CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard vs Discover it Cash Back
Both are well-respected travel cards. The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard comes from Citi 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.
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 | CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | Not advertised | Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $0 in 12 mo |
| Issuer | Citi | Discover |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | aadvantage | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
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, CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard or Discover it Cash Back?
- The Discover it Cash Back has a public bonus (Cashback Match (first year, unlimited), worth roughly $200), while the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
- The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard 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 CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard.
- Can I have both the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard and Discover it Cash Back?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi 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 CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard or the Discover it Cash Back first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard: no published min spend. 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.
