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

Both the Discover it Miles and Discover it Cash Back cards offer rewards and have no annual fee, making them strong contenders for anyone looking to maximize credit card benefits. If you're seeking straightforward rewards with every purchase, the Discover it Miles card edges out with its unlimited 1.5 miles per dollar spent and flexible redemption options.

However, the Discover it Cash Back offers 5% cash back in rotating categories. While both cards boast a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, the Discover it Miles card's additional perk of no foreign transaction fees makes it a slightly better option for travelers. Still, the Discover it Cash Back card's potential cash back in the first year could be a game-changer for those who spend heavily in its bonus categories.

You might prefer the Discover it Cash Back if you plan your spending around rotating categories to maximize your cash back. With 5% cash back on quarterly categories like gas and groceries, this card rewards strategic shoppers, especially in the first year, with the cash back match bonus.

You might prefer the Discover it Miles if you value simplicity and consistency in your rewards. Earning a flat rate of 1.5x miles on every purchase means you don't have to keep track of categories or activation dates. Plus, the first-year miles match can significantly boost your travel savings.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features will illuminate which card matches your needs. Use this section to weigh the benefits of each card, like the Discover it Cash Back's rotating categories versus the Discover it Miles' consistent rewards rate, to pinpoint the card that best fits your spending habits.

The Discover it Miles card edges out with its straightforward rewards program, offering an unlimited 1.5x miles on every purchase, which can be a consistent earner for those who prefer simplicity. Discover it Cash Back offers 5% cash back in rotating categories, up to the quarterly max, after activation.

This can be particularly lucrative for those who align their spending with the bonus categories and are proactive with activation each quarter. However, outside of these categories, the card only offers 1% cash back, making it less rewarding for non-category spending compared to the Discover it Miles card.

For the Discover it Cash Back card, the bonus categories can include gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and more, but they change quarterly and require activation. Check Discover's website for the current categories to maximize your rewards.

Following this section, you'll find a table detailing the bonus categories for both cards. This allows you to compare and decide which card best suits your spending habits.

With the Discover it Cash Back card, you can redeem your cash in various ways, including statement credits and gift cards, with no expiration as long as the account remains active. The Discover it Miles card allows for travel redemption or cash back, with no blackout dates and the same value for miles regardless of how they're used. Both cards ensure that the rewards you earn are ready to use when you need them.

MoneyGeek's ranking process evaluates each credit card for various use cases, such as balance transfers and cash back rewards. The primary factors influencing the scores include the quality of the balance transfer offer and the terms of the introductory 0% APR on purchases. For a deeper understanding of our scoring system, you can review our ranking methodology.