The American Express Gold Card is better for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries and can take advantage of the travel insurance benefits, despite the annual fee. The Discover it Cash Back is better for those who want to avoid an annual fee, take advantage of a 0% intro APR, and can maximize the rotating category rewards, especially with the Cashback Match in the first year.
| Attribute | American Express Gold Card | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $325 | $0 |
| Welcome Bonus Offer | As high as 100,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. | INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. |
| Rewards Rate on Dining | 4X points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points). This includes takeout and delivery in the U.S. | 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories that often include restaurants, up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter (requires activation). Otherwise, 1% cash back. |
| Rewards Rate on Groceries | 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points) | 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories that often include grocery stores, up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter (requires activation). Otherwise, 1% cash back. |
| Rewards Rate on Travel | 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com; 2X points on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel purchases booked through AmexTravel.com | Typically 1%. Travel may be included as a 5% rotating category. |
| Cash Back Match (Discover) | The American Express Gold Card does not offer a cash back match like the Discover it card. | Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None. |
| Credit Score Required | Good to Excellent (670 or higher) | Good to Excellent (typically 670 or higher). Some sources say 630 or higher. |
| Purchase APR | Variable, 18.49% - 29.24%, based on creditworthiness and other factors | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR. |
| Balance Transfer APR | Not applicable as the Amex Gold card does not offer balance transfers | 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR. A Discover it Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer exists, offering 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.24%-27.24% Variable APR. |
| Introductory APR Period | None | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. |
| Travel Insurance Benefits | Trip delay insurance: Reimburses expenses (up to $300) when your travel plans are delayed by more than 12 hours for a covered reason; Baggage insurance: Covers lost, damaged, or stolen baggage (up to $1,250 for carry-on and up to $500 for checked bags); Car rental insurance: Covers damage to or theft of eligible car rentals; Global Assist: Helps coordinate services when things go wrong on a trip. | Sources do not offer details on specific travel insurance benefits. |