Credit cards: Discover it Cash Back vs. Apple Card (Goldman Sachs)
Quick Verdict
Both cards offer valuable rewards and benefits, with Discover it Cash Back excelling in rotating categories and introductory APR, while Apple Card shines with Apple Pay integration and daily cash rewards.
- Discover it Cash Back offers rotating 5% cash back categories and an introductory APR offer.
- Apple Card offers 3% cash back on Apple purchases and select merchants via Apple Pay and integrates seamlessly with Apple devices.
- Both cards have no annual fee, but Apple Card does not offer balance transfers.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Discover it Cash Back | Apple Card (Goldman Sachs) |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Back Rewards Rate | 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter, requires activation), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. For July to September 2025, the 5% categories are Gas Stations & EV Charging, Public Transit, and Utilities. | 3% Daily Cash back on Apple purchases; 3% Daily Cash back at select merchants when using Apple Pay; 2% Daily Cash back on purchases made using Apple Pay; 1% Daily Cash back on all other purchases. |
| Introductory APR Offer | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. | Not available |
| Regular APR | 18.24% to 27.24% variable. | Variable, ranging from 10.99% to 29.49%, depending on creditworthiness and market conditions. |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 3% intro fee of the amount transferred; 5% fee for future transfers. | This card does not offer balance transfers. |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | $0 |
Overall Comparison
Cash Back: Varies; Intro APR: Discover Wins; Annual Fee: Both $0; Balance Transfers: Discover offers, Apple does not
Pros and Cons
Discover it Cash Back
Pros:
- No annual fee
- 100% U.S.-based customer service
- Free access to your FICO score
- Free Social Security number monitoring service
- Not responsible for unauthorized purchases
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
Apple Card (Goldman Sachs)
Pros:
- 3% cash back on Apple purchases and select merchants via Apple Pay
- Seamless integration with Apple Pay and Wallet app
- No annual, foreign transaction, or late fees
- Daily Cash rewards deposited daily
- 24/7 customer support via text
Cons:
- No introductory APR offer
- Balance transfers not available
- Extended warranty information not found
- Variable APR can be high depending on creditworthiness
User Experiences and Feedback
Discover it Cash Back
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- Discover is widely praised for their 100% U.S.-based customer service.
Apple Card (Goldman Sachs)
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.