If you’re looking for a credit card that offers fantastic cash back rewards and perks without a hefty annual fee, the Discover it Cash Back card could be a game changer. Whether you’re new to credit cards or just looking to maximize your rewards, this card has some serious benefits to consider.
With its rotating 5% cash back categories and the possibility to earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases, the Discover it Cash Back card makes earning rewards easy. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a simple, no-fuss credit card that delivers value at every turn. But is it the right fit for you? Let’s break down everything you need to know about this card and compare it to other popular options in the cash back credit card market.
Discover it cash back card features
The Discover it Cash Back card is known for offering some of the best cash back rewards in the industry, especially if you’re willing to track the quarterly rotating categories. Here’s a closer look at its key features:
1. 5% cash back on rotating categories
The most standout feature of the Discover it Cash Back card is its 5% cash back on rotating categories. Every quarter, Discover selects a new category—such as grocery stores, gas stations, or Amazon.com—where you can earn 5% cash back (on up to $1,500 in purchases). While you must activate the categories each quarter to earn this bonus, it’s an excellent way to maximize your rewards in specific spending areas. This can be a huge benefit for anyone who wants to earn more cash back on their everyday purchases.
2. 1% cash back on all other purchases
Even when you’re not earning bonus rewards, the Discover it Cash Back card still gives you 1% cash back on every other purchase. This flat-rate reward makes the card a great option for those who spend across multiple categories but want to ensure they’re still earning rewards.
3. No annual fee
Unlike many other rewards cards, the Discover it Cash Back card comes with no annual fee. This makes it an attractive option if you’re looking for a no-cost way to earn cash back on your purchases, without having to worry about a yearly fee eating into your rewards.
4. Cash back match for new cardholders
For new cardholders, Discover offers an amazing cash back match. That means, at the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned. This is a great way to boost your rewards and enjoy a bigger payout at the end of your first 12 months with the card.
5. No foreign transaction fees
If you travel internationally, the Discover it Cash Back card can be a great companion. There are no foreign transaction fees, which is a rare perk among many credit cards. This feature helps you avoid extra charges when making purchases overseas.
Comparing discover it cash back with other cash back cards
While the Discover it Cash Back card offers fantastic rewards in rotating categories, it’s essential to compare it to other leading cash back cards to ensure it’s the right fit for your spending habits.
1. Chase Freedom unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases—a straightforward flat-rate option. Plus, it gives you 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases. If you’re someone who enjoys dining out or purchases a lot of drugstore items, this card may be a better fit. However, if you’re not interested in rotating categories and would rather have consistent cash back across every purchase, the Chase Freedom Unlimited might be the simpler choice.
2. Citi Double cash card
The Citi Double Cash Card offers a flat 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay it off. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for a no-hassle, all-the-time rewards card. While it doesn’t offer bonus categories like the Discover it Cash Back card, it’s a solid pick for those who want guaranteed cash back without having to activate categories or worry about quarterly changes.
3. Blue cash preferred card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 6% cash back on groceries (on up to $6,000 per year), 5% on U.S. gas stations, and 3% on streaming services. However, it does come with an annual fee of $95. If you spend a lot on groceries, gas, and streaming, this could be a great choice. But, for those who don’t want to worry about an annual fee, the Discover it Cash Back card offers a more flexible and fee-free option.
4. Wells Fargo active cash card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers 2% cash back on every purchase, making it a straightforward option for earning rewards. There’s no need to track rotating categories, and with no annual fee, it’s a solid choice for anyone who wants simplicity and a high rate of return on every purchase.
Who is the discover it cash back card ideal for?
The Discover it Cash Back card is ideal for individuals who:
- Enjoy tracking rotating categories: If you’re someone who loves the challenge of earning 5% cash back on specific categories like groceries, dining, or gas, the Discover it Cash Back card will suit your needs perfectly.
- Want no annual fee: The lack of an annual fee makes this card great for people who want to earn rewards without having to worry about paying a yearly charge.
- Want a boost in their first year: With Cash Back Match, new cardholders will see their first-year earnings doubled, which is a great incentive for those just starting out with credit cards.
- Travel internationally: The no foreign transaction fees feature makes this card a solid choice for international travelers.
Comparison table
| Feature | Discover it cash back | Chase Freedom Unlimited | Citi Double cash | Blue cash preferred card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $95 |
| Cash Back (Rotating Categories) | 5% (up to $1,500 per quarter) | N/A | N/A | 6% on groceries (up to $6,000) |
| Flat Cash Back | 1% on all other purchases | 1.5% on all purchases | 2% on all purchases | 1% on all purchases |
| Intro Offer | Cash Back Match (1st year) | $200 bonus after spending $500 | N/A | $300 bonus after $3,000 spent |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None | None | None |
Conclusion
The discover it cash back card is a top contender in the cash back space, especially if you enjoy rotating categories and want to maximize your rewards in areas like groceries, dining, and gas. Its Cash Back Match for new cardholders and no annual fee make it an incredibly appealing option for a wide variety of consumers.
If you’re someone who doesn’t mind keeping track of quarterly categories and enjoys earning high cash back rates, this card is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a simpler, flat-rate rewards card or don’t want to worry about tracking categories, there are other options available like the Citi Double Cash or Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Ultimately, the discover it cash back card is best for people who are looking to earn high rewards in rotating categories and don’t mind activating them every quarter. Happy earning!