Credit cards: Discover it Cash Back vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Quick Verdict
The Discover it Cash Back card is a great option for those looking for a no-annual-fee card with rotating category bonuses and an introductory APR offer. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is better suited for frequent travelers who can take advantage of its premium travel benefits and higher rewards on travel and dining, despite its high annual fee.
- The Discover it Cash Back card offers rotating quarterly categories with 5% cash back, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers higher rewards on travel and dining.
- Discover it Cash Back has no annual fee, while Chase Sapphire Reserve has a high annual fee of $795.
- Discover it Cash Back offers an introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers, while Chase Sapphire Reserve does not specify an introductory APR.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve provides comprehensive travel insurance and purchase protection benefits, which are not explicitly mentioned for Discover it Cash Back.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Discover it Cash Back | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|
| Cash Back Rewards Rate | 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter (requires activation); 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases; Discover will automatically match all the cash back you
7x points on all purchases through Chase Rewards, including The Edit; 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly; 3x points on dining worldwide, including eligible food delivery; 1x point on all other purchases; 5x points per $1 spent on Lyft through September 30, 2027. | — |
Overall Comparison
Discover it Cash Back: 5% rotating categories, $0 annual fee, 0% intro APR. Chase Sapphire Reserve: 8x points on Chase Travel, $795 annual fee, comprehensive travel insurance.
Pros and Cons
Discover it Cash Back
Pros:
- 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories
- Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Rewards can be redeemed for any amount as a statement credit or electronic deposit
- Discover's app provides free FICO score monitoring and security alerts
- Award-winning customer service
Cons:
- Rotating categories require activation
- Balance transfer fee applies
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Pros:
- Comprehensive travel insurance benefits
- Purchase protection
- Ability to manage account and send secure messages through the Chase website and mobile app
- Redeem points for cash back as a statement credit or electronic deposit at a value of 1 cent per point
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
Cons:
- High annual fee of $795
- $195 annual fee per authorized user
- Some users have reported long processing times for claims
- APR for the Chase Sapphire Reserve is 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
User Experiences and Feedback
Discover it Cash Back
Common Complaints- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception- No value feedback reported.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
What Users Love- Comprehensive travel insurance benefits
- Purchase protection covering theft, damage, or accidental parting with the item within 120 days of purchase
Common Complaints- Some users have reported mixed experiences with Chase customer service compared to other providers
- Some users have reported long processing times for claims
Value Perception- Redeem points for cash back as a statement credit or electronic deposit at a value of 1 cent per point