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.
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Side-by-side
Discover it Cash Back vs Discover it Miles
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Discover it Cash Back comes from Discover at $0/yr; the Discover it Miles 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 | Discover it Cash Back | Discover it Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) | Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled) |
| Bonus value (est.) | $200 | $450 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $0 in 12 mo | $0 in 12 mo |
| Issuer | Discover | Discover |
| Card category | cashback | travel |
| Best earning category (Rotating) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Discover it Cash Back
$0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)
Read the full review
Discover it Miles
$0/yr · Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled)
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.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Discover it Cash Back or Discover it Miles?
- The Discover it Miles has the bigger bonus, Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled), worth roughly $450, versus Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) (~$200) on the Discover it Cash Back.
- Is the Discover it Cash Back's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Miles?
- The Discover it Cash Back has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Discover it Miles's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Discover it Miles's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Discover it Cash Back.
- Can I have both the Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Miles?
- Yes, though both are issued by Discover so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 Cash Back or the Discover it Miles first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Discover it Cash Back: $0 spend in 12 months. Discover it Miles: $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.