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Side-by-side

American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs Discover it Miles

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/yr; the Discover it Miles from Discover at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,050 more in estimated value) than the Discover it Miles's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the Discover it Miles after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedDiscover it Miles
Annual fee$295$0
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash backUnlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled)
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$450
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$0 in 12 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressDiscover
Card categorybusinesstravel
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • 1.5x everywhere
    • First-year match = 3x
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign tx fees
    Read the full review
    American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
    $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
    Read the full review
    Discover it Miles
    $0/yr · Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled)

    Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

    Editorial take: Discover it Miles

    A rare card that effectively earns 3x in year one (1.5x + match). Miles aren't transferable, but the simplicity + first-year match make this a strong starter travel card.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or Discover it Miles?
    The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled) (~$450) on the Discover it Miles.
    Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Miles?
    At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Discover it Miles's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited and Discover it Miles?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Discover) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the Discover it Miles first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 spend in 6 months. Discover it Miles: $0 in 12 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.