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.
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Side-by-side
Discover it Miles vs PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
Both are travel travel cards. The Discover it Miles comes from Discover at $0/yr; the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card from PenFed Credit Union at $95/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 | Discover it Miles | PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled) | Not advertised |
| Bonus value (est.) | $450 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $0 in 12 mo | - |
| Issuer | Discover | PenFed Credit Union |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (All_purchases) | 1.5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Discover it Miles
$0/yr · Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled)
Read the full review
PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
$95/yr ·
Editorial take: PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Discover it Miles or PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- The Discover it Miles has a public bonus (Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled), worth roughly $450), while the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Discover it Miles's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- The Discover it Miles has no annual fee, so the question is whether the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card's $95 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card's benefits to clear $95 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Discover it Miles.
- Can I have both the Discover it Miles and PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Discover and PenFed Credit Union) 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 Discover it Miles or the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Discover it Miles: $0 spend in 12 months. PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: no published min spend. 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.