Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
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Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Discover it Cash Back
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/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
For most people the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($2,300 more in estimated value) than the Discover it Cash Back's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the Discover it Cash Back after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 125,000 points | Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,500 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $0 in 12 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Discover |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Chase_travel) | 8x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 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, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Discover it Cash Back?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, versus Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) (~$200) on the Discover it Cash Back.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
- Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $795+ of those credits, the math works. The Discover it Cash Back at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Discover it Cash Back first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 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.