Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler
The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.
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Side-by-side
IHG One Rewards Traveler vs Discover it Cash Back
Both are well-respected travel cards. The IHG One Rewards Traveler comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Discover it Cash Back from Discover at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | IHG One Rewards Traveler | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 80,000 points | Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) |
| Bonus value (est.) | $480 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $2,000 in 3 mo | $0 in 12 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Discover |
| Card category | hotel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Ihg) | 17x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 points
Read the full review
Discover it Cash Back
$0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)
Editorial take: Discover it Cash Back
The first-year Cashback Match effectively doubles your earnings, someone who earns $300 in cash back gets $600 total. It's the best no-fee first card for building credit with real rewards.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, IHG One Rewards Traveler or Discover it Cash Back?
- The IHG One Rewards Traveler has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $480, versus Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) (~$200) on the Discover it Cash Back.
- Is the IHG One Rewards Traveler's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
- The IHG One Rewards Traveler has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Discover it Cash Back's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Discover it Cash Back's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
- Can I have both the IHG One Rewards Traveler and Discover it Cash Back?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler or the Discover it Cash Back first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 spend in 3 months. Discover it Cash Back: $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.