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The Discover it Cash Back credit card is a strong contender in the cash-back rewards category, thanks to its 5% rotating cash back categories and no annual fee. This card is particularly appealing to consumers who want to maximize their rewards on everyday purchases while taking advantage of Discover’s Cashback Match® program in the first year.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the card’s features, rewards structure, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against other popular cash-back credit cards on the market. If you’re looking for a card that offers solid rewards, flexible redemption options, and no annual fee, the Discover it® Cash Back card is worth serious consideration.
One of the most notable features of the Discover it Cash Back card is its rotating 5% cash back categories. These categories change each quarter and can range from grocery stores to restaurants, gas stations, and online shopping. Here’s how it works:
What really sets the Discover it Cash Back card apart from the competition is its first-year Cashback Match®. Discover will match all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year as a cardholder, effectively doubling your rewards. For instance, if you earn $300 in cash back during your first year, Discover will match it with another $300, giving you $600 total.
This is a huge advantage for new cardholders and makes the card especially valuable during the first year when your cash-back potential is at its highest.
For purchases outside of the rotating categories, the Discover it Cash Back card offers a standard 1% cash back. While this isn’t as high as some flat-rate cash back cards, the rotating 5% categories and first-year Cashback Match® more than make up for it.
The Discover it Cash Back card has no annual fee, which adds to its appeal. This means you can keep the card without worrying about fees eating into your rewards. For budget-conscious consumers, this makes the card an excellent option.
Unlike some cash-back credit cards, the Discover it Cash Back card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for travelers. However, it’s important to note that Discover isn’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa or Mastercard, so you’ll need a backup card when traveling abroad.
The Discover it Cash Back card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that, a variable APR of 17.24% – 28.24% applies. This is a competitive offer for those who want to finance a large purchase or transfer a balance without accruing interest for over a year.
Discover provides cardholders with a suite of purchase protection benefits, including:
When considering a cash-back credit card, it’s helpful to compare the Discover it Cash Back to other popular options. Here’s how it stacks up against some of the competition.
Read our review of the Chase Freedom Flex credit card here.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ card is another strong contender in the cash-back category, and it also offers 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter). Here’s how they compare:
Verdict: If you value immediate rewards and year-round dining rewards, the Chase Freedom Flex might be a better choice. However, for long-term value and first-year earnings, the Discover it Cash Back has the edge with its Cashback Match®.
Read our review of the Citi Double Cash Card here.
The Citi® Double Cash Card offers a flat-rate 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay). This is a simpler rewards structure compared to Discover’s rotating categories.
Verdict: If you want predictable rewards on every purchase, the Citi Double Cash may be a better fit. For higher rewards in select categories and strong first-year value, Discover it® Cash Back takes the lead.
The Capital One Quicksilver offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no rotating categories or limits. This is another straightforward cash-back card but offers no bonus categories like Discover does.
Verdict: For consumers who want a hassle-free cash back program, the Capital One Quicksilver may be the better option. However, if you’re willing to manage rotating categories, the Discover it Cash Back offers superior rewards potential.
The Discover it Cash Back card is a fantastic option for consumers who want to maximize rewards on everyday spending while paying no annual fee. The 5% rotating cash back categories provide an opportunity to earn significant rewards in areas like gas, groceries, and restaurants, and Discover’s Cashback Match® makes the first year of card ownership especially rewarding.
While the rotating categories and $1,500 quarterly cap may be a drawback for some, the overall value offered by the Discover it® Cash Back card is hard to beat, especially for those willing to track and activate the categories.
For consumers who want to take full advantage of cash back opportunities in their first year and beyond, the Discover it® Cash Back card should be high on your list.
Affiliate and Relationship Disclosure: Credit Mileage may receive compensation from affiliate links included in this post at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission of providing quality financial education and resources. Additionally, Credit Mileage has a direct business relationship with eCreditAdvisor, which may be mentioned or linked in our content. Our opinions and recommendations remain our own, and we only promote products or services that we believe offer value to our readers. We currently do not have any credit card affiliate links on our website.
Editorial note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card company, airline, or hotel chain. None of these organizations have reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content in any way.
Legal and Financial Advice Disclosure: Credit Mileage is not a law firm, and this article is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. This information is meant purely for educational purposes. We strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information, but it is not a substitute for professional financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney or financial advisor before making any decisions regarding your financial situation.
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