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Side-by-side

Discover it Cash Back vs USAA Eagle Navigator

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Discover it Cash Back comes from Discover at $0/yr; the USAA Eagle Navigator from USAA 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.

FeatureDiscover it Cash BackUSAA Eagle Navigator
Annual fee$0$95
Sign-up bonusCashback Match (first year, unlimited)30,000 USAA Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)$200$300
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 12 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerDiscoverUSAA
Card categorycashbacktravel
Best earning category (Rotating)5x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 5% rotating categories
  • First-year match
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign tx fees
    Read the full review
    Discover it Cash Back
    $0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)
    Read the full review
    USAA Eagle Navigator
    $95/yr · 30,000 USAA Rewards points

    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.

    Editorial take: USAA Eagle Navigator

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Discover it Cash Back or USAA Eagle Navigator?
    The USAA Eagle Navigator has the bigger bonus, 30,000 USAA Rewards points, worth roughly $300, 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 USAA Eagle Navigator?
    The Discover it Cash Back has no annual fee, so the question is whether the USAA Eagle Navigator's $95 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the USAA Eagle Navigator's benefits to clear $95 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 USAA Eagle Navigator?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Discover and USAA) 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 Cash Back or the USAA Eagle Navigator first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Discover it Cash Back: $0 spend in 12 months. USAA Eagle Navigator: $3,000 in 3 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.