Editorial take: Citi Double Cash
The OG flat 2% card. Pairs with Custom Cash + Premier to form Citi's trifecta, turns your combined cash back into transferable ThankYou Points. Rock solid for non-bonus spend.
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Side-by-side
Citi Double Cash vs Discover it Cash Back
Both are cashback travel cards. The Citi Double Cash 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.
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 | Citi Double Cash | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | $200 cash back | Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) |
| Bonus value (est.) | $200 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,500 in 6 mo | $0 in 12 mo |
| Issuer | Citi | Discover |
| Card category | cashback | cashback |
| Best earning category (Other) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | citi-ty | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Citi Double Cash
$0/yr · $200 cash back
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, Citi Double Cash or Discover it Cash Back?
- The two cards offer comparable sign-up bonuses around $200. Pick based on which earning categories you actually use.
- Is the Citi Double Cash's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
- The Citi Double Cash 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 Citi Double Cash.
- Can I have both the Citi Double Cash 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 Citi Double Cash or the Discover it Cash Back first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi Double Cash: $1,500 spend in 6 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.