Discover it® Chrome
vs. Discover it® Cash Back Card

The Discover it Chrome and Discover it Cash Back cards both entice with no annual fees, cash back rewards and introductory APR offers. The Discover it Cash Back edges ahead with its higher rewards rate in rotating categories, ideal for those who don't mind keeping track of these changes.

However, the Discover it Chrome is beneficial for those who prefer consistent rewards on gas and dining without tracking rotating categories. Both cards are strong contenders, but your choice may depend on whether you prefer simplicity or maximizing rewards.

You might prefer the Discover it Cash Back if you're adept at maximizing rotating bonus categories and don't mind activating them quarterly. With 5% cash back on rotating categories like groceries and gas (upon activation), and a cash back match in the first year, this card is great for maximizing rewards on diverse spending patterns.

You might prefer the Discover it Chrome if you frequently spend on gas and dining out. This card offers a straightforward 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus, the longer 0% APR period on balance transfers can be beneficial for those looking to manage existing debt.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will illuminate which card best suits you. For instance, if you spend frequently on gas and dining, Discover it Chrome's 2% cash back in these categories could be appealing. Alternatively, maximizing rotating categories with the Discover it Cash Back might suit your strategic spending.

The Discover it Cash Back has rotating 5% cash back categories, which can be highly rewarding if your spending aligns with these categories. However, it requires quarterly activation and has a cap. In comparison, the Discover it Chrome offers a steady 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, which may be more consistent for some users' spending patterns.

While both cards offer cash back on general purchases, the Discover it Cash Back has the potential for higher rewards in its bonus categories, making it the superior choice for maximizing cash back if you can manage the rotating categories.

For those who frequently dine out or spend on gas, the Discover it Chrome card provides a simple and consistent rewards structure without the need to track rotating categories. It's a good choice for users who prefer straightforward rewards on specific everyday spending.

Please refer to the table below for a detailed comparison of the bonus categories for each card.

Both the Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Chrome cards offer versatile redemption options. Cardholders can redeem their cash back for gift cards, statement credits or direct deposits. The Discover it Cash Back allows redemptions at any amount and any time, ensuring you can use your rewards when it suits you.

However, although rewards don't expire, they can be forfeited if your account is inactive for 18 months. In contrast, the Discover it Chrome card also allows cash back to be used at Amazon.com checkout and for charitable donations, with the added benefit that rewards never expire.

MoneyGeek assesses credit cards like Discover it Chrome and Discover it Cash Back using a tailored scoring system for various uses. In this comparison, both cards are assessed based on their performance in balance transfers.

The factors influencing their scores include the quality of balance transfer offers and the terms of introductory APR on purchases.