Discover it® Miles
vs. Citi Simplicity® Card

Shield Insurance

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Both the Discover it® Miles and Citi Simplicity® Card offer enticing introductory APR periods, making them strong contenders for anyone looking to transfer a balance. The Citi Simplicity edges ahead with its longer 21-month 0% introductory APR period for balance transfers, making it particularly suitable for those with existing debt.

However, the Discover it Miles shouldn't be overlooked, especially with its unique first-year miles match offer, which can add significant value for travelers. Neither card is co-branded and promises no annual fee, appealing to cost-conscious consumers.

Discover it® Miles
Credit Card logo for Citi Simplicity® Card
Citi Simplicity® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.9/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
On Issuer's Site
On Issuer's Site

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Discover it Miles if you value earning rewards on every purchase. With 1.5X miles on every dollar and a bonus at the end of the first year, it's geared towards maximizing your spending benefits. Additionally, its slightly lower regular APR range can be advantageous in the long run, especially if you occasionally carry a balance.

You might prefer the Citi Simplicity if you're looking for a lengthy 0% introductory APR period on balance transfers to manage existing debt or have upcoming large purchases. With no late fees or penalty rates, it's also forgiving for the occasional slip-up. However, it lacks a rewards program, so it's less suitable for those looking to earn points or cash back on their spending.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features clarifies which card aligns with your financial needs. For instance, if you plan to carry a balance, Citi Simplicity's longer 0% APR period on balance transfers might appeal to you, while Discover it Miles could be more attractive if you're looking for travel rewards.

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    Regular APR: Discover it Miles

    For regular APR, Discover it Miles is the better option, offering a lower APR range starting at 18.24% compared to Citi Simplicity's range starting at 19.24%. The rate difference can affect interest charges over time.

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    Annual Fee: Tie

    Both the Discover it Miles and Citi Simplicity cards have no annual fee, making them equally appealing for those looking to save on yearly costs.

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    Introductory 0% APRs: Citi Simplicity

    Citi Simplicity outperforms Discover it Miles in terms of introductory 0% APRs for balance transfers, offering 0% for 21 months compared to Discover it Miles' 15 months. Both cards charge a 3% balance transfer fee. This makes Citi Simplicity the better choice for those looking to transfer a balance and pay it off over a longer period without interest.

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    Rewards: Discover it Miles

    Discover it Miles is better for rewards, offering unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase with no expiration dates. Citi Simplicity does not offer rewards, making Discover it Miles the clear choice for those seeking to earn on their spending.

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    Welcome Offers: Discover it Miles

    The Discover it Miles card is better for welcome offers, featuring the Discover Match program that doubles the miles earned in the first year. In contrast, the Citi Simplicity Card does not offer any welcome rewards.

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    Recommended Credit Score: Tie

    Both the Citi Simplicity and Discover it Miles require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit. There is no difference between the two cards in terms of the recommended credit score.

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    Penalties and Fees: Citi Simplicity

    Citi Simplicity is better for penalties and fees, charging no late fees and offering a lower penalty structure overall. While both cards do not have a penalty APR, Citi Simplicity's absence of late fees gives it an edge. Discover it Miles has no foreign transaction fees. It also doesn't charge for the first late payment but then imposes a fee of up to $41. Both cards charge the same for cash advances.

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    Issuer Satisfaction: Discover it Miles

    Discover it Miles leads in issuer satisfaction, with a rating of 4.5 for its issuer, Discover Bank. Citibank, which issues Citi Simplicity, has an issuer satisfaction rating gof 4.1. This suggests that Discover Bank customers are generally more satisfied with their card issuer.

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    Other Features & Perks: Tie

    Discover it Miles provides benefits like online privacy protection. Citi Simplicity focuses on protection with features like Citi Quick Lock, which allows you to lock and unlock your Citi card on its mobile app.

Methodology

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like Discover it Miles and Citi Simplicity based on their performance in various use cases. For this comparison, we focus on the scenario where each card excels, which is balance transfers.

Our ranking process considers factors such as the quality of balance transfer offers and the terms of introductory purchase APRs. These elements and other considerations, like issuer satisfaction and penalty fees, form the basis of our comprehensive scoring system. To better understand our process, you can explore our ranking methodology.

FAQ: Discover it Miles vs. Citi Simplicity

What are the main differences in rewards between Discover it Miles and Citi Simplicity?
Which card offers a longer 0% introductory APR period on balance transfers?
Are there any annual fees for either the Discover it Miles or Citi Simplicity?
Does either card offer benefits for international travel?
How do the APRs compare after the introductory period ends?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

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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