fee after the introductory period. Choose the Discover it Chrome for rewards or the Citi Simplicity for balance transfer benefits.

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Citi Simplicity if you're seeking a lengthy 0% intro APR period to manage existing debt or plan to make new purchases that you'll pay off over time. With no late fees or penalty rates, it's also forgiving for the occasional slip-up.

You might prefer the Discover it Chrome if earning rewards on everyday spending is your priority. This card offers cash back on gas and dining and matches your first year's cash back, effectively doubling your rewards. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it a good companion for travel.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if avoiding fees is paramount, the Citi Simplicity has no late fees, while the Discover it Chrome offers cash back rewards. Use this section to pinpoint the card that matches your spending patterns and financial goals.

Regular APR: Discover it Chrome

The Discover it Chrome offers a more favorable regular APR range of 18.24% to 28.24% variable, compared with the Citi Simplicity's 19.24% to 29.99% variable.

Annual Fee: Tie

Both the Citi Simplicity and Discover it Chrome offer a $0 annual fee, making them equally attractive for those looking to avoid yearly charges.

Introductory 0% APRs: Citi Simplicity

For introductory 0% APRs, the Citi Simplicity is the better choice. It offers 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and an extended 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers, with a lower balance transfer fee of 3%, minimum $5.

By contrast, the Discover it Chrome provides 0% APR for 6 months on purchases and 18 months on balance transfers, but with a higher balance transfer fee of 5% after the introductory period.

Rewards: Discover it Chrome

The Discover it Chrome is better for rewards, offering 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover matches all cash back earned at the end of the first year, with no limit. The Citi Simplicity does not offer any rewards.

Welcome Offers: Discover it Chrome

The Discover it Chrome is better for welcome offers, providing a unique Cashback Match for new cardmembers with no minimum spending or maximum rewards. The Citi Simplicity does not offer any welcome bonuses.

Recommended Credit Score: Tie

Both the Citi Simplicity and the Discover it Chrome cards require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are accessible to people with good to excellent credit.

Penalties and Fees: Citi Simplicity

The Citi Simplicity is better for penalties and fees, offering no late fees and a straightforward approach to cash advance and foreign transaction fees. The Discover it Chrome, while forgiving on the first late payment, imposes up to $41 thereafter and matches Citi Simplicity on cash advance fees but offers no foreign transaction fees.

Issuer Satisfaction: Discover it Chrome

Discover has a higher issuer satisfaction rating at 4.5, compared with Citi's 4.1, making it the better choice for issuer satisfaction.

Other Features & Perks: Tie

Both cards offer unique perks. the Discover it Chrome provides a cashback match, 2% cash back in specific categories, free overnight card replacement and online personal information protection. The Citi Simplicity offers Citi Quick Lock. Choosing depends on personal value placed on these features.

Methodology

MoneyGeek rates and reviews various credit cards like Discover it Chrome and Citi Simplicity using a scoring system tailored to specific use cases. For these cards, the highest scores are in the balance transfer category. The evaluation considers factors such as the quality of the balance transfer offer and the card's regular APR.

Other considerations include the introductory purchase rate, issuer satisfaction, and penalty fees. This approach ensures that you have a clear, evidence-based comparison to decide which card aligns with your financial needs.

FAQ: Discover it Chrome vs. Citi Simplicity Card

What are the rewards benefits of the Discover it Chrome compared with the Citi Simplicity?

The Discover it Chrome offers up to 2% cash back on gas and dining, while the Citi Simplicity does not have a rewards program.

Which card offers a longer 0% intro APR period on balance transfers?

The Citi Simplicity offers a longer 0% intro APR period on balance transfers.

Are there any foreign transaction fees for either card?

The Discover it Chrome has no foreign transaction fees, while the Citi Simplicity charges a fee for foreign transactions.

How do the late payment policies differ between the two cards?

The Citi Simplicity has no late fees or penalty rates, unlike the Discover it Chrome.

Can I earn cash back on all purchases with either of these cards?

You can earn cash back on all purchases with the Discover it Chrome, but the Citi Simplicity does not offer cash back.

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.

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*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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